Two legendary brands, two powerhouse RC monster trucks—today, it’s Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx. If you had to pick one, which would it be?
Both Traxxas and Arrma are renowned for producing some of the best RC cars on the market. Among their most iconic models are the Traxxas X-Maxx and the Arrma Kraton 8S—each offering a unique blend of power, design, and performance.
Despite their differences in shape, electronics, chassis, and construction, these two RC monsters remain fierce competitors. They each have their strengths in design, performance, and price, making the decision between them even tougher.
Now, picture yourself standing in front of both the Kraton 8S and the X-Maxx—which one would you choose and why?
In this article, we’ll break down their features and help you decide which RC beast is the right one for your next adventure. Let’s dive in!
Design Comparison: Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx
Body Differences
As mentioned earlier, the Kraton 8S and the X-Maxx have completely different body designs.
- The Traxxas X-Maxx sports a large truck-style body, built primarily for off-road dominance.
- The Arrma Kraton 8S, on the other hand, features a sleeker, sportier body design that blends speed and off-road capability—similar to the Traxxas Sledge.
Front-End Design: Headlights & Taillights
Both RC trucks include detailed sticker designs for their headlights and taillights.
- When comparing the Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx in terms of headlight design, the Arrma Kraton 8S stands out with its modern and intricate look, resembling today’s real-world car designs.
- Arrma tends to emphasize fine details in their RC car aesthetics, and the Kraton 8S is no exception.
- In contrast, the Traxxas X-Maxx embraces a classic monster truck look, evoking nostalgia for RC enthusiasts who love traditional designs.
Ultimately, both designs cater to different tastes—some prefer the modern, aggressive styling of the Kraton 8S, while others appreciate the rugged, old-school appeal of the X-Maxx. Which one speaks to you?
Middle & Rear Design Features
Examining the Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx bodies, key differences emerge:
- The X-Maxx features a smooth, streamlined body with a clipless design, allowing you to remove the body with a single click. However, the downside is that it lacks protective skids, making it more vulnerable to damage.
- The Kraton 8S, in contrast, uses a clip system on both the front hood and rear, along with small skids on top to provide extra protection.
- One of the biggest standout features of the Kraton 8S is its large double spoiler, adding an aggressive look—something the X-Maxx lacks.
When it comes to body design, both trucks have distinct identities. Choosing between them comes down to personal preference rather than superiority.
Of course, if you’re not fully satisfied with either body, there are aftermarket options available for customization.
Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx: Chassis Comparison
The Kraton 8S and X-Maxx come from different manufacturers, meaning they have distinct platforms and electronics.
At first glance, the Kraton 8S has a lower-profile chassis compared to the X-Maxx, giving it a sportier stance. Additionally, the Kraton lineup offers multiple scales and versions, including 1/8, 1/10, and 1/5 scales. There’s also the EXB (Extreme Bash) version, which is a high-end, fully customizable model that comes without electronics—designed for experienced hobbyists who prefer to install their own components.
In contrast, the Traxxas X-Maxx is available in only one scale (1/5) and chassis version. However, it supports multiple battery configurations, including 4S, 6S, and 8S LiPo batteries. Unlike the Kraton’s EXB version, the X-Maxx doesn’t have an official customizable variant—you would need to manually remove and replace the stock electronics if you want a custom setup.
Another key difference is in the electronics. When you remove the Kraton’s body, you’ll see that most electronics are branded Spektrum, a third-party company that partners with Arrma. On the other hand, Traxxas designs and manufactures its own electronics in-house.
That said, both brands offer high-quality electronics, and replacement parts are widely available, making them reliable choices regardless of preference.
Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx: Build Materials
What Are the Chassis Made Of?
If you’re familiar with Traxxas RC cars, you’ll know that high-end models like the X-Maxx and Maxx typically feature aluminum components, such as shocks and driveshafts.
On the other hand, Arrma RC cars tend to use plastic components but come with a metal chassis.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean one is better than the other. You can upgrade the Kraton with aluminum parts just as you can reinforce the X-Maxx with metal skid plates. In terms of customization, both offer plenty of options.
Plastic vs Metal Chassis: Which Is Better?
A metal chassis isn’t always superior. While it provides rigidity, it can bend if subjected to a hard crash or an awkward landing, making replacements costly. A plastic chassis, on the other hand, offers better impact resistance. Even if it cracks, it’s typically cheaper to replace than a bent metal chassis.
In terms of durability, the X-Maxx chassis is often considered one of the toughest in the RC world, making it highly resistant to breakage. If endurance is your priority, the X-Maxx may have the edge over the Kraton in this regard.
Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx: Performance Comparison
When it comes to performance, both the Kraton 8S and X-Maxx offer an exciting and thrilling driving experience. However, each has its own strengths and limitations.
But before diving into their unique capabilities, let’s take a look at their stats and specifications.
Performance & Speed
The Kraton 8S comes in multiple versions, each with varying levels of performance and speed. However, since we’re focusing on the 8S version, we’ll use it for this comparison.
When it comes to performance, both the Kraton 8S and X-Maxx offer an exciting and thrilling driving experience. However, each has its own strengths and limitations.
But before diving into their unique capabilities, let’s take a look at their stats and specifications.
Performance & Speed
The Kraton 8S comes in multiple versions, each with varying levels of performance and speed. However, since we’re focusing on the 8S version, we’ll use it for this comparison.
While both RC trucks have similar top speeds, speed isn’t the only factor that defines performance!
Jumping & Durability
If you enjoy jumping your RC car, the X-Maxx may be the better choice. Its plastic chassis is designed to withstand the impact of hard landings, making it more durable for high jumps.
The Kraton 8S can also handle jumps, but its metal chassis is significantly heavier. This increases the risk of bending, especially after multiple hard landings. Even if it doesn’t bend on the first jump, it’s likely to happen sooner or later unless reinforced with a metal skid plate.
However, when it comes to on-road, off-road, or racing performance, the Kraton 8S dominates.
Handling Comparison
Handling plays a crucial role in performance—after all, a fast RC car is useless if it can’t take corners properly!
In terms of handling, both trucks share similarities, but the Kraton 8S has the advantage.
Why?
- The Kraton 8S has a lower ground clearance, wider tires, and longer suspension arms than the X-Maxx.
- This design allows it to take corners at high speeds with better stability.
- The X-Maxx isn’t bad at handling—in fact, it’s one of the best in the Traxxas fleet. However, compared to the Kraton 8S, it falls slightly behind.
Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx: Electronic Systems
When we talk about “systems,” we’re referring to the electronic components and software that enhance the driving experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable.
Since the Kraton 8S and X-Maxx come from different manufacturers, their built-in systems have distinct names—though in some cases, they serve the same purpose under different branding.
The Traxxas X-Maxx offers some impressive features, including Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) and a self-righting system.
Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) helps maintain control by keeping the RC car stable and moving in a straight line, making it easier to handle.
The system’s intensity can be adjusted—you can set it to full assistance for maximum stability or turn it off completely if you prefer a wilder, more manual driving experience.
Arrma’s Kraton 8S has a similar stability system called Active Vehicle Control (AVC), which functions much like TSM by assisting with balance and control.
However, one key advantage of the X-Maxx is its self-righting system, which the Kraton 8S lacks.
- If your X-Maxx flips over, you don’t have to walk over to it—it can flip itself back onto its wheels with the push of a button on the remote.
- This system works by using bursts of power to rock the truck back and forth until it regains its upright position—a clever and convenient feature.
Kraton 8S vs X-Maxx: Transmitter and Receiver
As mentioned earlier, the electronics in the Kraton 8S and X-Maxx differ because Traxxas develops its own technology, while Arrma relies on Spektrum Electronics.
- The Traxxas X-Maxx is equipped with the TQi™ 2.4GHz High Output Radio System, one of the most advanced transmitters and receivers available.
- This system includes Traxxas Link, which allows you to monitor speed, RPM, temperature, and other telemetry data using your smartphone via the Traxxas App.
- However, to fully access these features, you’ll need to purchase the Traxxas Link module separately.
- The Kraton 8S comes with a Spektrum™ DX3 3-channel transmitter and an SR6100AT AVC receiver.
- It offers similar telemetry tracking through the Spektrum Dashboard App, but unlike Traxxas, this functionality is built-in and doesn’t require additional purchases.
Kraton 8s VS X-Maxx Upgrades
Since this article covers multiple brands, the available upgrades and parts for building will vary.
When it comes to availability, both Kraton 8S and X-Maxx upgrades are widely accessible in the market. However, they don’t always come cheap! After all, these are among the most premium RC cars from Arrma and Traxxas—if not the most expensive ones.
That said, you have complete freedom to upgrade, replace, or modify any part of these RC cars. Simply purchase the components you need and install them to enhance performance, durability, or aesthetics.
Many hobbyists customize their RCs for personalization and performance, whether that means swapping out the body shell, reinforcing the chassis with metal or aluminum parts, or upgrading internal components. No matter your approach, the choice is entirely yours!
If you’re looking for a fully customizable RC car, the Arrma Kraton EXB is a great option. It comes without electronics, making it a more affordable and flexible platform for building your ideal setup.Kraton 8S vs. X-Maxx: Price Comparison
As mentioned earlier, the Kraton 8S and X-Maxx are among the priciest models in their respective brands.
The Kraton offers multiple versions at different price points, giving you flexibility based on your budget. If the 8S version is too expensive, you can opt for smaller-scale models that are significantly more affordable.
On the other hand, the X-Maxx comes in a single version with a premium price tag, nearly reaching the four-figure range. Unlike the Kraton, you won’t find lower-cost variations, making it a bigger investment from the start.
Which One Should You Buy?
Although the Kraton 8S and X-Maxx come from different brands and feature distinct designs, engineering, and internal components, they remain fierce competitors in the RC world.
That said, we promised to pick a winner—and the choice ultimately depends on what you’re looking for.
If you prioritize speed, sleek design, and versatility on both on-road and off-road terrain, the Kraton 8S is an excellent option.
However, if you’re after raw performance, massive jumps, superior handling, and the prestige of owning the undisputed giant of the Traxxas lineup, then the X-Maxx is the way to go. It’s an investment that truly pays off!
So, what’s your take on the Kraton 8S vs. X-Maxx debate? Which one would you choose?
