Traxxas XRT vs Kraton 8s – Which is Better?

When you first saw the Traxxas XRT, chances are the Traxxas Sledge and Arrma Kraton 8S came to mind. But how do the XRT and Kraton 8S compare?

After analyzing the XRT alongside theTraxxas Sledge, it only made sense to compare it to the Kraton 8S as well, given their similarities in design and potentially even performance.

The Arrma Kraton 8S is one of the most powerful RC trucks in Arrma’s lineup—if not the most powerful—while the Traxxas XRT was built to rival both the X-Maxx and the Sledge.

So, which one stands out as the better choice? And more importantly, which one is worth your investment?

Let’s dive into the Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S comparison to find out!

Traxxas XRT vs Kraton 8s Design

Traxxas XRT vs Kraton 8s Bodies

At first glance, the Traxxas XRT and Arrma Kraton 8S share a similar concept—they’re both RC Truggies. However, when you take a closer look, distinct differences in their body designs become evident.

One of the most notable distinctions is Traxxas’ clipless body system, which has been a staple in their RC cars for years. In contrast, the Kraton 8S retains the traditional clip-based body attachment.

Both models also feature skid plates to protect the body, along with a large rear spoiler for added stability and aerodynamics.

Let’s dive deeper into the design details of the Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S.

Front-End Design

While both RC cars boast a modern and aggressive look, their front-end designs set them apart.

• The Kraton 8S sports minimalist headlights, which contribute to its sleek and sporty appearance.
• The Traxxas XRT, on the other hand, features sharp, slim headlights that give it a more aggressive edge.

Another major difference is the grille design, which varies significantly between the two models.

Bumper & Protection

• The XRT includes a large front bumper, offering enhanced protection for the body.
• The Kraton 8S, similar to the Arrma Sledge, lacks a prominent bumper but has a small, underbody bumper that provides some level of protection.

Hood Design

• The Kraton 8S has a simple, flat hood with two standard body clips.
• The XRT takes a unique approach with a vented hood, designed to channel airflow directly to the motor, enhancing cooling efficiency.

Instead of placing body clips on the top, like the Kraton, Traxxas has positioned them above the wheels. To remove the body, you simply push the clips between the wheel and the body—a convenient and innovative system. Reattaching the body is just as effortless: align it with the chassis and press down until it clicks into place.

In terms of front-end design and practicality, the Traxxas XRT holds the advantage.

Rear-End Design

Both the XRT and Kraton 8S feature large rear spoilers, which play a crucial role in improving downforce at high speeds. However, the area just before the spoiler is where the designs diverge.

• The XRT incorporates additional plastic supports and protectors, reinforcing the internal cage that connects the front air vent, rear air vent, and back section. This added structural integrity enhances durability—an impressive engineering choice by Traxxas!
• The Kraton 8S, in contrast, maintains a simpler, more open design, lacking the extra reinforcement seen in the XRT.

Another key difference is the wheelie bar:

• The XRT comes pre-equipped with a wheelie bar, helping maintain control during wheelies.
• The Kraton 8S does not include a wheelie bar by default, although aftermarket options are available.

Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S Chassis Comparison

Since these two RC cars come from different brands, it’s only natural that their chassis designs will differ. But just how different are they?

When you place the Traxxas XRT and Kraton 8S chassis side by side, you’ll quickly notice several key distinctions.

Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S Dimensions

One of the first differences you’ll spot is the width. Thanks to its WideMaxx suspension, the Traxxas XRT boasts an impressively broad stance—even wider than the X-Maxx.

However, if you assume that makes the XRT wider than the Kraton 8S, think again!

The Traxxas XRT has a width of 23.43 inches (595mm), while the Kraton 8S measures 23.70 inches (602mm)—making it slightly wider, even with the WideMaxx suspension. That’s surprising!

This extra width gives the Kraton 8S exceptional handling capabilities. That said, the difference between the two is less than 10 millimeters, meaning their overall handling characteristics are quite comparable.

Curious about how they compare in other dimensions? Check out the chart below!

When comparing the Traxxas XRT and the Kraton 8s, you’ll notice that while some dimensions are remarkably close, others reveal significant differences.

For instance, although the Kraton is wider than the XRT, the XRT makes up for it by being lower to the ground, longer, and lighter overall.

The Front of the Chassis

As noted earlier, the front chassis design of the Traxxas XRT and the Kraton 8s differs considerably. The XRT features a front bumper, which is entirely absent on the Kraton. Additionally, the XRT includes a small plastic piece that connects the bumper to the body mount, further enhancing front-end protection. This design gives the XRT a clear advantage when it comes to shielding its front end from impacts.

Both RC cars are equipped with heavy-duty aluminum shocks, capable of enduring the pressure of high speeds and off-road bashing. Likewise, both models feature a durable and reliable aluminum suspension system, which ensures excellent performance while maintaining their toughness. However, the body mount design sets these two apart. The XRT’s body mount is seamlessly integrated into the chassis, a new design from Traxxas that improves strength and handling. In contrast, the Kraton uses a more traditional body mount design, which, while durable, lacks the same level of structural unity.

The Middle of the Chassis

The design and structure of the mid-chassis also differ between the two models.

The most noticeable feature on the Kraton is the T-bar running through the center of the chassis, providing significant support. The XRT, on the other hand, does not include this bar. Additionally, the Kraton boasts two more support bars: one extending from the front of the chassis to the center and another running from the center to the rear. These bars collectively enhance the Kraton’s structural integrity and handling.

When it comes to materials, both chassis are built from hard, durable materials. However, the Kraton’s chassis appears to use a denser, more robust material compared to the XRT. This added strength, however, comes at the cost of extra weight, which can pose a challenge. Many Kraton owners report that the heavier chassis is prone to bending during high-impact landings from large jumps. To mitigate this, it’s recommended to add plate skids for additional support if you own or plan to purchase a Kraton.

Electronics Comparison

Since the XRT and Kraton 8s come from different manufacturers, their electronics systems vary significantly. Both models feature the same essential components—ESC, motor, servo, and receiver—but these components are brand-specific.

In terms of electronics protection, the XRT offers superior coverage, safeguarding its sensitive parts more effectively. In contrast, the Kraton leaves several components, such as the central driveshaft, exposed, making it more vulnerable to damage. We’ll explore how this impacts performance later in the article.

The Rear of the Chassis

The rear chassis design of both models is similar to their respective front ends, and both include large spoilers. These spoilers play an essential role in maintaining stability and balance at high speeds.

However, there’s one notable difference: the XRT includes a wheelie bar, which helps prevent the car from flipping over during aggressive acceleration. The Kraton, in comparison, does not come with a wheelie bar.

Traxxas XRT vs Kraton 8S: Tires

If you’ve read the full review of the Traxxas XRT, you already know that its stock tires are designed primarily for racing rather than off-road adventures. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t perform well off-road—they still provide a satisfying experience.

One standout feature of the XRT’s tires is their width. It comes equipped with 7.4″ Gravix™ race tires, which contribute to its impressive stability and traction.

On the other hand, the Kraton 8S is no less impressive. It comes fitted with Multi-terrain dBoots® COPPERHEAD™ 2 SB tires, designed for a variety of surfaces, making it a strong contender in different terrains.

Ultimately, when comparing the Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S tires, both models offer powerful and durable options capable of handling the high demands of these RC beasts.

Traxxas XRT vs Kraton 8S: Performance

When it comes to performance, both the Traxxas XRT and the Kraton 8S are flagship models that represent the best of their respective brands.

The Traxxas XRT, being one of the latest releases from Traxxas, is packed with high-performance components, including a Velineon® 1200XL Brushless Motor and a VXL-8S™ Waterproof Electronic Speed Control, powered by dual 4S LiPo batteries. With this setup, the XRT can reach speeds of 60+ mph.

Meanwhile, the Kraton 8S is powered by a Spektrum™ Firma™ 1250Kv Brushless Motor and a Spektrum™ Firma™ 160A Smart ESC, also running on two 4S LiPo batteries and a pinion gear. This setup allows the Kraton to hit a top speed of 55 mph.

Looking purely at top speed, the XRT has an edge over the Kraton 8S. However, the EXB (Extreme Bash) version of the Kraton 8S offers a unique advantage—it comes without electronics, allowing hobbyists to customize their setup for higher speeds, potentially surpassing the 55 mph mark.

Additionally, weight plays a crucial role in drag races. Comparing the weight of the Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S, the XRT may still have an advantage, giving it a better chance to outperform the Kraton in head-to-head speed tests.

Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S: Handling

For an RC car to handle well, several key design factors come into play. Both the Traxxas XRT and Kraton 8S have been built with these factors in mind, resulting in exceptional handling performance.

Both models feature:

• A wide chassis, providing stability at high speeds.
• Low ground clearance, which enhances control and minimizes rollovers.
• Wide tires, improving traction and reducing the chance of flipping around corners.

These design elements make both the XRT and Kraton 8S highly capable when it comes to bashing and aggressive driving, minimizing the risk of damage despite rough handling.

In terms of Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S handling, it’s a close battle—with both offering excellent control and stability. As a result, we can call this category a draw!

Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S: Transmitter and Receiver

Since these two RC cars come from different brands, they naturally feature different transmitters and receivers—unlike the Sledge and the XRT, which share similar components.

The Arrma Kraton 8S is equipped with the Spektrum™ DX3 3-channel 2.4GHz Radio and the SR6100AT AVC® Receiver, while the Traxxas XRT comes with the TQi™ 2.4GHz High Output Radio System paired with a 5-channel micro receiver.

Both systems offer advanced stability features:

• Arrma’s AVC (Active Vehicle Control)
• Traxxas’ TSM (Traxxas Stability Management)

These technologies serve the same purpose—helping maintain balance and a steady direction, especially during high-speed runs. You can adjust the level of interference from these systems, increasing it up to 100% or disabling it entirely for full manual control.

Additionally, Traxxas offers the “Traxxas Link”, a Bluetooth-enabled device that connects your transmitter, receiver, and smartphone via the Traxxas app. This provides real-time data such as speed, motor temperature, and RPM.

Arrma provides a similar feature, but unlike Traxxas, it comes pre-installed with the transmitter and receiver. You can connect your transmitter to your smartphone via Bluetooth and access telemetry data using the Spektrum Dashboard App.

In summary, when it comes to transmitters, receivers, and stability systems, both the Traxxas XRT and Arrma Kraton 8S offer similar functionalities—just under different brand names.

Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S: Upgrades

One of the most exciting aspects of owning an RC car is upgrading and customizing it.

For the Arrma Kraton 8S, there is a vast selection of aftermarket upgrades available. If you’re someone who enjoys building and modifying from scratch, you can even opt for the EXB (Extreme Bash) version, allowing you to customize the car exactly how you want.

On the other hand, the Traxxas XRT is relatively new to the market. At the time of writing, aftermarket upgrades are still

Ultimately, both RC cars have strong aftermarket support, ensuring you can enhance their performance and durability over time.

Traxxas XRT vs Kraton 8S: Price

As high-end RC cars, both the Traxxas XRT and Arrma Kraton 8S sit at the top of their category, offering premium performance and technology. Naturally, this also means they come with a premium price tag.

So, which one is more affordable?
Surprisingly, their prices are quite similar! However, you might find occasional discounts—especially on platforms like Amazon.

If budget isn’t a concern, the real question is: Which one would you choose? Let me know in the comments!

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Both the Traxxas XRT and Arrma Kraton 8S are incredible RC cars, offering top-tier performance and an exhilarating driving experience.

However, choosing between them depends on several factors—not just price but also performance, features, and personal preference.

So, which one takes the crown in this Traxxas XRT vs. Kraton 8S showdown?
In my opinion, the XRT has the edge, thanks to its cutting-edge technology and innovative design elements that no other RC car currently offers. Plus, owning the latest release always brings a certain thrill, doesn’t it?

But what about you? Which one would you choose—Traxxas XRT or Kraton 8S? Share your thoughts below!