Arrma Kraton 6S BLX vs Arrma Kraton 8S EXBWhich Should You Buy?

The Arrma Kraton 6S BLX and Arrma Kraton 8S EXB share a name and almost nothing else in practical terms. The 8S EXB is a true 1/5-scale machine at 29.33 inches long, 22.24 inches wide, and a staggering 24.2 lbs. The 6S is a 1/8-scale truck at 21.85 inches long, 16.73 inches wide, and 10.69 lbs. The 8S is well over twice the weight and costs considerably more at a substantial price difference. Standing next to each other, the 8S makes the 6S look like a smaller sibling from a different generation.

Surprisingly, the 6S is faster. It hits 60 mph while the 8S EXB tops out at 55 mph. The 8S just has too much mass for its power system to push past that mark, even with dual 6500mAh 4S packs delivering 8S voltage. But speed numbers do not begin to capture the full picture. The 8S EXB produces absolutely monstrous torque that has to be experienced to be understood. It accelerates 24.2 lbs with shocking urgency, pulling wheelies at will and driving through terrain that stops lesser trucks cold. Deep grass that bogs down the 6S barely registers as resistance for the 8S. The visceral, physical experience of driving the 8S is incomparable to any 1/8-scale truck on the market.

Ground clearance favors the 8S at 3.35 inches versus the 6S's 2.17 inches. That 1.18-inch advantage, combined with the 8S's massive 19.49-inch wheelbase versus 13.15 for the 6S, means the bigger Kraton glides over rough terrain like a full-size off-road truck. Rocks, roots, ruts, and uneven ground that scrape and catch the 6S's chassis pass harmlessly under the 8S. The longer wheelbase also smooths out bumps at speed, making the 8S surprisingly comfortable to drive fast over rough terrain.

The EXB designation stands for Extreme Bash, and the truck's build quality reflects that naming. The chassis, drivetrain, and suspension components are all massively overbuilt compared to the 6S. Metal parts replace plastic in many locations where the 6S uses composite materials, including reinforced shock towers, metal steering components, and beefier bearing carriers. The 8S EXB is designed to survive falls from elevated positions and massive jumps that would destroy most trucks. The 6S is plenty durable for normal bashing conditions but cannot match the 8S's sheer ruggedness when things go wrong at speed.

Battery costs for the 8S are roughly double since you need two 4S packs per run versus a single 6S pack for the smaller truck. A pair of quality 6500mAh 4S packs runs a moderate amount, while a single 6S 5000mAh pack for the Kraton 6S costs a moderate amount. Charging time is also effectively doubled for the 8S unless you invest in a dual-output charger. The 8S's weight means you need larger-capacity packs to get reasonable runtime, so budget packs are less viable. Expect 20-25 minutes from both trucks per charge cycle, but the 8S costs twice as much in batteries to achieve that same window.

Practicality heavily favors the 6S in every dimension. It fits in a car trunk easily, is light enough to carry one-handed, requires less space to run safely, and costs less in every category: purchase price, batteries, replacement parts, and charger requirements. The 8S EXB is a special-occasion truck for large open spaces where its scale and power can be fully appreciated. Most hobbyists find the 6S to be the better daily driver they reach for most often, with the 8S reserved for weekend sessions when they want to make a statement.