Arrma Kraton 6S BLX vs Arrma Notorious 6S BLXWhich Should You Buy?

The Arrma Kraton 6S BLX and Arrma Notorious 6S BLX are close relatives that share the same 6S brushless power system, identical 60 mph top speed, matching 2.17-inch ground clearance, and nearly the same wheelbase at 13.15 versus 12.91 inches. The Notorious is noticeably cheaper at its mid-range price compared to the Kraton's price which is the most tangible difference for budget-conscious buyers shopping between these two specific trucks.

Physically, the Notorious is actually wider at 18.15 inches versus the Kraton's 16.73 inches. That extra 1.42 inches of width comes from the Notorious's stunt-oriented wheel and tire configuration, giving it a wider-stance look and better tip-over resistance during low-speed maneuvers. The Kraton is longer at 21.85 inches versus 21.26, and lighter at 10.69 lbs versus the Notorious's 11.38 lbs. The Notorious's extra 0.69 lbs comes primarily from its wider axle components and slightly different chassis configuration. When you see them side by side, the Notorious looks squatter and more aggressive while the Kraton looks sleeker.

Performance is mechanically identical in a straight line since they run the same motor, same ESC, and same battery compatibility. Both use 5000mAh 6S packs and both are fully waterproof with 4WD. Driving them back to back on a straight stretch, you cannot feel any difference. Where the Notorious distinguishes itself is in low-speed stunt capability. The wider stance and slightly different weight distribution, with that extra 0.69 lbs positioned lower and wider, make it more stable during wheelies, more predictable during low-speed freestyle tricks, and more resistant to tipping during aggressive maneuvers. Pull a wheelie on the Notorious and it holds the balance point longer and more forgivingly than the Kraton.

The Kraton's narrower, lighter profile makes it slightly quicker to change direction in fast sweeping turns and a bit more agile at high speed when you are carving through terrain. The shorter Notorious with its wider base handles more like a go-kart at low speeds while the Kraton handles more like a traditional monster truck. These differences are subtle enough that a blindfolded test would be difficult, but they are real and noticeable once you drive both trucks back to back several times.

Durability is essentially the same across every component. Both use Arrma's 6S-rated drivetrain with the same differentials, same gauge driveshafts, and same grade of bearings. Many parts are directly cross-compatible between the two platforms, and the aftermarket supports both equally since they share so much architecture. Community knowledge transfers directly between them, so a fix or upgrade that works on one usually works on the other. Neither truck has a meaningful edge in how long it survives hard bashing sessions.

Runtime is nearly identical given the shared power system and close weights. The Notorious's extra 0.69 lbs creates a trivially higher current draw that does not translate to any perceptible runtime difference in real-world use. Both give you 15-25 minutes per 5000mAh 6S pack depending on throttle aggression.

The value proposition slightly favors the Notorious at noticeably less. You get the same power system, a wider stance, and stunt-friendly tuning for less money. The Kraton justifies its a price premium through slightly better high-speed agility and a monster truck body style that many drivers prefer aesthetically over the Notorious's truggy-style look. If you are choosing between these two purely on driving performance rather than looks, save the money and buy the Notorious unless you specifically prefer the Kraton's handling balance and visual style.