Arrma Notorious 6S BLX vs Traxxas Hoss 4X4 VXLWhich Should You Buy?

The Traxxas Hoss 4X4 VXL is Traxxas's middle child, bigger than the Stampede, smaller than the Maxx, and putting it against the Arrma Notorious 6S BLX highlights exactly where it sits in the pecking order. Both trucks hit 60 mph, but they get there through very different means. The Hoss does it at 7.87 lbs on 3S power, while the Notorious hits the same speed with 11.38 lbs backed by 6S torque. The acceleration difference is significant and immediately noticeable. The Notorious pulls harder from a standstill, has more grunt for climbing steep inclines, and recovers from obstacles with authority. The Hoss is responsive and zippy, but it doesn't have the same low-end muscle that makes the Notorious feel so planted under power.

The Hoss is physically close to the Notorious in some dimensions, 21.65 inches long versus 21.26, but notably narrower at 14.37 inches compared to the Notorious's 18.15. That nearly 4-inch width gap significantly affects stability during high-speed runs and when landing jumps. The Hoss's 2.85 inches of ground clearance beats the Notorious's 2.17, giving it better terrain-clearing ability over rocks and ruts. The Hoss also has a longer wheelbase at 13.15 versus 12.91 inches, improving straight-line tracking at speed. Both trucks are fully waterproof and run 4WD brushless setups. The Hoss features Traxxas's stability management system, which electronically helps newer drivers keep the truck pointed forward, a feature the Notorious doesn't have.

Durability slightly favors the Notorious in the long run. Its EXB chassis is designed specifically for extreme bashing, using thicker materials in high-stress areas like the shock towers, chassis braces, and diff housings. The Hoss is reasonably tough for its class but can develop drivetrain issues faster when pushed hard consistently on 3S. The stock diffs and driveshafts are adequate for normal use but not over-engineered. The Notorious's 6S drivetrain components are beefier by necessity since they need to handle double the voltage. Parts for both trucks are readily available, with Traxxas having a slight edge in local hobby shop stock since their retail network is the largest in the industry.

At its mid-range price, the Hoss is noticeably cheaper than the Notorious on the sticker, but that gap widens considerably when you factor in batteries. A good 3S pack for the Hoss runs a moderate amount, while a quality 6S pack for the Notorious costs a moderate amount. If you're buying the truck plus two batteries, the Hoss ends up roughly a moderate amount cheaper as a total package. That's meaningful money, especially for someone entering the hobby or on a budget. The Hoss is a perfectly capable basher that outperforms its price tag, but the Notorious operates in a different league of raw power and structural durability. The Hoss is the smart buy for someone who wants dependable performance without going all-in on 6S. The Notorious is for drivers who have decided they want the most capable truck before stepping up to a Kraton.