Kraton Recommended Arrma Kraton & Talion Upgrades 2021

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Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) - I'm going to say it, the stock BLX 180 ESC is questionable at best or just outright bad at worse. There are plenty of threads here on the forum documenting the numerous issues with this ESC. To Arrma's credit, they have been on the ball replacing any bad ESC's within the warranty period.

That said if you don't want to mess with replacing the ESC each time it burns up, has other issues, or chance damaging your other electronics (battery, servo) then adding a new ESC would be best. Tekin, Castle Creations, and even Hobbywing make great alternatives and buying one of their combo's (ESC and motor) could give the Kraton even more speed and/or power!

Note: The BLX 185 could potentially fix the issues with the BLX 180 ESC, but the 185 has yet to be released or tested.

Servo - You can go one of two ways to improve the servo issues on the Kraton, the best option would be to do both.
  1. Upgrade the servo to something like the Savox SW-1210SG (powerful, steel gears, and waterproof), Savox SW-0231MG (a bit weaker than the SW-1210SG) or Hitec HS-7955TG. It is recommended you get either a Glitch Buster or External BEC when running these servo's.
  2. Upgrade the servo mount, the stock plastic mount flexes a lot causing more strain on the servo. The DIY Kraton servo mount upgrade or the one piece aluminum servo mount will remove the flex issues.
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@WoodiE - I WENT with the Savox .15/277.7 Aluminum Case Waterproof Coreless Digital Servo but I heard you will need to run it
with a bec and it will need to be programmed to get theFull 7.4v out of the Savox model #- SW-1210SG.


Since I don’t want to run an extra a bec in my v3 KRATON and have it programmed, I ordered this Servo that’s a direct drop in and does not require for you to run a bec.

POWER HD DW-25LV Coreless Motor 347.2 oz / .11 Titanium Gear Digital Servo

POWER HD DW25LV Coreless Motor 3.jpg
 
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Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) - I'm going to say it, the stock BLX 180 ESC is questionable at best or just outright bad at worse. There are plenty of threads here on the forum documenting the numerous issues with this ESC. To Arrma's credit, they have been on the ball replacing any bad ESC's within the warranty period.

That said if you don't want to mess with replacing the ESC each time it burns up, has other issues, or chance damaging your other electronics (battery, servo) then adding a new ESC would be best. Tekin, Castle Creations, and even Hobbywing make great alternatives and buying one of their combo's (ESC and motor) could give the Kraton even more speed and/or power!

Note: The BLX 185 could potentially fix the issues with the BLX 180 ESC, but the 185 has yet to be released or tested.

Servo - You can go one of two ways to improve the servo issues on the Kraton, the best option would be to do both.
  1. Upgrade the servo to something like the Savox SW-1210SG (powerful, steel gears, and waterproof), Savox SW-0231MG (a bit weaker than the SW-1210SG) or Hitec HS-7955TG. It is recommended you get either a Glitch Buster or External BEC when running these servo's.
  2. Upgrade the servo mount, the stock plastic mount flexes a lot causing more strain on the servo. The DIY Kraton servo mount upgrade or the one piece aluminum servo mount will remove the flex issues.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@WoodiE - I WENT with the Savox .15/277.7 Aluminum Case Waterproof Coreless Digital Servo but I heard you will need to run it
with a bec and it will need to be programmed to get theFull 7.4v out of the Savox model #- SW-1210SG.


Since I don’t want to run a bec in my v3 KRATON and have it programmed, I ordered this Servo that’s a direct drop in and does not require for you to run a bec.

POWER HD DW-25LV Coreless Motor 347.2 oz / .11 Titanium Gear Digital Servo

View attachment 50167
The BLX185 has been out a while now?
 
The BLX185 has been out a while now?

jondilly1974- I know that's what I have in my v3 #kraton!
This is a NEW Genuine ARRMA AR390211 BLX185 6S 150A ESC Electronic Speed Control, so I ordered the POWER HD DW-25LV Coreless Motor 347.2 oz / .11 Titanium Gear Digital Servo since I will not have to run another bec and I would have to have my SAVOX Programmed which is not easy! oR YOU CAN spend $185 for a Hobbywing EzRun MAX8 150A Brushless ESC Combo 2200kV Motor T-Plug For 1/8 RC Car
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hobbywing-EzRun-MAX8-150A-Brushless-ESC-Combo-2200kV-Motor-T-Plug-For-1-8-RC-Car/163579172655?_trkparms=aid=555021&algo=PL.SIMRVI&ao=1&asc=60408&meid=54b0d852f479478a8cd962855f1ab83c&pid=100752&rk=3&rkt=9&sd=381588442036&itm=163579172655&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100752.m1982
 
jondilly1974- I know that's what I have in my v3 #kraton!
This is a NEW Genuine ARRMA AR390211 BLX185 6S 150A ESC Electronic Speed Control, so I ordered the POWER HD DW-25LV Coreless Motor 347.2 oz / .11 Titanium Gear Digital Servo since I will not have to run another bec and I would have to have my SAVOX Programmed which is not easy! oR YOU CAN spend $185 for a Hobbywing EzRun MAX8 150A Brushless ESC Combo 2200kV Motor T-Plug For 1/8 RC Car
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hobbywing-EzRun-MAX8-150A-Brushless-ESC-Combo-2200kV-Motor-T-Plug-For-1-8-RC-Car/163579172655?_trkparms=aid=555021&algo=PL.SIMRVI&ao=1&asc=60408&meid=54b0d852f479478a8cd962855f1ab83c&pid=100752&rk=3&rkt=9&sd=381588442036&itm=163579172655&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100752.m1982

You said in a post above:

Note: The BLX 185 could potentially fix the issues with the BLX 180 ESC, but the 185 has yet to be released or tested.

It has been out and well tested for a while now, so I am confused by your post.
 
jondilly1974- I know that's what I have in my v3 #kraton!
This is a NEW Genuine ARRMA AR390211 BLX185 6S 150A ESC Electronic Speed Control, so I ordered the POWER HD DW-25LV Coreless Motor 347.2 oz / .11 Titanium Gear Digital Servo since I will not have to run another bec and I would have to have my SAVOX Programmed which is not easy! oR YOU CAN spend $185 for a Hobbywing EzRun MAX8 150A Brushless ESC Combo 2200kV Motor T-Plug For 1/8 RC Car
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hobbywing-EzRun-MAX8-150A-Brushless-ESC-Combo-2200kV-Motor-T-Plug-For-1-8-RC-Car/163579172655?_trkparms=aid=555021&algo=PL.SIMRVI&ao=1&asc=60408&meid=54b0d852f479478a8cd962855f1ab83c&pid=100752&rk=3&rkt=9&sd=381588442036&itm=163579172655&pmt=1&noa=0&pg=2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100752.m1982
You did great! Awesome choice in servo. No bec needed. Put the Savox in your boat and enjoy the PowerHD!
 
My next upgrade is the m2c3000 ARRMA (GOLIATH SERIES) KRATON, 6S BLX 4 MM CHASSIS thats made out of made using 4 mm 7075-t6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The weigh is only 490 grams.

View attachment 50245
I want one of those as well. I don't know why as I really don't need it, but man it looks awesome.
 
We really should update the sticky part of this post to include all of the stuff that has since come out i.e. the M2C stuff and the alternate servos. Just a thought.
 
We really should update the sticky part of this post to include all of the stuff that has since come out i.e. the M2C stuff and the alternate servos. Just a thought.
I just came into this thread to do just that - update the ESC part (since that's been taken care of) and add the part for the radio.

If there is more you would like for me to add reply here or send me a PM.
 
@WoodiE - My next upgrade is Hot Racing Aluminum Steering hub Blocks HD Bearings rear and front since I have busted my stock ones launching my #v3 over this massive dirt pile! See attachments for parts numbers.
 

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Finally tweaked out my stock chassis lading off this jump! I could not resist myself so I have one of Mitch's m2c3000 ARRMA (GOLIATH SERIES chassis on the way!
 

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Anyone try the Hot Racing Arrma Kraton Aluminum Steering Servo Mount? Doesn't seem that much different then the Voltage Hobbies. I'm asking basically because I am about to place an order with amain hobbies and they carry this one.
 
The Arrma Kraton is a fine R/C out of the box and very capable to hold up to even the hardest of bashing sessions. There are a few things that can be done to further improve the Kraton - making it stronger, faster, and more durable.

If you're just getting an Arrma Kraton there are a few things you'll need to get started.

Required items for a new Arrma Kraton



Batteries - You could run NiMH packs in the Kraton but you'll be doing yourself a dis-service as to really get the power, speed, and run time that the Kraton can really deliver you're going to need to run LiPo batteries. You can use the following LiPo setup:
  • 2x2S LiPo packs
  • 2x3S LiPo packs
  • 1x4S LiPo pack
  • 1x6S LiPo pack
There is a great "Budget LiPo of choice" ongoing thread if you are unsure what battery packs to buy.

Battery Charger - One of the best bang for your buck chargers would be the Dynamite Prophet Sport Duo. It will charge both NiMH and LiPo batteries and can charge two batteries at one time which is really a must have feature for the Kraton as many will be running dual batteries.

LiPo Sack - Just buy one! A LiPO sack is super cheap and offers a great deal of protection to charge and store your LiPo batteries.

4x AA Batteries - These are for the transmitter and I'm a big fan of Eneloop rechargeable batteries. Either the Panasonic Eneloop or Eneloop Pro (higher capacity, longer run time).

If you're new to the hobby, I would also strongly suggest checking out the Tools for getting started in RC thread.

Now on to the upgrades to make your Arrma Kraton even better! :)

Most Recommended Upgrades for the Arrma Kraton v4



Radio Gear - Replace it. Period. The new Arrma's are shipping with the Spektrum STX2 and a simple search here on ArrmaForum alone will return tons of results of members having issues with it. From extremely poor range, slow response times and even out right dying prematurely. We all hope Horizon Hobby does the right thing and replace the STX2 with a much more reliable radio.

Until then, it is HIGHLY recommended that you NOT use the STX2 radio and instead buy a replacement. The Futaba 3PV, Tactic TX300 (which is what used to come included in the Arrma's) or even a Flysky FS-GT5 radio system.

I personally use and recommend Futaba so that would be my first choice, though the forum is filled with members that use Tactic and Flysky with great results.

Seriously, if you are going to buy anything for your new Arrma 6s - buy a new radio system.

Servo - You can go one of two ways to improve the servo issues on the Kraton, the best option would be to do both.
  1. Upgrade the servo to something like the PowerHD DW25LV, Savox SW-1210SG (powerful, steel gears, and waterproof), Savox SW-0231MG (a bit weaker than the SW-1210SG) or Hitec HS-7955TG. It is recommended you get either a Glitch Buster or External BEC when running these servo's.
  2. Upgrade the servo mount, the stock plastic mount flexes a lot causing more strain on the servo. The DIY Kraton servo mount upgrade or the one piece aluminum servo mount will remove the flex issues.

Bearings - This isn't a surprise really as there aren't many RC's that are shipped with high quality bearings, or in some cases no bearings at all. In the case of the Arrma Kraton it's both, the bearings that are used aren't very good and there are even bushings used in areas (steering). A bearing set from Fast Eddy Bearings will be a massive upgrade over stock and what I would recommend!

Bumpers - If you're really bashing your Kraton then you'll probably want a good durable bumper. T-Bone Racing make a very durable front and rear bumper for the Kraton. TBR bumpers are also guaranteed forever. If you break it, they will send you a free replacement.

Chassis Braces - A lot of people buy the Kraton because they want to bash it, jump it, and just go crazy. "Don't just bash. Blast." With that in mind another suggested upgrade would be to replace the stock plastic chassis braces with aluminum chassis braces.

There are several places that make them, two of which to check out would be GKA Custom RC Parts and Voltage Hobbies.



Addiontal Upgrades for older Arrma Kraton models



Wing Mount - Without a doubt the most likely item to break first out of the box on the older Kraton models was the wing mount. If you don't like the wing then go ahead and remove it, but if you want the wing then buy the RPM Wing Mount. RPM products are guaranteed forever. If you break it, they will send you a free replacement.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) - I'm going to say it, the stock BLX 180 ESC is questionable at best or just out right bad at worse. There are plenty of threads here on the forum documenting the numerous issues with this ESC. To Arrma's credit they have been on the ball replacing any bad ESC's within the warranty period.

That said if you don't want to mess with replacing the ESC each time it burns up, has other issues, or chance damaging your other electronics (battery, servo) then adding a new ESC would be best. Tekin, Castle Creations, and even Hobbywing make great alternatives and buying one of their combo's (ESC and motor) could give the Kraton even more speed and/or power!

Note: The BLX 185 could potentially fix the issues with the BLX 180 ESC, but the 185 has yet to be released or tested.

If you have other suggested upgrades, please share below! Let us know how your Arrma Kraton is holding up.
Thanks for the great information ??
 
Anyone try the Hot Racing Arrma Kraton Aluminum Steering Servo Mount? Doesn't seem that much different then the Voltage Hobbies. I'm asking basically because I am about to place an order with amain hobbies and they carry this one.
Pretty much any of the aftermarket servo mounts are better than the stock one. A lot of people use the Hot Racing servo mount, nothing wrong with it.
 
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