Traxxas X-Maxx 8S Monster Truck vs ARRMA Kraton 4X4 8S BLX

Both are big 8S-capable 4WD bashers, but they are built for different owners. The X-Maxx is a 1/6 truck that runs on 3S or 4S packs per side and is easier to live with: lighter, shorter, and backed by Traxxas's huge parts and support network. The Kraton 1/5 is heavier and stiffer, with a 5mm 7075 chassis, EXB hardened parts, a 160A Smart ESC and a stronger servo, so it shrugs off harder hits. Owners of both praise power and durability; Kraton buyers warn it is heavy, fast and not for beginners, while X-Maxx owners like the simpler packaging and parts availability.

• Choose the Traxxas X-Maxx if you want a lighter, more nimble 1/6 basher with easy parts support and flexible 3S/4S battery options.
• Choose the ARRMA Kraton 1/5 8S if you want the toughest out-of-the-box large-scale basher and plan to run full 8S.