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The ARRMA Quake 4S is the brand’s first-ever Next Gen 4S monster truck, set for release November 11, 2026. If you’re considering a pre-order or just want to know how it stacks up against the Quake 223S and Grom, this is the no-nonsense breakdown you need. You’ll get the real-world specs, what ARRMA has confirmed, and the tough questions Horizon hasn’t answered yet, without recycled hype.
Quake 4S: Release, Price, and What Makes It ‘Next Gen’
The Quake 4S launches for $549.99 with pre-orders shipping on November 11, 2026, as listed on Horizon’s official page. This is the first ARRMA truck to debut the Next Gen 4S platform, introducing a three-differential 4WD system and a deep tub chassis with interlocking shock towers.
ARRMA claims increased rigidity and improved driveline durability, but the true impact on bashing, and what it means on mixed terrain, remains to be seen until more trucks hit buyers’ hands. Compared to the outgoing 3S and 4S platforms, it’s heavier and longer, pushing the platform squarely into 1/8 monster territory.
Completion level is Ready-To-Run (RTR), so you get a painted body, installed electronics, and a Spektrum SLT3 radio, but you’ll need to provide your own battery and charger.
Exact Quake 4S Specs: Platform, Motor, and Everything Confirmed
The Quake 4S runs a 3674 2300Kv brushless motor paired with a Spektrum Firma 150A Smart V2 CP ESC, supporting 3S or 4S hardcase LiPo packs. It uses a three-differential 4WD system and a composite deep tub chassis, with a 63T Mod-0.8 spur gear and IC5 connectors throughout.
It weighs 6.12kg (13.49 lbs) and measures 580mm long, 414mm wide, and 280mm high, with a 367mm wheelbase and 17mm wheel hexes. All these figures are sourced directly from Horizon Hobby.
| Feature | Quake 4S (ARA4437) | Quake 223S (ARA3537) |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1/8 | 1/10 |
| Drivetrain | 4WD, 3-diff | 2WD |
| Motor | 3674 2300Kv | 3660 4000Kv |
| ESC | Spektrum Firma 150A Smart V2 | SLT 45A 2-in-1 |
| Battery | 3S/4S hardcase LiPo | 2S/3S LiPo |
| Length | 580mm | 465mm |
| Width | 414mm | 370mm |
| Height | 280mm | 200mm |
| Weight | 6.12kg | 2.73kg |
| Wheelbase | 367mm | 295mm |
| Wheel Hex | 17mm | 14mm |
| Spur Gear | 63T, Mod-0.8 | Not listed |
| Top Speed (rated) | Not published | 35+ mph (2S), 50+ mph (3S) |
Servo is the new Spektrum S662 metal-geared waterproof digital. The radio is the familiar SLT3, and you also get a SLR370 DSC SLT receiver. The truck is compatible only with hardcase LiPos up to 160x50x70mm in size.
How the Quake 4S Compares to Quake 223S (and Grom)
The Quake 4S is not just a bigger, stronger 223S. Its three-diff 4WD system and longer, wider chassis move it into true 1/8 monster territory. You get more weight (6.12kg vs 2.73kg), higher voltage support, and serious bashing hardware, none of which are found on the 1/10, 2WD Quake 223S.
While the Quake 223S’s rated 50+ mph on 3S is impressive for its class, the Quake 4S is designed for more demanding use, but Horizon has not listed a top speed. The Quake Grom, meanwhile, is a far smaller 1/16 brushed truck aimed at entry-level drivers. Horizon lists it as 2S compatible and ships it with a Spektrum 2S 1400mAh hardcase LiPo (IC2 connector) and a USB-C charger in the box. More on the Grom family in our ARRMA Grom buying guide.
Where the Quake 4S stands out: Next Gen 4S platform, three-diff driveline, larger and heavier build, and a motor/ESC combo oriented towards sustained 4S running. The Grom’s focus is on portability and cost, while the Quake 223S is a step up in speed but not durability or scale.
→ ARRMA Quake 4S, The only ARRMA monster truck on the Next Gen 4S platform, made for rough 1/8 bashing with three-diff 4WD and a 3674 2300Kv motor.
→ ARRMA Quake 223S BLX, An affordable 2WD option for 1/10-scale fun, but not in the same league as the 4S for power or chassis strength.
What You Need to Run a Quake 4S (and What Won’t Work)
You’ll need to bring your own 3S or 4S hardcase LiPo (up to 160x50x70mm, IC5 connector), a compatible LiPo charger, and a LiPo-safe charging bag. Softcase packs are not allowed per ARRMA’s instructions. Using one risks damaging the truck and voiding warranty support.
The ESC is Spektrum Firma 150A Smart V2 CP, which supports Spektrum Smart telemetry if used with Smart batteries. The truck’s IC5 connector is compatible with EC5 adapters, but smaller EC3 or XT60 plugs will not fit. The stock electronics demand hardcase packs for both fitment and safety, given the deep tub chassis design.
→ Spektrum 4S Hardcase LiPo (IC5), Delivers the power and security ARRMA demands for the Quake 4S, fitting the exact battery bay and connector spec.
→ LiPo Balance Charger (IC5/Smart), For safe, reliable charging of 3S or 4S Smart packs; required for ARRMA Quake 4S owners.
→ LiPo Safe Charging Bag, Essential for minimizing risk during battery charge, transport, or storage. No RC garage should be without one.
Don’t try to shoehorn non-hardcase or oversized batteries; the hold-down is molded for specific pack dimensions. For a deeper dive on ARRMA battery fitment and compatibility, see our ARRMA battery compatibility guide.
Unknowns and Limitations: What Horizon Hasn’t Told Us Yet
Horizon Hobby has not published a top speed for the Quake 4S, so no one can tell you how fast it really is out of the box. There’s also no official word on the truck’s long-term durability, especially since it’s the first Next Gen 4S chassis from ARRMA.
The hardcase-only battery requirement may limit some users, as many previous ARRMA models accepted softcase packs. The 6.12kg (13.49 lbs) weight is substantial, which could impact handling on small jumps or backyard tracks.
Replacement parts are not yet widely listed, so early adopters may face a short wait for crash spares. The new platform’s interlocking shock towers and braces sound promising, but there’s no real-world consensus yet on whether they solve the shock tower bend/break issues found on earlier ARRMA monsters. More information is needed as trucks hit the market.
Real-World Use: What to Expect from the 2026 Quake 4S
On paper, the Quake 4S’s three-diff 4WD and deep tub chassis make it well-suited for loose dirt, gravel lots, and rough bashing. The longer wheelbase (367mm) and 17mm hexes should provide more stability over jumps and ruts compared to the smaller 223S.
The Spektrum S662 metal-gear servo promises tighter steering under load, but the true feel on pavement and grass will depend on the tire compound and how the 2300Kv motor delivers its torque, details ARRMA has yet to elaborate on. Expect a truck that’s more stable than a 2WD, but with the added maintenance of three gear diffs.
That extra weight (over 13 lbs) helps it soak up rough landings but may make it sluggish on smaller jumps or under lighter batteries. If you’re used to the Kraton 6S or Outcast, expect a different feel: less outright speed, but more voltage headroom than any 3S or 2WD bash model.
Those looking to run big power on street or skatepark terrain should watch for early reports on diff and arm durability. The Next Gen 4S could prove a long-term winner, but buyer beware: no one outside Horizon has truly beaten on this platform yet. If you need a proven durability record, see our Kraton vs Outcast vs Vorteks durability review for established options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the ARRMA Quake 4S actually ship to buyers?
Horizon Hobby lists the Quake 4S as shipping and in stores starting November 11, 2026. Pre-orders are open now, but check with your local hobby shop to confirm exact in-store dates. - Does the Quake 4S include a battery or charger in the box?
No, both the battery and charger are sold separately. You’ll need a 3S or 4S hardcase LiPo (up to 160x50x70mm, IC5) and a compatible LiPo charger to run the truck. - What is the top speed of the ARRMA Quake 4S?
As of October 2026, Horizon Hobby has not published any official top speed for the Quake 4S. Do not trust estimates or claims from third-party sources. - Can I use softcase LiPos or non-IC5 batteries in the Quake 4S?
No, ARRMA specifies hardcase LiPos only for the Quake 4S. The battery tray and hold-down are designed for hardcases, and using softcase packs may void warranty support. - What makes the Quake 4S platform different from previous ARRMA monsters?
The Quake 4S is the first to use ARRMA’s Next Gen 4S platform: a deep tub chassis, three-diff 4WD, interlocking shock towers, and new bracing for improved rigidity and durability. - Will Quake 4S parts fit other ARRMA trucks like the Kraton or Outcast?
It’s unclear. The Quake 4S is a new platform, and most parts are not confirmed cross-compatible with other 1/8 ARRMA monsters. Wait for detailed teardown info after launch. - How does the Quake 4S compare to the Quake Grom for a new driver?
The Quake 4S is much larger, heavier, and more powerful, designed for experienced bashers. The Grom is a better fit for entry-level users looking for a lighter, simpler RC experience.
Final Verdict
The ARRMA Quake 4S is the most ambitious Next Gen 4S monster truck the brand has launched, targeting experienced bashers who want real 1/8 scale size and 4WD torque without leaping to 6S power. The $549.99 price reflects the new three-diff platform, large electronics, and extra weight, but also puts it above the reach of casual bashers looking for a light backyard fun truck.
If you want a proven platform with known durability, you may prefer established models like the Kraton 6S or Vorteks 3S. The Quake 223S and Grom are both more affordable and well-documented for new drivers. The Quake 4S’s true durability, speed, and parts support are still unknown as of early October 2026, so early adopters should be ready for some risk.
For those willing to be first in line, the Quake 4S delivers a spec sheet that matches the needs of modern bashers: 3S/4S hardcase compatibility, full RTR electronics, and a ruggedized Next Gen chassis. If you can live with the hardcase-only rule, the lack of published top speed, and the possibility of teething issues, it’s the most exciting ARRMA monster platform in years. But if you want a truck with a fully mapped upgrade and troubleshooting path, wait until the real-world reviews and parts lists catch up.
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