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Header image: Illustration, not the actual ARRMA Quake 4S.
The ARRMA QUAKE 4S DSC 4X4 is not shipping yet. Horizon Hobby has it on pre-order at $549.99, and no retail trucks are in buyers’ hands, so this is a pre-release review. We have not driven one, and as of October 21, 2026 we could not find a hands-on review of a production truck from any press outlet or owner. What you get here is a buyer’s verdict built from Horizon’s product page and manual, a side-by-side with the ARRMA trucks you can buy today, and what the press and early buyers are saying, with links to every source.
If you only want the spec sheet and release details, our Quake 4S specs, price and release date page has the full list. This page answers the next question: should you pre-order one?
Quick verdict: On paper, the Quake 4S is the most monster-truck-like ARRMA you can get for $549.99: a 1/8 scale, three-differential 4WD truck with a 150A ESC, a longer 3674 motor and Spektrum DSC, for the same Horizon list price as the smaller 1/10 Kraton 4S. The catches are real. It is the heaviest truck in this comparison at 13.49 lb, Horizon publishes no top speed, it only takes hardcase packs, and nobody has durability data on the new platform yet. Pre-order it if you want the stunt-truck style and accept being an early adopter. If you need a proven truck this month, buy a Kraton 4S or Big Rock 223S instead.
Is the Quake 4S Out Yet? Release Date, Price and Colors
Not yet. Horizon Hobby’s product page shows a “Pre-Order | Releasing November 04, 2026” badge, but the same page also says “Pre-orders shipping and available everywhere* on 11/11,” with a note to check with your local hobby shop (Horizon Hobby). Retailers point to the later date: AMain Hobbies lists it as “Expected Nov 11, 2026” (AMain Hobbies), and GOAT Hobbies calls November 11, 2026 the official release date and says it won’t ship or allow pickup before then (GOAT Hobbies). Plan on November 11 unless Horizon changes the listing.
Horizon lists the truck at $549.99 in Black/Red (ARA4437T1) and White/Blue (ARA4437T2), plus a limited-edition iridescent Black/Pearl (ARA4437T3) that Horizon says is a U.S.-only HorizonHobby.com exclusive. Horizon lists a 2-year limited warranty. Prices change, so check the current price before you order.
The Specs That Matter for a Buyer
Every figure below comes from Horizon’s Quake 4S product page or the Quake 4S instruction manual (Horizon Hobby, manual PDF).
- Size: 1/8 scale, 22.83 in (580 mm) long, 16.31 in (414 mm) wide, 11.02 in (280 mm) tall, on a 14.45 in (367 mm) wheelbase, with 17 mm wheel hexes.
- Weight: 13.49 lb (6.12 kg). Horizon does not say whether that includes a battery.
- Power: Spektrum Firma 150A Smart V2 waterproof ESC and Firma 3674 2300Kv brushless motor, rated for 3S or 4S LiPo with an IC5 connector. Horizon says motor length goes from 68 mm on previous 4S vehicles to 74 mm here, “for greater torque.”
- Driveline: three-differential 4WD with gear diffs, a 63T Mod-0.8 spur, and a 2.85 internal gear ratio.
- Radio and steering: Spektrum SLT3 3-channel transmitter, SLR370 DSC receiver (separate from the ESC), and an S662 metal-geared waterproof servo with an aluminum 25T horn and a sliding ramp servo saver.
- DSC: four modes, from no DSC to high. The manual says mode 3 (medium) is the default, and the truck remembers the last mode you picked.
- Chassis and body: molded composite deep tub chassis, interlocking shock towers, threaded aluminum shocks with large-diameter shafts, an integrated high-angle wheelie bar, and a hidden body retention system with no exposed clips.
- Battery rules: hardcase LiPo only. Horizon says “do not use softcase packs,” and the largest pack that fits is 160 x 50 x 70 mm. The manual lists 5000mAh 50C as the minimum and 5000mAh 100C as recommended.
- Top speed: not published. The Quake 4S page carries no mph rating, unlike every other ARRMA truck in the comparison below.
The ESC has thermal protection: the manual says it shuts down above 110 degrees Celsius and resumes once it cools. That protects the electronics, but it also means long runs on a hot day can end early.
Quake 4S vs the ARRMA Trucks You Can Buy Today
| Truck | Scale, drive, LiPo | Motor / ESC | Weight | Length / WB (in) | Rated speed | Horizon price (Oct 21) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUAKE 4S DSC (ARA4437) | 1/8, 4WD, 3S/4S | 3674 2300Kv / Firma 150A | 13.49 lb (6.12 kg) | 22.83 / 14.45 | Not listed | $549.99, pre-order |
| KRATON 4S BLX V2 (ARA4408V2) | 1/10, 4WD, 3S/4S | 3668 2400Kv / Firma 120A | 9.26 lb (4.2 kg) | 21.54 / 13.98 | 55+ mph | $549.99, in stock |
| KRATON 6S BLX V6 (ARA8608V6) | 1/8, 4WD, 4S/6S | 4074 2050Kv / Firma 150A 6S | 12.37 lb (5.61 kg) | 23.46 / n/a | 65+ mph | $699.99, in stock |
| BIG ROCK 223S DSC (ARA4312V4) | 1/10, 4WD, 2S/3S | 3100Kv / SLT 80A 2-in-1 with DSC | 7.82 lb (3.55 kg) | 20.24 / 12.87 | 50+ mph | $369.99, in stock |
| GRANITE 223S DSC (ARA4302V4) | 1/10, 4WD, 2S/3S | 3100Kv / SLT 80A 2-in-1 with DSC | 7.65 lb (3.47 kg) | 18.5 / 11.18 | 50+ mph | $339.99, in stock |
| QUAKE 223S DSC (ARA3537) | 1/10, 2WD, 2S/3S | 3660 4000Kv / SLT 45A 2-in-1 with DSC | 6.02 lb (2.73 kg) | 18.3 / 11.61 | 50+ mph (3S) | $269.99, in stock |
Specs, rated speeds, prices and stock status are from each truck’s Horizon Hobby page on October 21, 2026: Kraton 4S, Kraton 6S, Big Rock 223S, Granite 223S, Quake 223S.
Quake 4S vs Kraton 4S: same price, different truck
This is the comparison most buyers will make. Horizon lists both at $549.99 and both run 3S or 4S. The Kraton 4S is rated 55+ mph, it is in stock now, and at 9.26 lb it is about 4.2 lb lighter. The Quake 4S is the bigger 1/8 scale truck, with a 150A ESC instead of the Kraton’s 120A, a longer 3674 motor instead of a 3668, and a wheelbase 12 mm longer. It also has DSC, which Horizon doesn’t list for the Kraton 4S. Horizon pitches the Quake 4S as a high center-of-gravity truck that leans and lifts its front wheels, while the Kraton 4S is sold as a speed monster truck. If you want speed and a truck you can run this weekend, the Kraton is the safer buy. If you want wheelies and big-truck looks, the Quake is the one ARRMA designed for that.
Quake 4S vs Kraton 6S: the 6S truck is lighter
The Kraton 6S costs $150 more at Horizon, runs 4S or 6S, and is rated 65+ mph. By Horizon’s figures it weighs 12.37 lb, so the 4S Quake is about 1.1 lb heavier than ARRMA’s 1/8 6S monster truck. That surprised forum members too (more below). If you want 6S speed, the Kraton 6S is the answer. Our Quake 4S vs Kraton 6S comparison goes deeper on that choice.
Quake 4S vs Big Rock and Granite 223S: the budget question
The Big Rock 223S and Granite 223S cost $180 to $210 less at Horizon, run 2S or 3S, are rated 50+ mph, and already have DSC through their 2-in-1 ESC and receiver. They are 1/10 scale and weigh a little over half as much as the Quake 4S. For a first brushless monster truck on a budget, they make more sense. See our Big Rock review and Granite vs Big Rock comparison.
Quake 4S vs Quake 223S: not a bigger version of the same truck
The Quake 223S is a 1/10 scale 2WD truck at $269.99. The Quake 4S shares the name and the stunt-truck personality, but it is 4WD, 1/8 scale and more than twice the weight. If you own a 223S and are fighting a runaway or radio problem, our Quake troubleshooting guide covers that.
What Press and Early Buyers Are Saying
There are no hands-on reviews of a production Quake 4S yet, because the truck hasn’t shipped. Here is what exists as of October 21, 2026:
- Press: RC Car Action ran ARRMA’s announcement on October 6, 2026, with the in-the-box list and part numbers, including the replacement Firma 3674 2300Kv motor (SPMXSM5700) and Firma 150A ESC (SPMXSE2155CP) (RC Car Action). That is manufacturer copy, not a test. RC Car Action has also posted Pro-Line’s pre-mounted Dreadnaught tires made for the Quake 4S (RC Car Action). We found no Quake 4S review from Big Squid RC or LiveRC.
- Video: ARRMA’s own launch video, “Shake the Earth // ARRMA QUAKE 4S 4X4 BLX,” went up on October 6 (YouTube, ARRMA RC). JayTee RC posted a two-minute announcement video the same day that links to a pre-order and repeats the November 11 shipping date (YouTube, JayTee RC). Neither is an owner review.
- Forums: early buyers are discussing specs and photos, not driving impressions. These are opinions from people who haven’t received a truck.
On the ARRMA RC Forum, one member who went through Horizon’s exploded view noted redesigned bulkheads with more material, more ribbing around them, longer hinge pins and a stamped metal bracket on the outer pin retainers, calling them “good changes so far, fixing old issues.” Another worried about the new steering system but expected it to be better than the old style. On page 2 of the thread, members questioned the weight, one calling 13.49 lb “a pretty serious weight for a plastic chassis car” and another doubting Horizon’s figure until trucks reach reviewers. The hardcase-only rule drew complaints from owners who run softcase packs, and several members see the truck as ARRMA’s answer to the Traxxas Maxx.
On RC Talk, a buyer choosing between a Traxxas Maxx and the Quake 4S listed “there are no legitimate review videos of this platform” as the Quake’s main con, then pre-ordered from Horizon anyway. Another member said that on paper it seems to fix many issues of the old 3S/4S platform, “but only time will tell.” We will update this review once owners and press publish real testing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 1/8 scale truck at the same $549.99 Horizon list price as the 1/10 Kraton 4S.
- Three-differential 4WD, a 150A ESC and a longer 74 mm motor can on 3S or 4S.
- Spektrum DSC with four modes, which Horizon doesn’t list for the Kraton 4S or Kraton 6S.
- Separate ESC and receiver, so you can replace or upgrade either one on its own.
- Built for stunt driving: high center of gravity, an integrated wheelie bar and cut chevron tires.
- Maintenance-minded design: Horizon lists a low part count, a ratcheting battery strap and a clipless body mount.
- Two-year limited warranty, per Horizon.
Cons:
- Not shipping yet, and there’s no independent durability or speed testing on the new Next Gen 4S platform.
- No published top speed, while the Kraton 4S at the same price is rated 55+ mph.
- 13.49 lb is the heaviest truck in this comparison, heavier than the Kraton 6S.
- Hardcase LiPo only, with a 160 x 50 x 70 mm size limit, so some softcase and large packs are out.
- Battery and charger sold separately, and the manual recommends a 5000mAh 100C pack.
- New platform, so there’s little parts and upgrade history so far.
- Horizon’s own page shows two different dates, November 4 and November 11.
Who Should Buy the Quake 4S, and Who Should Wait
- Pre-order it if you want a big, wheelie-happy monster truck rather than a speed truck, you already run IC5 hardcase packs, and you’re fine being among the first owners of a new platform.
- Buy a Kraton 4S instead if you want a proven 4S ARRMA at the same price, a published 55+ mph rating, and a truck that ships today.
- Buy a Kraton 6S instead if top speed and 6S power matter more than the stunt-truck feel, and the extra $150 is in your budget.
- Buy a Big Rock or Granite 223S instead if this is your first brushless truck and you want DSC and 50+ mph for about $200 less.
- Wait if you need durability proof first. Owner and press reports should appear after the November 11 launch.
What You Need to Run It
The Quake 4S comes without a battery or charger. Horizon lists a 3S or 4S hardcase LiPo, a compatible LiPo charger and a LiPo charging or safety bag as needed to complete it. Horizon’s page suggests the Spektrum 4S 5000mAh 100C Smart G2 hardcase (SPMX54S100H5), the larger 4S 6800mAh 120C Smart G2 Pro Basher (SPMXB4S68), and the S100 USB-C Smart charger (SPMXC2090). Check any other pack against the 160 x 50 x 70 mm limit. If your packs use EC5 plugs, our IC5 vs EC5 guide explains what fits, and our ARRMA cost of ownership guide covers batteries, chargers and spare parts.
ARRMA QUAKE 4S DSC 4X4 RTR Brushless Monster Truck (ARA4437)
- 1/8 scale, 3S/4S, three-diff 4WD (Horizon)
- Firma 150A ESC, 3674 2300Kv motor, DSC
- Pre-order, battery and charger sold separately
Spektrum 4S 5000mAh 100C Smart G2 Hardcase LiPo, IC5 (SPMX54S100H5)
- Listed by Horizon as a Quake 4S accessory
- Hardcase, IC5, matches the manual’s 100C recommendation
- Check size against the 160 x 50 x 70 mm limit
Spektrum S100 1x100W USB-C Smart Charger (SPMXC2090)
- Listed by Horizon as a Quake 4S accessory
- Single-port 100W charger, per Horizon’s listing name
Verdict
The Quake 4S looks like the right truck for someone who wants a 1/8 scale monster truck that drives like one, with body roll, wheelies and DSC to keep slides under control, without paying 6S money. The spec sheet is strong for $549.99: a 150A ESC, a longer 3674 motor, three diffs and separate electronics. The open questions are durability, real-world speed and how much that 13.49 lb weight costs it in jumps and landings. Nobody can answer those until trucks ship.
Our pre-release call: a good pre-order for stunt-focused bashers who already have IC5 hardcase packs, and a wait-and-see for anyone who needs proof. If you want a sure thing today, the Kraton 4S is the same price and already proven. We will update this verdict when owner and press testing arrives.
Check ARRMA Quake 4S availability on Amazon. If it isn’t listed yet, it is on pre-order at Horizon Hobby and at hobby retailers such as AMain Hobbies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the ARRMA Quake 4S come out?
Horizon Hobby’s page shows a November 4, 2026 release badge, but its own copy says pre-orders ship and the truck is available everywhere on November 11, 2026. AMain Hobbies and GOAT Hobbies also list November 11.
How fast is the ARRMA Quake 4S?
Horizon Hobby has not published a top speed for the Quake 4S. For comparison, Horizon rates the Kraton 4S at 55+ mph and the Kraton 6S at 65+ mph.
Can the Quake 4S use softcase LiPo batteries?
No. Horizon says to use a 3S or 4S hardcase LiPo and not to use softcase packs. The largest pack that fits is 160 x 50 x 70 mm, and the connector is IC5.
Is the Quake 4S bigger than the Kraton 4S?
Yes. Per Horizon, the Quake 4S is 1/8 scale, 22.83 in long on a 14.45 in wheelbase and weighs 13.49 lb. The 1/10 Kraton 4S is 21.54 in long on a 13.98 in wheelbase and weighs 9.26 lb.
Sources
- Horizon Hobby: ARRMA 1/8 QUAKE 4S DSC 4X4 RTR, ARA4437 (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Horizon Hobby: ARRMA QUAKE 4S showcase page (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- ARRMA QUAKE 4S instruction manual (PDF) (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Horizon Hobby: KRATON 4S BLX V2, ARA4408V2 (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Horizon Hobby: KRATON 6S BLX V6, ARA8608V6 (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Horizon Hobby: BIG ROCK 223S DSC, ARA4312V4 (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Horizon Hobby: GRANITE 223S DSC, ARA4302V4 (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Horizon Hobby: QUAKE 223S DSC, ARA3537 (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- AMain Hobbies: Quake 4S listing (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- GOAT Hobbies: Quake 4S listing (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- RC Car Action: Quake 4S announcement (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- RC Car Action: Pro-Line Dreadnaught tires for the Quake 4S (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- YouTube, ARRMA RC: Shake the Earth // ARRMA QUAKE 4S 4X4 BLX (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- YouTube, JayTee RC: Quake 4S announcement video (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- ARRMA RC Forum: New 1/8 Arrma Quake 4s thread (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- RC Talk Forum: Traxxas Maxx vs Quake 4S pre-order thread (checked Oct 21, 2026)
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