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If you’ve just picked up an ARRMA GROM 223S BLX (Typhon or Mojave) or a Mini Kraton 3S BLX, battery compatibility is your first headache. Will your packs fit? Which connector do you need, and can you run 3S? Here’s what Horizon Hobby and the ARRMA manuals actually specify. (Older guides, including an earlier version of this page, said these trucks use EC3 plugs. They don’t: all of them use Spektrum IC2.)
ARRMA Typhon Grom 223S BLX: Battery Specs, IC2 Connector, and 3S Limits
The Typhon GROM 223S BLX runs on 2S or 3S LiPo packs with an IC2 connector. Horizon lists the maximum battery size as 101 x 31 x 21 mm, so measure any pack before you buy it. It ships with a Spektrum Smart 7.4V 1400mAh 2S 30C hardcase LiPo (IC2) and an S10 Smart G2 Mini 2S USB-C charger.
Stock, the Typhon GROM 223S BLX uses a Spektrum 2838 4500Kv brushless motor and a Spektrum SLT 25A 2-in-1 brushless ESC/receiver with DSC, rated 2S/3S. Do not run 4S or higher: Horizon lists 2S and 3S only. A 3S pack must also fit the 101 x 31 x 21 mm limit, so many common 3S hardcase packs are too big.
Horizon rates the Typhon GROM 223S at 50+ mph on 3S. It ships with a 21T pinion. Buy packs by size first, then capacity: the included pack is 1400mAh 2S, and the 3S pack Horizon suggests for the Mojave GROM 223S (same 101 x 31 x 21 mm limit) is a Spektrum 11.1V 1300mAh 3S 30C Smart G2 in a SmartFit case (SPMX-1089).
The IC2 plug is the stock connector on the ESC and on Spektrum Smart packs. If you want to run a pack with a different plug, you need an adapter or a connector swap; adapters add resistance, so check them for heat after a run.
→ ARRMA Typhon Grom BLX, The Typhon Grom BLX is the most agile of the Grom series, and its compact battery tray sets the standard for sizing and connector compatibility.
ARRMA Mojave Grom 223S BLX: Battery Fitment, IC2, and 3S
The Mojave GROM 223S BLX uses the same IC2 connector and the same 101 x 31 x 21 mm maximum battery size as the Typhon GROM 223S. It runs 2S or 3S LiPo. The brushed Mojave GROM (MEGA) is 2S only.
Horizon rates the Mojave GROM 223S at 35+ mph on 2S and 50+ mph on 3S, with a Spektrum 2838 4500Kv motor and SLT 25A 2-in-1 ESC/receiver. Horizon says the 3S upgrades (oil-filled diffs, metal axles and hubs, aluminum shocks, adjustable steering links) come installed on the 223S. For 3S, Horizon suggests the Spektrum 1300mAh 3S 30C Smart G2 IC2 SmartFit pack (SPMX-1089).
IC2 is Spektrum’s connector, so Spektrum Smart IC2 packs are plug-and-play. Packs with other plugs need an adapter or a connector swap.
In the dirt, the Mojave GROM pulls wheelies and soaks up jumps on 3S, but only if your battery can keep voltage up under load. Hardcase packs suit bashing; check that any pack fits the 101 x 31 x 21 mm limit before buying.
Don’t run 4S or more: Horizon lists the Mojave GROM 223S as 2S/3S compatible. 3S is the performance ceiling without a full electronics swap. Also note the included S10 charger is 2S only, so 3S packs need a charger that handles 3S Smart packs.
→ ARRMA Mojave Grom BLX, For off-road and backyard bashers, the Mojave Grom BLX’s 2S/3S IC2 setup delivers the best mix of runtime and punch in this form factor.
Mini Kraton 3S BLX: Battery Options, IC2 Plug, and 3S Power
The Mini Kraton 3S BLX is not a GROM, but it uses the same Spektrum IC2 connector. It runs 3S LiPo only (Horizon), and its tray is larger: Horizon lists a 112 x 34 x 23 mm maximum battery size. It ships with a Spektrum Smart 11.1V 2000mAh 3S 30C hardcase pack (IC2) and an S22 Mini USB-C 3S charger.
The Mini Kraton 3S BLX uses a Spektrum Firma 2848 3000Kv brushless motor and a Spektrum SLT 40A 2-in-1 ESC/receiver with DSC and PowerGuard, so it is not electrically identical to the GROMs. Do not run 4S or higher.
IC2 is the rule here as well. Use Spektrum IC2 packs, or an adapter or connector swap for other plugs, and check any adapter for heat after hard runs.
Horizon rates the Mini Kraton at 50+ mph once the included PowerKey unlocks Chaos Mode; out of the box, PowerGuard runs it at lower speed for longer runtime. Use hardcase LiPos that fit the 112 x 34 x 23 mm limit.
The Mini Kraton handles 3S punch well, but if you run back-to-back packs, let the ESC cool between runs: the ARRMA manual says the ESC goes into temperature protection above 110°C.
→ ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S BLX, The Mini Kraton runs 3S only, with IC2 packs up to 112 x 34 x 23 mm.
Key Differences That Actually Matter: Typhon vs Mojave vs Mini Kraton Grom
The Typhon and Mojave GROM 223S share the same electronics (SLT 25A ESC, 2838 4500Kv motor) and battery limits; the Mini Kraton 3S uses a different 40A ESC and 3000Kv motor. All three use IC2.
Battery tray size is the biggest difference. Horizon lists 101 x 31 x 21 mm for both GROM 223S models and 112 x 34 x 23 mm for the Mini Kraton 3S. A pack that fits the Mini Kraton will not automatically fit a GROM.
Weight differs too: Horizon lists the Typhon GROM 223S at 820 g without battery (890 g with), the Mojave GROM 223S at 1.03 kg, and the Mini Kraton 3S at 1.48 kg.
Plug compatibility is about more than shape: use genuine IC2 plugs and check that packs seat fully and don’t work loose.
Suspension geometry impacts how much punch you can actually use from a big 3S pack. The Typhon Grom BLX’s low center of gravity lets you exploit all the power with less traction loss, while the Kraton and Mojave Grom BLX tend to wheelie or traction roll if you gun it on grippy surfaces with a high-C 3S.
If you want to change connectors, plan for it: soldering is easier with the ESC out of the chassis, which is why most owners keep the stock IC2 plug.
Side-by-Side Specs: Battery Compatibility Comparison Table
| Feature | Typhon Grom BLX | Mojave Grom BLX | Mini Kraton BLX |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESC | Spektrum SLT 25A 2-in-1, DSC | Spektrum SLT 25A 2-in-1, DSC | Spektrum SLT 40A 2-in-1, DSC, PowerGuard |
| LiPo | 2S or 3S | 2S or 3S | 3S only |
| Max Battery Size | 101x31x21mm | 101x31x21mm | 112x34x23mm |
| Connector Type | IC2 | IC2 | IC2 |
| Included Battery | Smart 2S 1400mAh 30C | Smart 2S 1400mAh 30C | Smart 3S 2000mAh 30C |
| Motor | Spektrum 2838 4500Kv | Spektrum 2838 4500Kv | Spektrum Firma 2848 3000Kv |
| Weight | 820g (no battery) | 1.03kg | 1.48kg |
| Top Speed (Horizon) | 50+ mph (3S) | 35+ mph 2S / 50+ mph 3S | 50+ mph (PowerKey) |
| Stock Pinion | 21T | 22T (59T spur) | 24T (63T spur) |
Terrain, Real-World Performance, and Battery Choices
On smooth pavement, 3S delivers the best acceleration on the 223S GROMs and the Mini Kraton. The Typhon GROM feels the most stable at speed, while the Mini Kraton is happiest on rougher surfaces.
Gravel and dirt bashing exposes battery weaknesses: tired packs sag and trigger ESC cutoff early. Hardcase packs resist impacts better after big jumps.
Backyard jumps and grass eat up battery faster, especially in the heavier Mini Kraton. Land jumps on all four wheels and check the battery strap after big hits.
For street use, 2S gives longer, calmer runs on the GROM 223S models (the Mini Kraton is 3S only). Keep IC2 contacts clean and tight if you swap packs often.
Heat is a real issue during summer or long speed runs. Let the ESC and motor cool between packs, especially on 3S.
→ Spektrum Smart 3S Charger (IC2), The included S10 charger is 2S only. If you move a GROM 223S to 3S, you need a charger that handles 3S Smart packs.
→ Spektrum 3S IC2 LiPo, For a GROM 223S, pick a 3S IC2 pack that fits 101 x 31 x 21 mm (Horizon suggests the 1300mAh SmartFit, SPMX-1089). Mini Kraton owners can use packs up to 112 x 34 x 23 mm.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Battery and Connector for Your Grom in 2026
If you’re buying batteries for an ARRMA GROM 223S in 2026, 2S (7.4V) or 3S (11.1V) LiPos with IC2 connectors that fit 101 x 31 x 21 mm are plug-and-play. Brushed (MEGA) GROMs take 2S only. The Mini Kraton 3S takes 3S only, up to 112 x 34 x 23 mm.
Stay away from no-name packs that fit loose and cause cut-outs. Spektrum Smart IC2 packs match the stock plug. Hardcase packs are worth the few extra dollars for bashers.
Capacity matters, but size limits it: in the GROM 223S tray, 3S packs are around 1300mAh (Horizon suggests SPMX-1089), and the Mini Kraton ships with a 2000mAh 3S pack. Higher capacity only helps if the pack fits.
If you use adapters to run packs with other plugs, check them after each run for heat. For a permanent solution, swap the connector on the pack, with solid, heatshrinked solder joints.
Always use a charger that matches your packs. The included S10 is 2S only (GROM) and the Mini Kraton’s S22 is a 3S charger; Smart IC2 packs report their cell count to Spektrum Smart chargers.
→ Metal Gear Servo, Once you upgrade your battery for more punch, the stock servo (already metal-geared) can still be outgunned. A higher-torque metal gear servo helps with 3S steering loads.
Related fixes covered here
Unique practical notes consolidated from redirected near-duplicate guides (so those URLs can 301 here without losing the useful bits):
- Tray hard limit: GROM 223S max 101 x 31 x 21 mm; Mini Kraton 3S max 112 x 34 x 23 mm (Horizon).
- Connector reality: all current GROMs and the Mini Kraton use IC2. Match the plug on pack and ESC; don’t mix blindly.
- Charger upgrade path: the stock S10 is a 2S-only USB-C Smart charger; for 3S GROM packs, step up to a charger that handles 3S Smart IC2 packs.
- Safety: charge on non-flammable surfaces; LiPo bags help contain failures—don’t skip balance charge on 3S.
Frequently Asked Questions: ARRMA Grom Battery Compatibility
Can I use a 4S or 6S LiPo in my Grom BLX?
No. Horizon lists the GROM 223S BLX models as 2S/3S and the Mini Kraton 3S as 3S only. 4S or 6S exceeds what the SLT 25A and 40A ESCs are rated for and risks permanent electronics damage.
What batteries fit the Typhon, Mojave, and Mini Kraton Grom BLX trays?
GROM 223S (Typhon or Mojave): 2S or 3S IC2 packs up to 101 x 31 x 21 mm. Mini Kraton 3S: 3S IC2 packs up to 112 x 34 x 23 mm. Horizon suggests a 1300mAh 3S SmartFit pack (SPMX-1089) for the GROM 223S.
Will XT60 or Deans batteries work with my stock Grom BLX ESC?
Not directly. The stock ESC uses an IC2 connector, so use IC2 packs, an adapter, or a connector swap. Factory IC2 packs avoid adapter resistance.
What C-rating should I look for in a 3S LiPo for bashing?
The packs ARRMA ships and suggests are 30C Spektrum Smart packs (2S 1400mAh, 3S 1300mAh SmartFit, 3S 2000mAh for the Mini Kraton). Size and connector matter more than chasing a higher C number.
Can I upgrade to a bigger battery for longer runtime?
Only if it fits: 101 x 31 x 21 mm for the GROM 223S and 112 x 34 x 23 mm for the Mini Kraton 3S. Most 3S packs above about 1300mAh won’t fit a GROM tray, so measure first.
Are hardcase or softcase LiPos better for the Grom BLX?
Hardcase LiPos are recommended for bashers, they resist impacts and maintain shape in the tight tray. Softcase packs are lighter but more prone to puffing and damage, especially during jumps or crashes.
How do I safely charge 2S and 3S packs for my Grom BLX?
Use a charger that supports your pack: the included S10 charges 2S Smart packs only, and the Mini Kraton’s S22 is a 3S Smart charger. Never charge unattended, and charge in a LiPo bag on a non-flammable surface.
Final Verdict: Best Practices for ARRMA Grom Battery Compatibility
Sticking with 2S or 3S IC2 packs that fit the tray is the best way to get reliable power and long component life from a GROM 223S, and 3S IC2 packs up to 112 x 34 x 23 mm for the Mini Kraton 3S. The stock IC2 plug avoids adapter losses. Each model has its quirks: the Typhon GROM is the lightest, the Mojave GROM 223S ships with 3S upgrades installed, and the Mini Kraton runs 3S only with PowerGuard.
If you want to squeeze every ounce of performance out of your GROM, invest in quality hardcase IC2 packs that fit. Don’t use 4S or 6S: Horizon lists 2S/3S (GROM 223S) and 3S (Mini Kraton) only. Keep your IC2 contacts clean and dry. For those coming from full-size ARRMA models, remember that GROMs aren’t shrunken Kratons or Mojaves: their battery limits are stricter, and a few millimeters make all the difference in fit.
In 2026, you’ll find plenty of battery options marked “Grom compatible”. Always check dimensions and connector type yourself, since a pack a few mm too big or the wrong plug can ruin your day at the bashing spot.
