ARRMA’s newest Vorteks 4×4 BLX, now armed with the all-new Spectrum 2S/3S brushless system, is an absolute monster. Whether you’re just starting in RC or you’ve been into bashing for years, the new Vorteks delivers. I took this beast out to a fresh skate park and parking lot-style bash zone with jumps, rails, and drops—perfect for putting the truck through its paces.
Here’s the full rundown of my experience.
My First Impression
From the moment I unboxed the Vorteks, I knew this wasn’t just a rehash of the previous version. ARRMA’s given the 2024 Vorteks a slick new graphics package and, more importantly, a totally redesigned body mounting system. No more body clips—just smart push-button latches cleverly disguised as fuel inlets on the body. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference in usability.
Underneath the shell, the layout feels familiar but improved. It shares the same DNA as the older model, but the real magic is in what’s new:
- 2S/3S BLX power system
- The center differential, taller mudguards
- And chassis tweaks that make a real-world difference during high-speed runs and crashes.
ARRMA VORTEKS 223S DSC 4X4 RTR Brushless Review
Chassis and Build Quality
The Vorteks is a 1/10 scale 4WD stadium truck, and everything about it feels solid. The composite chassis has ARRMA’s signature honeycomb bracing, which gives it rigidity without adding weight. It’s paired with heavy-duty suspension arms, big-bore oil-filled coilover shocks (with little dust boots in front), and a ton of thoughtful design.
The suspension geometry feels dialed. Even after repeatedly launching the truck off stairs, ledges, and concrete jumps, nothing snapped. That plush suspension really soaks up punishment, and the truck always landed with grace, even when I didn’t.
Tires and Handling
The Katana tires are perfect for this stadium-truck application. They’re low-profile with just enough bite to grip both pavement and dirt. On the slick concrete surface I was testing on, the rear end would break loose under hard throttle—but that’s where ARRMA’s integrated Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) shines. With DSC turned on, the truck remained planted, predictable, and just straight-up fun to drift around.
I usually prefer driving without DSC for a more raw feel, but here it added to the experience.
Powertrain and Electronics
Here’s where the truck truly rips.
The new Spectrum 2S/3S brushless system includes an 80-amp ESC and a 3100KV motor cooled by a fan and heat sink. It’s technically a two-in-one unit—receiver and ESC combined, which has both pros and cons. On the plus side, it simplifies the wiring and setup, and you get the SLT3 radio system right out of the box.
The downside? It only supports SLT protocol, which limits you if you want to upgrade radios.
But let’s be real—this system performs. On a 2S LiPo, the Vorteks hits 35 mph. That’s fast enough for tight spaces and beginner-friendly bashing. But swap in a 3S pack, and you’re looking at 50+ mph with ease.
I slapped in a 3S and immediately felt the extra punch. The Vorteks had no trouble climbing vertical transitions, popping wheelies, or hucking off ramps.
And it’s not just fast—it’s usable power. The new center differential distributes torque evenly, keeping the truck stable even when things get sketchy at speed. This isn’t just about going fast in a straight line; it’s about doing so with control.
Real-World Bashing Performance
So how does it handle when you stop babying it and start driving like you mean it?
Let me put it this way: I beat the snot out of this thing, and it asked for more. I sent it full-speed into metal rails, down stairs, over uneven terrain, and off sketchy concrete jumps with bad landings. The Vorteks shrugged off all of it.
Yes, the chassis bottomed out a few times. Yes, I heard that tell-tale scraping sound when I over-jumped a drop. But that’s par for the course, and nothing broke. Nothing bent. And more importantly, nothing slowed me down.
The only time I ran into a bit of a hiccup was when I transferred the 223s system into a Gorgon chassis—an experiment to show how versatile the system is. It worked well, but the slipper clutch needed tightening, and without tools on hand, I just rolled with it.
Even then, it was ripping hard, and the extra power brought that chassis to life. Honestly, ARRMA should consider a 223s Gorgon as an official release—it has potential.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. The ARRMA Vorteks 4×4 BLX with the 223s system is everything you want from a modern stadium truck: durable, fast, responsive, and easy to maintain.
If I had to nitpick, it would be the limited compatibility of the SLT system. Enthusiasts who already have more advanced radios might be frustrated that you’re locked into SLT. But for the average user or anyone starting out, that’s a minor gripe.
Final Verdict:
9/10 – A near-perfect truck with brushless power, rock-solid durability, and serious fun factor.
Whether you’re throwing 2S or 3S power at it, the Vorteks doesn’t just handle it—it thrives on it. This is what modern RC bashing is all about.
