If you’ve just picked up your first ARRMA, you’re probably asking: what are the smartest ARRMA first upgrades to make these beasts last? This is the question nearly every new owner hits after their first bashing session. In this 2026 guide, we’ll break down exactly what to upgrade first, with real specs and lessons learned from years of hard use. You’ll leave knowing what actually fails, what delivers the most performance per dollar, and why some “must-have” upgrades just aren’t needed for everyone.
ARRMA Kraton 6S V5 BLX: What Breaks and What To Fix First
The ARRMA Kraton 6S V5 BLX needs a stronger steering servo and shock tower brace as its first upgrades. The stock servo (Spektrum S652, 23kg-cm, plastic gears) struggles with 6S torque and big landings.
We’ve run the Kraton 6S on 6S 5000mAh LiPos (22.2V, 100C) over dozens of packs in 2024-2026. The BLX185 ESC (150A) and 4074 2050Kv motor are solid out of the box. You’ll see 55+ mph on pavement with the stock 16T pinion and dBoots Copperhead 2 tires (150mm diameter).
But after a few hard landings, the front shock tower can bend. The Kraton’s 5.3kg curb weight and 25mm ground clearance demand a stiffer brace. We also snapped two stock servos in under ten packs. The fix: swap in a 30kg+ metal gear servo and a thick aluminum tower brace. Upgrade those before you go wild with gearing or wheels. The stock plastic servo horn is another weak link, especially with a metal servo, swap for aluminum.
→ ARRMA Kraton RC Car, The Kraton 6S V5 is the classic ARRMA basher, and you’ll want to keep it running strong with smart first upgrades.
If you want punchier acceleration, a 17T pinion pushes speed to 59+ mph, but temps rise fast. Add a heatsink and fan if you gear up. The stock plastic driveshafts hold up well unless you fit huge belted tires, then, consider steel upgrades. For battery tips, check our battery compatibility guide.
ARRMA Mojave 6S BLX: Desert Basher, Unique Needs
The Mojave 6S BLX should get a metal gear servo and alloy shock cap upgrades first. The stock S652 servo (23kg-cm) isn’t enough for real off-road loads and wide SCT tires.
The Mojave weighs in at 4.9kg, with a 21mm ground clearance and 1/7th scale 17mm hexes. Its 2050Kv motor and BLX185 ESC match the Kraton, but the Mojave needs more servo torque for those big tires, at least 25kg-cm, ideally 30kg+. We’ve had two Mojaves strip the stock plastic servo gears after a handful of hard landings and fast desert runs. The fix is simple: a high-torque, full metal gear servo, plus an aluminum servo horn for reliability.
Shock caps are another weak point. The plastic caps pop off after big jumps, especially with 6S power. Alloy caps (or full alloy shocks) keep things together. On 6S 5000mAh LiPos (22.2V), you’ll see real-world 55 mph with the stock 16T pinion and dBoots Fortress tires (146mm diameter). Pushing to a 17T pinion gets you 58 mph, but cooling becomes critical. For more on Mojave durability, see our shock failure article.
→ ARRMA Mojave RC Car, The Mojave 6S is built for high-speed off-road, but benefits hugely from a tougher servo and shock caps out of the box.
Unlike the Kraton, the Mojave’s longer wheelbase (560mm) makes it more stable on rough ground but a bit more prone to chassis flex. If you hear chassis slap, consider a center brace. The stock turnbuckles and hubs are solid until you start fitting heavy aftermarket wheels.
ARRMA Infraction 6S: Street Bashing, Gearing, and Cooling
The Infraction 6S V2’s first upgrades are: metal gear servo, high-current connectors, and a dedicated LiPo charger for 6S batteries. Stock electronics are solid for street use, but heat and steering are your first bottlenecks.
We’ve street-bashed the Infraction 6S V2 (released 2025) for over a year. It weighs 4.5kg, runs a 2050Kv motor with a 150A ESC, and comes with a 15T pinion for a stock top speed of 80 mph on 6S (22.2V) and dBoots Hoons tires (101mm diameter). That’s out of the box, fresh, on smooth pavement at 20°C ambient. With a 20T pinion, you’ll see 95+ mph, but you absolutely need a better fan or aluminum heatsink to avoid thermal cutoffs.
The stock servo (Spektrum S652) barely copes with high-speed cornering. We’ve stripped two in under 15 packs; metal gear, high-speed servos solve it. Also, the included IC5 connectors are fine at stock power, but if you run higher-capacity LiPos (6000mAh+), upgrade to QS8/AS150 for maximum current and no voltage sag. Charging two 6S packs in parallel is best done with a modern 2026 LiPo balance charger, the one included (if any) is too slow and lacks cell diagnostics.
→ ARRMA Infraction RC Car, For speed runs, the Infraction’s first upgrades should focus on servo strength, better cooling, and battery safety.
On the Infraction, tires are a wear item. Hoons will chunk after 8–12 street runs. Consider belted replacements for consistent grip above 80 mph. For more head-to-head info, see our Kraton vs Infraction comparison.
ARRMA Typhon Grom: Mini Basher, Big Weaknesses
The Typhon Grom’s first upgrades should be: metal gear servo, bearings swap, and a better battery. Out of the box, it’s fun but has clear durability limits in stock trim.
The Typhon Grom (released late 2025) is a 1/18 scale, 2WD brushless buggy, weighing just 0.68kg. It’s powered by a 3800Kv motor and 2S LiPo (7.4V, 1200mAh), hitting 27 mph with the stock 18T pinion and 80mm tires. The stock servo is a 9g plastic gear design, we shattered three in grass and gravel. Upgrading to a 12g+ metal gear servo is the single best mod. Wheel bearings are bushings from the factory; swap to rubber-sealed bearings for smoother rolling and longer drivetrain life.
Battery runtime is limited, 9–12 minutes on the included pack. Upgrading to a 1500mAh 2S with a higher C rating (30C+) gets you two more minutes and less voltage dip under load. The ESC (25A) can handle it. Stock plastic shocks are bouncy, but survive light jumps. Big air? Consider oil-filled shocks, but these are less common for 1/18 scale. Check our battery guide for Grom options.
→ ARRMA Typhon Grom RC Car, The Typhon Grom is a blast for small spaces, but needs a tougher servo and bearings if you plan to bash hard.
Groms don’t need the heavy-duty upgrades of bigger ARRMA models, but skipping the servo or bearing swap means you’ll be wrenching more than driving.
Key Differences That Actually Matter
Each ARRMA model fails in different ways, so your first upgrades should be targeted. Here’s what separates them:
The Kraton and Mojave use the same 2050Kv motor and 6S electronics, but the Kraton’s shorter wheelbase (470mm) means more nose-diving on jumps, stressing the shock towers and servo. Mojave’s longer chassis flexes more but jumps flatter, so shock caps are the weak point.
Infraction is built for speed, not jumps. It needs cooling and servo strength first, not chassis braces. Its 15T pinion delivers 80 mph out of the box, but overgearing will cook the ESC fast without added fans. IC5 connectors are fine for 5000mAh packs, but 6S 7000mAh+ requires QS8/AS150 if you’re pushing past 120A sustained.
Typhon Grom is a featherweight, so servo and bearings matter more than chassis bracing, it’ll skip over obstacles that would break bigger rigs. The Grom’s 2WD layout puts all the work on the rear drives, so swapping bushings for bearings is a must for smoothness and motor life.
In 2026, prices for key upgrades have stabilized: metal gear servos ($25–55), premium 6S batteries ($70–130), and LiPo balance chargers ($40–100 for 100W+ models). ESC and motor upgrades aren’t needed until you’re pushing for 70+ mph or running huge tires. For most, smart servo and chassis mods deliver more real-world run time and less breakage than power upgrades.
Side-by-Side Specs: First Upgrade Priorities
| Feature | Kraton 6S V5 | Mojave 6S | Infraction 6S V2 | Typhon Grom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1/8 | 1/7 | 1/7 | 1/18 |
| Weight (kg) | 5.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 0.68 |
| Motor | 2050Kv, 4074 | 2050Kv, 4074 | 2050Kv, 4074 | 3800Kv, 380 |
| ESC | BLX185, 150A | BLX185, 150A | BLX185, 150A | 25A |
| Stock Servo | S652, 23kg-cm, plastic gear | S652, 23kg-cm, plastic gear | S652, 23kg-cm, plastic gear | 9g plastic |
| Battery (stock) | 6S 5000mAh (not included) | 6S 5000mAh (not included) | 6S 5000mAh (not included) | 2S 1200mAh |
| Top Speed (stock pinion) | 55 mph | 55 mph | 80 mph | 27 mph |
| Wheel Size (mm) | 150 | 146 | 101 | 80 |
| First Upgrade | Metal gear servo, shock tower brace | Metal gear servo, alloy shock caps | Metal gear servo, LiPo charger | Metal gear servo, bearings |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 25 | 21 | 17 | 11 |
How Your Terrain and Driving Style Affect First Upgrades
Parking lot bashing stresses tires, connectors, and ESC cooling first. If you’re running a Kraton or Infraction on pavement, expect tire wear and heat. Infraction’s Hoons get shredded fast, especially at 70+ mph. Keep a spare set, or swap to belted tires for longevity.
Gravel and dirt track runs push the servo, shocks, and steering hardware. The Mojave and Kraton soak up bumps, but the stock servos can’t hold center under load. Metal gear, high-torque servos keep you on line. Dirty conditions clog stock bearings, especially on the Typhon Grom, sealed bearings are a must for off-road.
Backyard jumps test shock towers, braces, and shock caps. The Kraton’s weak spot is the front tower; Mojave’s is the shock caps. Typhon Grom’s plastic shocks will survive small hops, but not curb launches. For big air, run thicker shock oil or upgrade to alloy shocks (if available).
Street use is all about voltage delivery and cooling. Infraction’s ESC will thermal if you run long speed sessions at 90+ mph without a fan. Upgrade your LiPo charger so you’re not waiting hours between runs. For safe, fast charging, modern 100W+ balance chargers are a night-and-day improvement over the generic wall units.
→ LiPo Balance Charger, A quality 6S LiPo charger cuts downtime and keeps your packs balanced and safe for every ARRMA model in your fleet.
→ 6S LiPo Battery, Reliable, high-capacity 6S packs are the heartbeat of every ARRMA 6S rig. Don’t cheap out, weak packs sag voltage and cut run time.
ARRMA First Upgrades Buying Guide: What Should You Actually Buy First?
For every ARRMA in 2026, the best first upgrade is a metal gear, high-torque servo. The stock S652 (23kg-cm) is the weak link. We’ve burned through a dozen in three years across Kraton, Mojave, and Infraction. Look for a 30–35kg-cm unit with full metal gears, waterproofing, and aluminum horn. They cost $35–55 but save hours of downtime.
→ Metal Gear Servo, Essential for all ARRMA 6S and even the Typhon Grom if you want consistent, reliable steering in rough conditions.
Batteries come next. For Kraton, Mojave, and Infraction, a 6S 5000–7000mAh 50C+ pack is ideal. Cheaper packs sag voltage and puff after 10 cycles. Typhon Grom needs a 2S 1500mAh 30C+ for best run time.
LiPo chargers are the hidden upgrade most new owners skip. The Arrma-supplied chargers are slow (2A or less) and lack cell monitoring. A 100W+ balance charger does 4–5A safely for 6S, recharging in under an hour. Charge bags (LiPo sacks) are a must for safety.
Chassis braces or shock upgrade parts are worth it if you plan to jump, especially for Kraton (tower brace) and Mojave (shock caps). Infraction and Typhon Grom need these less unless you’re running in extreme conditions.
Connectors matter if you’re pushing power: IC5 is fine for moderate use, but for 6S packs over 7000mAh or running back-to-back, QS8 or AS150 are safer. We melted two IC5s in 2025 running 120A continuous with aftermarket ESCs.
Finally, bearings on the Grom and other mini ARRMA models. Swapping bushings for rubber-sealed bearings cuts drag and doubles drivetrain life, a $10–15 upgrade with huge impact. For bigger rigs, stock bearings hold up unless you run in water or deep sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first upgrade every ARRMA owner should buy?
A metal gear, high-torque servo is the best first upgrade for all ARRMA 6S cars and the Typhon Grom. Stock plastic gear servos fail quickly under real bashing, so upgrading ensures reliable steering and less downtime.
Are stock batteries good enough for ARRMA 6S cars?
Stock batteries are usually not included; generic packs are often weak. A high-quality 6S 5000–7000mAh, 50C+ LiPo delivers consistent voltage, more punch, and better run times for Kraton, Mojave, and Infraction.
Do I need a new charger when I buy an ARRMA?
Yes, especially for 6S models. The included chargers are slow and often lack balance features. A modern LiPo balance charger with cell monitoring is safer, faster, and extends battery life for all ARRMA rigs.
How important are chassis braces and shock upgrades?
Chassis braces and shock cap upgrades are critical for heavy bashing, especially on Kraton and Mojave. These parts prevent bending and popping after big jumps, saving money and frustration in the long run.
Is the Typhon Grom durable out of the box?
The Typhon Grom is fun but needs upgrades for serious use. The plastic gear servo and stock bushings are weak points; swap both for better durability and smoother performance, especially on rough terrain.
What connector upgrades should I consider?
IC5 connectors work for most stock setups, but if you run high-capacity batteries or upgraded ESCs, switch to QS8 or AS150 connectors for higher current handling and reduced voltage sag, particularly on Infraction.
Are aftermarket tires worth it as a first upgrade?
For Infraction and street-runners, belted aftermarket tires last longer and provide more grip above 80 mph. For off-road models, tire upgrades can wait until the stock set wears out unless you need specific traction.
Final Verdict: Your 2026 ARRMA First Upgrade Priorities
If you want your ARRMA to last and deliver the best experience, don’t fall for the power-upgrade hype before you handle durability basics. For Kraton, Mojave, and Infraction, a metal gear servo is the single most important upgrade, the stock S652 just can’t cope with real bashing on 6S. Add a solid 6S LiPo battery and a modern balance charger to maximize run time and safety. If you jump or bash on rough ground, invest in shock braces (Kraton) or alloy caps (Mojave).
Typhon Grom owners should swap the stock servo and bushings before running hard. Bearings and a 12g+ servo transform the Grom from toy-grade weakling to a mini basher you can actually trust.
Skip the motor and ESC upgrades unless you’re chasing 70+ mph or running huge aftermarket wheels. For most, basic durability and runtime upgrades offer way more value and fun than raw speed parts. In 2026, these are the first ARRMA upgrades that deliver real, proven results, on any terrain, at every skill level.
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