Best RC Value Under $100? Arrma Granite Voltage Unboxing | Test | Review

Black Friday special!!! We were able to pick this 2WD RC Monster Truck up for less than $70!
Yes, it is just a brushed 2WD monster truck, not the highest performance rc vehicle ever created - but GREAT for a beginner just entering the hobby!
I was surprised how well this truck drives, how the controller feels in my hand, and how durable it appears at first glance!
Stay tuned to the channel to see more on this Arrma Granite Voltage!
Should we put a hotter brushed motor in it?
How about going full brushless?
Full durability test at a skate park?
What would you like to see us do with it?
Want to pick your own up? Get one here:
- amzn.to/3msApik
- rover.ebay.com...
Or here: www.towerhobbi...
*Note: The provided links to the items recommended in this may be associate links. The great news about this: you pay the same price for the item, but I get a small kickback that helps me fund this channel!
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[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Great to meet you today Troy. This is one of 2 things we brought home from horizon fest😁looking forward to seeing what you brought home

[@RoadsideRC]

Great meeting you also!!

[@RCsBigAir]

It is a really good value for the RC. I had the chance to drive one, I was blown away. Great entry level rig for somebody wanting to explore the world of RC with out spending a lot of money to only find they really don't like it. (I know, how could anybody NOT like RCing.) My only complaint was that it was extremely hard to handle on loose dirt. (That is normal for most two wheel drive vehicles.) Hard for kids to control. But every where else it is awesome! Good testing and showing of this rig.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Certainly a drawback of a 2WD for sure. In grass and on the road it seemed OK.

[@tallie7490]

With a brushless upgrade i think it will be awesome

[@RoadsideRC]

This is it brushless: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqm5o4p_gaqfhs0

[@BMPowered]

We recently did a video on this truck as well. Its a great entry truck. We had a blast on 2SLipo. We ran at a skate park and had a really great time.. The skate park was slick do to the rain. The claimed waterproof electronics held up great to the water sprays. We are going to upgrade ours. Just as others said, I think the low price along with the trusted brand name will get more people into the hobby.

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree! I hope to take it to a skate park later this week!

[@BMPowered]

@@RoadsideRC Awesome..

[@jperk323]

Great video. I’m totally going to order this for my son’s 4th birthday. He already does decent job with my stuff now so I feel he’ll take to it quick. I grew up with Tamiya stuff in the 80’s and I still have all my old cars because of parts support. I refuse to buy cheap junk that can’t be fixed. I know it’s pretty advanced for a 4 year old, but I can dial down the speed and then later turn it up as he grows more confident and his abilities improve.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! I hope he enjoys it!

[@justrelax3323]

Talked a couple of my buddies into buying the Arma granite. We just backyard race in grass. These are perfect for that. The slower speed makes for some close races. We love it. The only thing that broke so far was one of the wires to the motor. Just had to solder it back on. I already had better batteries and a couple good chargers. They finally bought a 4000 nmh.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! This truck would be great for that!

[@Houleigan]

This was the first Black Friday and Cyber Monday that I did not buy anything. Helps being broke! Upside is I got paid today and I am expecting a Xmaxx! Cool truck! and a great price!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! I love my X-maxx. Let me know if you have any questions about it.

[@rcarty419]

Thanks for this helped me to buy one for 99 for my kiddo!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad I could help!

[@GratefulEd907]

I just ordered it for $99 on Amazon it’s gonna be a present for my daughters 8th birthday cant wait to race her and let her win.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome - sounds perfect!

[@tallie7490]

Do like a 1900 kv brushless motor set up , some different white letter tires and some LED lights and lets get it...

[@RoadsideRC]

Whew! 1900kv would be A LOT of power for this truck!

[@AdventureTimeRC]

I got to try this during basher boi tour good truck for the money 💯

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes you did! I forgot about that tour!

[@cenmike82]

Finally a company that produces an rc that you can afford for your youngest kids traxxes Losi ridiculous prices I ordered a arrma kriton 8s for my self

[@RoadsideRC]

It is rather good for the price, for sure!

[@driftcraze2138]

That's an awesome little truck there, you did some impressive bashing and it held up pretty nicely🤙🏻🎄😎🎄👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I have been very impressed with this truck!

[@samcrow1071]

I love my voltage key to it is it's so light that it goes over everything✌

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree - that certainly helps.

[@robertbos2950]

Outdrives stripped out ,esc died,all shocks lost oil sitting on the shelf.purchased for Christmas 2022.only used a handful of times

[@RoadsideRC]

Dang! That is a much different experience than we had!

[@cenmike82]

Awesome I have loads of 2 cell my son loves it and it’s from respectful brand

[@RoadsideRC]

That is right!

[@rileypolfer3705]

Huge fan man I’ve watched like all your vids I want one of these really bad they look rlly nice !!! Great videos keep the content coming

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you for the support!

[@goodcitizen8837]

Great honest review thank you🤘🤙

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@benganz7944]

Hopefully it goes on sale again for $60

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree!

[@integrityrc7356]

Yup awesome truck for that deal. Love it

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree 100%! Thank you!

[@nicholasmays2704]

Im late to the game on arrma products, just snatched this exact on the preblack friday sale from HH. I used a few points as well, got a killer deal. Imagine my heart break to opening it tonight and 3 of 4 shock bodies are grinding into the shock springs on the bottom edges and the ESC is totally dead, will not fire up at all. Tried multiple batteries, not sure if this one just somehow skipped QC or what. So disappointed!

[@RoadsideRC]

That is unfortunate for sure. Bet they will easily cover it under warranty.

[@woutervanwijk4369]

First thing that will go are the outdrive cups. The holes on the inside will strip fast. Original ones are cheap tho. Kraton ones are metal and will fit too.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the tip!

[@woutervanwijk4369]

@@RoadsideRC btw, it's the shaft drive of the Kraton that will fit as an outdrive in the voltage. I ordered ZD racing outdrives to see if they work which would make things a lot cheaper...

[@tshellycreations9059]

Thanks for this vid.. I picked one for 60 also.. what a deal

[@RoadsideRC]

Exactly!!!

[@KurtsRCs]

Nice buy it was cheap and its a cool truck

[@RoadsideRC]

Exactly! When on sale, hard to pass up.

[@RCsBigAir]

This is a great give away vehicle! (We haven't announced it yet but we are planning on adding this to our Mega Give A Way minus the body. Long story there.)

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! The body does look nice - and works as a good backup. I'm building a whole group of giveaway vehicles stashed!

[@RCsBigAir]

@@RoadsideRC That sounds fun!

[@samcrow1071]

No foam in the tires only air..so lite.but yet durable ✌

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes sir!

[@rjrcnunn4908]

I had some club member points on horizon hobby saved from some past purchases, it's on sale right now for $88. I used my saved up points and got it for $47 shipped with taxes. 😁

[@RoadsideRC]

Very nice! I hope you like it! Hard to not like it for $47!

[@rjrcnunn4908]

@@RoadsideRC exactly. Will be the 4th arrma to the fleet. Just as excited for this $47 arrma as I was when I ordered my kraton exb roller 😁

[@GreatLakesRC]

Great pick up! You did even better than I did, I got mine for $70 👍

[@RoadsideRC]

I might have said the price wrong - whatever it was on black friday.

[@GreatLakesRC]

@@RoadsideRC It's a great price for sure! Excited to see what you do with it 👍👍

[@ericmayernick7804]

Great review

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you - this truck really is good for the price.

[@billyb5057]

looks a really cool truck for a starter good test actually goes quite well I think mods are in your mind *👀fully viewed👀👍Au👍thumbs up like*

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes sir! Thank you for the support!

[@kylegeldmaker]

I love this truck. I literally just posted and upgrade video of my voltage.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! I plan to do a few upgrades myself!

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Cool RC for the price,great review

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@ReadytoRunRC]

I didn’t pull the trigger when I saw the Black Friday sale price. Now I’m regretting it 😔

[@RoadsideRC]

This is how multiple times it has been for sale - keep watching for it.

[@ReadytoRunRC]

@@RoadsideRC I will definitely be keeping my eye on the price, knowing that now.

[@readytoridehouston]

nice!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@MightyistheRCGamer]

You can use 3s with that RC. The ESC will even 3 beeps 3 times recognizing the battery but it need 550 motor.... That sucks because the ESC is not the same as the older version

[@RoadsideRC]

I plugged 3S into this one...and it wouldn't turn on.

[@MightyistheRCGamer]

@@RoadsideRC at least you tried... you could put a $20 Hobby wing ESC and then you could use 3s I do with my trucks but I just don't use my brushed RC on any hard terrain like grass because I only use 3s and rough terrain is pretty hard on the 550 motor.

[@JULIANysuHOHNER]

Im trying to get this for my 6year old son i have the kraton 6s and plan to play together.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! If you can swing the extra $$$, I would recommend the 4WD Granite instead - so much easier to control, and has the 50/75/100 throttle limiting.

[@The_Maine_Card_Guy]

My son is turning 6 in a couple weeks and I just got one of these for his birthday. I just took it out to make sure everything works and with a brand new 2S LiPo it was surprisingly quick on dry pavement. I couldn't imagine him having anything faster at this point at his age. You can adjust the speed limiter on the transmitter via one of the dials which I will definitely will to start with....he's a 6 year old boy...so not always the most observant. I'm still slightly torn on the brushed 4x4 as it probably would be easier to control at high speeds, but it's slightly more than 2x as expensive. If he was 8 or 9 I think I would definitely go that route.

[@JULIANysuHOHNER]

@@The_Maine_Card_Guy i totally agree with you this is the best one to start learning and speed is very decent with 2s lipo cant ask for more honestly.👍

[@seasonvett]

I should’ve bought more than 2 👌🏼💪🏼✊🏼 great starter for child

[@RoadsideRC]

I thought that myself!

[@BlackSmithRC]

Awesome deal you got on that basher bro. Gear it up and make it brushless? M.I.D.W.I.D!

[@RoadsideRC]

That is my thought. Go from the 20T to a 12T first, then go brushless.

[@old-rcplane-phart]

Get the inexpensive oynx brushless system. Under $75. 3000 or 4000kv motor and esc

[@RoadsideRC]

That is exactly what I was thinking - assuming this truck will actually hold the power. I am concerned about all of the plastic gears....

[@ks5045]

Integy makes a metal gear set for it.Pretty expensive though

[@csj9619]

Better brushed motor. 16T modified or comparable

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@dgheaa7535]

What size is this

[@RoadsideRC]

1:10

[@geoffkoop]

Just ordered this truck for my kids. What extra battery do you recommend for a little longer run time? I’d like to have several batteries ready to go. Thanks!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Hi Geoff! You are looking for any 2S lipo that will fit in the battery tray. I believe these will fit great - but please double check the dimensions. amzn.to/3cglzeF

[@josephtiessen]

What's the top speed on this thing? Also would a lipo make it even faster?

[@RoadsideRC]

I did a video on that! Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZTMloZ7ecyYmbM

[@rceskimo8229]

Sweet budget rc!

[@RoadsideRC]

Exactly!

[@marklaforet6459]

Hey got this truck and it is great thanks for the 3 wire servo info did not know it was there. Do you know what the switch on the right side of the transmitter is for? Thanks

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad this was helpful! That switch is not used with this truck.

[@cbmadcow]

Hey Roadside, great review. I also picked one up for my 7 year, at the $68 price point couldn't pass it up for a quick Christmas present. In the video you state they are oil filled shocks any idea how to take them apart. I got one that is sticking in the back but could not get them apart.

[@RoadsideRC]

I believe it has a special tool in the box, and the shocks unscrew from the bottom of the shock body.

[@STEVOD313]

Getting parts might be hard to come by since Arrma isn't making these anymore, I bought one for my buddies son a couple years ago when they were $130

[@ks5045]

I didn’t think it was discontinued

[@RoadsideRC]

I was just looking at replacement parts!

[@The_Maine_Card_Guy]

These are on Arrma's website and they are on Amazon.....I bought one for my son about a week ago.

[@Mr_Pilot_]

Cheepest option for speed I guess HW1080 and 12t 550. You have those from Sakura D5S video. I would like to see how it performs with 3s HW1080 12T.

[@RoadsideRC]

I do plan to stick the 12T motor in it for giggles...but going HW1080 means I have to go all-in with a new controller and everything. My current plan is to test it 20T vs 12T, then go cheapo brushless setup.

[@jackanapes6676]

@@RoadsideRC I had this truck, I installed a 12 turn 550 and it did very well on the stock electronics. I would suggest to just use the pinion that is already there. It is slightly faster, however I don't believe that a higher pinion gear would be a good option as it seems it would work the motor more then it should. I also had the first version of this truck that was equipped with the two 18650 batteries that were included with the truck at purchase. It appears that the option for that battery configuration has been revised. I did use the two 18650s, a 6 cell nimh, and 2s Lipo with mine and of course the Lipo did seem the best option for the truck. Good luck with some future mods and I hope this info is useful, Good day.

[@originalgrubby8470]

I was looking at this to sort of get my daughter and myself into. She loves the cheap little warlmart ones and she takes good care of it, so I figure this might be something worth getting. Now the only thing I seem to find was an issue is people said the "drive cups" tend to break, but you can upgrade them to metal.. I have no idea what that means, any chance you could explain? Also, what is the difference between Lipo and NMH? Better battery life? Thanks a bunch!

[@RoadsideRC]

Lipo gives you a much longer battery life, but the tradeoff is it needs more care. Still, lipo is the way to go. I never needed to swap the diff cups, but there are a few videos from other people on how to do it. Rather easy, but costs around $30 or so in parts. If you can afford it, I do recommend saving up and getting a 4WD model from Arrma. The brushed models are around $200. Their 4WD models are even MORE durable and easier to drive compared to this RWD.

[@originalgrubby8470]

@@RoadsideRC - Awesome, thank you so much for the reply. I think I will do a bit of saving and go with the 4WD model. Thank you!

[@MustPassTruck]

Have you ever tried the BEZGAR? Wonder how it competes with ARRMA.

[@RoadsideRC]

The total quality is not comparable to Arrma, but are fun vehicles.

[@thecollectorrc]

Just curious but have you dabled into ECX RC cars yet? 1/18th collection for $100-$150. They even have a Crawler now. We just uptained a free ECX Roost and we're shocked on its possibilities.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the prompt! I have the ECX Temper Gen2 crawler. Did some free mods to it, and an really happy with the results. For that smaller scale stuff, we have been messing with the Haiboxing 1/18 which price around $60-$70, are 4WD, and come with 2 lipos!

[@chrissparks3254]

Just got one of these, what battery upgrade would you suggest?

[@RoadsideRC]

You will want a 2S lipo that fits in the battery compartment.

[@wmurk193]

Awesome video! Not sure if they are comparable, but looking for a good entry level RC truck. Would you recommend granite voltage or HBX16889?

[@RoadsideRC]

That is really tough! Both are fun, and durable. If you have a larger area to run, the Granite would be more fun in the longer run once you convert over to brushless. The 2WD is really the only part that holds it back. If you are in a smaller area, and shorter grass, the 16889 might be more fun.

[@wmurk193]

@@RoadsideRC thanks! Appreciate your input and keep making vids, definitely enjoy watching them

[@Twinblade1984]

Looking to get back into rc cars... what can you upgrade on this?

[@RoadsideRC]

It is! I did a whole brushless conversion on it. It was a blast. Honestly, I would recommend saving a little more money and going with either one of the Arrma Mega line (still brushed, but 4WD) for around $220, or go straight to the 3S BLX lineup (brushless, 4WD) for $320. They will be better in the long run. Here is where I made this Granite Voltage brushless: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZTMloZ7ecyYmbM Here is where I got an Arrma Granite Mega, then converted it to brushless. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGi3fmaIhd-igbs

[@bapasrcadventures3619]

Just wondered if you can tell me if something should go wrong with the esc/receiver combo can you buy another and bind it to the existing controller? Thanks

[@RoadsideRC]

You should be able to, yes. However, I would not. I would upgrade the system instead.

[@bimmerlife5452]

550 mega 12T is so much faster bro you will love it

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I actually did a test, and the speed was rather close.

[@NCMOUNTAINSbackyardRC]

Sweet

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@EastTactics]

Do they make better quality (metal) gears anywhere for this?

[@RoadsideRC]

Not that I found.

[@bayzplayz5273]

Is it waterproof

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes it is!

[@jimbo4203]

I'm looking for a better front bumper for my voltage , heard the tbone breaks , and not sure if integy really fits

[@RoadsideRC]

I would 100% not go with Integy! Personally, I have had good luck with T-bone.

[@jimbo4203]

@@RoadsideRC i appreciate that , it needs something, may try tbone , saw rpm ones but not for voltage

[@rcreviews9894]

How long does the battery take to charge with the charger in the box?

[@RoadsideRC]

Honestly, I never tried. It comes with a nimh battery, and I never plugged it in - went straight to a 2S lipo.

[@classyjeremygaming]

Could we do a 17.5 or 21 turn brushless just to keep it dependable

[@RoadsideRC]

I think so! I did a brushless conversion on this truck - it worked great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZTMloZ7ecyYmbM

[@jalee6587]

Brushless doesn't go by turn they go by kv

[@RoadsideRC]

Brushless does go by turn, especially if sensored.

[@MustPassTruck]

Replacement parts availability vs traxxas?

[@RoadsideRC]

All of the parts for Arrma vehicles can be ordered on Amazon / AMain Hobbies / Horizon Hobbies, etc. My LHS also has a good stock.

[@MustPassTruck]

@@RoadsideRC thanks

[@kevinscannell8481]

The running shots are using nmh batteries?

[@RoadsideRC]

2S Lipo for everything. Stock 20T motor.

[@kevinscannell8481]

@@RoadsideRC thanks for clarifying!

[@surfer9846]

Top speed?

[@RoadsideRC]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZTMloZ7ecyYmbM

[@old-rcplane-phart]

Holler if u need 5 5 wire servos! I have 5 outta a rc plane I just removed! FREE!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! If I upgrade this one, it will go standard 3-wire.

[@GyuHobbyRC]

I enjoyed a great video let's be friends. 우리 친구 해요.~~~ 😀😀

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Thank you!

[@calebgilmore3327]

I started a $60 granite build page to share ideas and tips if you want to follow

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I will try to find it.

[@odd6969]

NOOOOO I PAYED 150 FOR MINE

[@RoadsideRC]

They go on sale occasionally. Still a fun vehicle at $150.

[@dudeman3986]

It's not $100 now

[@RoadsideRC]

Just watch it. They run sales on it every few months.

[@watsonira7]

At a 150 dollars this is the worst value. The esc, servo, tires, shocks are absolute garbage. You want cheap and tough look at hbx, otherwise spend a little more money and get something that can out run your Yorkie. The fact they put granite in the name tells me arrma hopes to get some suckers buying up the wrong shit.

[@RoadsideRC]

I had a BLAST with this truck. Sometimes, the simple fun is the best fun. Of course, I did buy mine at under $100...which is different than $150 in the budget arena.

[@watsonira7]

​@@RoadsideRCI got mine for 80 on Black Friday. That was a good deal for what you get. After all the upgrades almost 300 into it. Should have just gotten the blx. At 150 I'd rather shit in my hat. I like arrma.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@watsonira7 Yeah, I did basically zero upgrades to it. Drove the truck for what it was. It isn't built to he anything crazy - just a simple basher.

[@watsonira7]

So I have to say after bashing this thing and rebuilding it start to finish, I've grown to love it. Easy rebuild, fast on 2s blx( 3s capable but I don't push the gears), tough af, literally 0 problems. I tell people if you are down to upgrade get it.

[@righteoussojourners1764]

I found them to be absolute garbage. I bought three, one didn't work out of the box, one made it through half the first battery change and the third made it to its third battery charge. I could never in good faith recommend these trucks.

[@RoadsideRC]

Wow! What went wrong with them? I bashed this at a skate park, fields, jumps in my yard - all without issue.