First Drive of the new Kraken RC VEKTA.5 Trophy Truck!

We took the new VEKTA TT out for our first drive at the punishing Five Mile Pass in Utah. It was a ton of fun sliding this truck and blasting through the whoops in the desert. Also see how this truck held up in our after drive where we go into some of the specifics of how it ran.
Pre-orders are available now! www.davesmotors...
The only changes from stock were the addition of the Outerwears pre-filter for the air filter: www.davesmotors...
The KillerRC Super Bee kill switch: www.davesmotors...
DDM Dominator for VEKTA in black: www.davesmotors...
Special thanks to KrakenRC.com for letting us have the first look at the brand new Trophy Truck!

[@SmithRCStudios]

Hey dude nice video. Great spot there for bashing! Thanks for the tip brother. And also nice to meet you today. Cheers

[@DDMSteveB]

Glad you made the stop! I really appreciate it. I subbed, you got some great content! Can't wait to see what is next

[@BOTAJELL]

Wow I love it 😍!! Bro the suspension is amazing 👍!! I can’t believe how scale it is like the real thing Fn Amazing bro! Super Zeeeeeaah that’s all I got to say! 👍💥👊💥🤝💥!! That’s No Rash on the body,, it’s a Trophy 🏆 bro and now it’s baptized correctly and better then ever and that was a pretty bad ass Trophy 🏆! Keep up the great 👍 work Steve! My hats off to you brother because your out there doing it Braaaaapn it on your free time from busting your ass and putting in all those hrs at DDM!! One of these days I have to meet up with you guys and have a little bash !! I’ll bring the ramps and the beer 🍻 !! You guys bring the fuel ⛽️ since your fuel out there is better then mine on the east coast!

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you BOTAJELL! Love what you do for the community. Keep cranking out the vids my brother!

[@chriswalter3155]

Under powered they should sell it as a roller let us decide on engine and pipe

[@DDMSteveB]

To be fair in the video we were not driving at full noodle when I was trying to get the close up scenes because I was running after it. Top speed is pretty similar to a 5IVE-T RTR or MTXL RTR.

[@5scbasher17]

Agree. Knocking. Down $200-300 as a roller.

[@den41400]

Lets say the rcmax 90cc

[@californiamotherlodeprospect]

Especially given the 5T 2.0 comes with a Zenoah G320 for $1399.99

[@DDMSteveB]

www.davesmotors.com/KRAKEN-KV5TT-KT7710-TSCO-TRUCK-ROLLER.html rollers are now offered...

[@konaroast2000]

Please please please pronounce the traxxas U.D.R ( ultimate desert racer ) properly. Its not a traxxas udder as a udder is a female gland on a cow. But just for u i corrected it for u lol👶👶

[@dchilton]

dale leeder yes it is a female cow part. Drive one LOL

[@DDMSteveB]

I will now refer to it as the "YOU-DER" to satisfy your requests. :P

[@dchilton]

@@DDMSteveB awesome

[@DDMSteveB]

Should we also let Dale know that there is a big difference between calling it a "Desert" Racer and a "Dessert" racer?

[@konaroast2000]

@@DDMSteveB thats the trouble with auto text but good call lol

[@brettrobinson6056]

Good afternoon. I am seriously thinking of getting one of these...I live in Cape Town, South Africa. Can't decide between this or the Losi 1:5 scale Gas truck... just worried about the reliability etc.

[@BullyBoxer]

Terribly front heavy these things ,a Losi 5T 2.0 is a far superior drive as I'm concerned, I do like it to look at though, I own both .

[@kenantonelli8059]

Why does my out of th we box, rtr trophy truck brakes lock up? I cant even drive it as of yet. Thanks for any advice yo u might have

[@PhilBender612]

........This is my losi 5-T, its 4 wheel drive, gas powered and will beat the hell out of that krack head truck. Jk..but you must really love this truck amping it up so. Looks good. Sounds great. Stock exhaust?

[@Victic005]

I realize the Vekta and the Vesla are too wide. The TT seem to be the right width.

[@DDMSteveB]

It is much more nimble being this narrow. The scale looks and full rendered body are unmatched for sure

[@Victic005]

@@DDMSteveB the Vesla look really weird. If it's an inch narrower, it would be better. Or the wheel base extended.

[@DDMSteveB]

the VESLA drives so well with that extra width though. I really like how the VESLA drives. Being 2WD it really makes the buggy drive stable.

[@flipflopsgarage]

It’s a vekta with a truck body. Nose dives on jumps ✅ Too heavy ✅ Slower than a 5t✅ And yes I have the V5 and 5t. They should have made it 2wd. My Kraken converted Baja hauls ass and is a blast to drive. Btw I bought my kid a UDR and it’s not that bad.

[@DDMSteveB]

Yes, essentially it is a VEKTA with a truck body - the same thing that people have been asking for since the VEKTA came out. Have a look at the new video I posted this morning. This video didn't showcase as well the speed largely because the engine wasn't completely broken in, and the GoPro was shot on a wide angle which distorts the actual speed of the truck. I agree the UDR is not bad, it is a pretty neat truck. I just tend to poke fun at Traxxas is all.

[@lukenukem1164]

Sounds horrible.

[@DDMSteveB]

Yeah. GoPro's only do so good.

[@Anthony-ke5ci]

Lol its not worth no $1700.00

[@DDMSteveB]

Thanks for watching!

[@christophermay4998]

RC stuff isn't cheap.......2 grand isn't a lot of money in the RC world........gas or electric......it's not going to be cheap for the good stuff.......at least when you get the good stuff you can fix whatever you break........and you will break it.......it's part of the fun.......if you don't have time and money to spend.......don't get into the hobby

[@vijayshan3804]

Awesome cars and an awesome spot to rc! You guys are living the rc dream! Top video :)

[@crazyphone100]

I have the UDR and I like it. it's good for us city folk up here in NY where its impossible to run a gas rig. it's pretty sweet though for a gas SC Truck

[@DDMSteveB]

My friend Pope is the one who brought the UDR. He had the DBXLE and the 5IVE-T in the video. It was my first time driving the truck and second time seeing it in person. It is definitely a neat truck and the best thing Traxxas has put out in over a decade. Not everyone has the space for a gas truck, me included. I have over a dozen electric models that get driven every bit as much as my gassers. The Baja Rey at the beginning is my personal truck. I have driven the balls off that thing and it is a TON of fun! When that truck exists I don't even understand why people buy a 4x4 slash. Apparently me poking fun at the big T has been lost on most people watching the vid here and on Facebook.

[@Dakar.Roamer]

UDR is pretty spectacular, especially for a volume produced product. Don’t really understand why it gets slammed in the video. Sure, it’s no Kraken, but it isn’t trying to be. Other than that, was good to see the TSCO running...

[@carbonelement77]

Which one is the better truck this or the losi 5t 2.0 ?? simply asking which one drives, jumps, handles all weather, and terrains better ? thanks for the help

[@DDMSteveB]

If based purely on performance (handling/jumping etc) then the 5IVE-T 2.0 is the "better" truck. I simply find the VEKTA to be more fun to drive and I prefer my VEKTAs to any other 1/5 on the market now.

[@carbonelement77]

DDMSteveB thanks for letting me know as I’m deciding which one to get !

[@DDMSteveB]

@@carbonelement77 If those are your two options - there is no wrong answer! You will love either one you get

[@carbonelement77]

@@DDMSteveB thanks for the help

[@SnarkyRC]

Sounds like a weed whacker. No thanks

[@TopKick818]

That's exactly the type of motor it's using.

[@rtoebak76]

@@TopKick818 lmao..😂

[@paintendaveextremecollisio8057]

Hey Steve Thanks for posting a real opinion! Steve is the battery box any easier to work with now? Once again Awesome video man!

[@DDMSteveB]

Thanks for following along and watching! The battery box is still a pain in the ass. I have a couple of ideas I am experimenting with. My original KV5 now has the Full Force dual servo mount and the battery box is TIGHT with that many wires. Once I get the setup refined the way I am happy with it I will post a How-to and in depth video showing my modifications :)

[@BullyBoxer]

@@DDMSteveB Steve I have one of these trucks have to be honest a disappointment in comparison to my 5T 2.0 ,the Kraken handles terrible in comparison and is nowhere near as reliable.

[@RafaelGonzalez-d5z]

Go nuts

[@mgate01]

Hi Steve, is there a difference between this truck and the ultra unlimited aside from the cage and panels?

[@candybutcher8662]

traxxas Utter

[@BGnation573]

Can we still get these from y’all?

[@DDMSteveB]

yes! www.ddmracing.com/KRAKEN-VEKTA-KV5TT-TSCO-TRUCK-RTR-KT7708-5TH-SCALE-TRUCK

[@tdbomg1]

Hi , would you recommend this or the losi 5t ?

[@DDMSteveB]

Both trucks are so different and I like them both for different reasons. Purely performance based the 5IVE is the better vehicle, but I have a lot more fun driving them VEKTA. It also looks infinitely cooler.

[@bduff007]

Needs a Conley V8

[@DDMSteveB]

And now I have a dream that will never be a reality. That would be amazing!

[@DDMSteveB]

I now have a new dream.

[@NoNegotiation]

Do you know/think that by taking some of the tension off of the original Vekta servo saver that we can achieve the same ''feel'' as the TT?

[@DDMSteveB]

You can get a little bit of that feel by using less tension, but this is such a softer rate it will not be the same effective rate. The TT spring is better. We will have them separately for sure.

[@NoNegotiation]

DDMSteveB cool, thanks for the reply.

[@gearheaddave9639]

Biased much...

[@DDMSteveB]

Yes, very! But I also do love the truck on its own merits.

[@SuperJiggawhat]

Fantastic review on the Kraken RC VEKTA.5!!

[@Ryan-gf3jf]

Wow! Sweet Vekta TT! Great vid steve! Do you see a big diff between the first vekta and this one?

[@DDMSteveB]

They are definitely a different drive. I was a little timid on really airing out the truck on bigger jumps because it was basically a production sample truck and some parts aren't available for replacements like arms (but those will be here when the truck is released). The truck jumps really balanced with the rear spare tires mounted, I think a lot of people will appreciate that. The scale driving experience is improved over the regular VEKTA. You get a lot more body roll in the corners, more back end squat when accelerating and it is every bit as stable and easy to slide like the standard VEKTA. Minor tweaks but overall solid improvement! I am anxious to put more power into it

[@rayfoster4546]

I wonder if a CONLEY V8 would work?

[@BIGGBULLxxx]

Is there any place for lights front and rear?

[@michaelstewart3042]

Redrum redrum you guys are straight killing it lol👍👍👍👍👍👍👀👀👀👀👀👀

[@jlast450]

Would you recommend a RCMAX engine in this? If so which one 50,55 or 46 to keep it safe ?

[@DDMSteveB]

The RC Max engines are quite good. A friend I go driving with regularly has the 65. For me I think that’s a bit much. I’d say the 46 or 50 would be the sweet spot. Perhaps I’m much too practical 🤷‍♂️

[@jlast450]

@@DDMSteveB Same here. I like to keep it safe. Is there much difference between the 50 and 55?

[@djstewart3320]

Slowwww

[@thatguy2887]

Great Video.I know this is off topic but I have a qustion I recently purchased a XCR 1000 from DDM spur got chewed up from pinion getting loose.Can I use a spur from DBXL cause their are no more XCR spur gears in stock..Thx

[@DDMSteveB]

They are pretty different. I don't think the DBXL would work. We just got an order from RCMK and they did not have the spur gear on it. We inquired when we can expect more and we are waiting to hear back

[@sd_rcfanatic157]

Nice looking truck but the body won’t last. I hope there is a body like 30 degrees north.

[@DDMSteveB]

It has held up pretty good. I will be reinforcing a couple spots with some shoe-goo and fiberglass body tape in the inside.

[@evermtz8001]

Sick!!! Yo Steve any idea if kraken will sell the body shell and roll cage separate? I'm guessing it's the same chassis as the vekta 5, right! I hope to hear back, thanks bro.

[@DDMSteveB]

Yes, all replacement parts will be available separately, but it will not be very cost effective. It is driveshafts, the rear axle housing, body panels, cage, arms. It will not be cheap.

[@laprizzle7587]

Awesome rc collection. You spoke so highly of the baja rey and you seem to like trophy trucks...you going to get a super baja rey? Also, reading the comments here and it looks like you really agitated the traxxas fans lol

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you! Yes, I have had my 1/10 BR for nearly two years. It remained largely stock and I have shown little sympathy. It gets driven on 3S power. I recently painted the body shown, added some PL tires and new wheels, the Exotek front diff housing and Vanquish rear axle and rear upper links. It is SO MUCH FUN to drive! Even with the new added pieces I still beat on it pretty heavily. I would love a Super Baja Rey, maybe one day I will add that to my fleet. I have a Yeti XL now which is a ton of fun to drive, even though it needs a steady diet of ring and pinion gears. And it seems our Traxxas friends are pretty upset over a couple small jokes lol.

[@gregorydoerner3039]

Hey man your holding those parts like it's a shirt diaper. You never got your hand dirty before

[@DDMSteveB]

My wife likes soft hands.

[@rotary1977]

Hey Steve, obviously these things will see most of their action off road but any chance you could post a little footage on asphalt/pavement. Interested to see how the suspension squats, dives and rolls on high traction surfaces. Thx.

[@DDMSteveB]

Not a bad request! We are going to do a video of it on the pavement with a GPS to get real world top speed. We have talked about running these SST style!

[@rotary1977]

Awesome. Look forward to it.

[@BIGGBULLxxx]

Hi Steve what's the top speed with the dominator pipe? And does that dominator melt the fuel lines? Because it looks like that it will melt it. And it I order it with dominator pipe will the rear axial come with the aluminum door or the plastic door to get to the gears. Thanks

[@DDMSteveB]

I never put a GPS on any of my cars. The top speed is pretty zippy; I would guess around 35 MPH, on par with what most 1/5 out of the box are. You won't melt fuel lines. The rear axle cover is plastic now, the alloy cover is not included.

[@pacazo1973]

Were is buy.

[@gatti493]

haha what speed is that man, looks around 30mph maybe 35 ?? its rapid lol

[@DDMSteveB]

gatti493 yeah probably around 35, pretty average for most 1/5 4wd models. Like anything just throw money at it and it will go faster.

[@TopKick818]

Why no HPI BAJA 5T included in the bash session.

[@DDMSteveB]

I don't have a Baja 5T anymore.

[@gpaje]

The truck looks awesome! I guess my Losi 5ive T will no longer be the top dog in my garage.

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Wow what a Beast, that is massive , great bashing, great video my friend

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you very much!

[@modularrc6428]

Awesome trophy truck! Great review! Thanks for all you do for the hobby!!!

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment for me :)

[@steliannistor1878]

What’s the price of this vehicle?

[@DDMSteveB]

They have a street retail price of $1699

[@SchakkasRCGarage]

Great Video. Like the New Kraken is it 1/5th ?

[@DDMSteveB]

Yes, this is also a 1/5 designation! It is a little longer than the VEKTA since the bumper/skid and roll cage are a little longer. This is nearly 40 inches long tip to tail.

[@fernandofranco6822]

Hey brotha. What kind of carburetor is on the truck?

[@DDMSteveB]

Completely stock on this, CY F290 29cc four bolt engine, Walbro WT-668 carb. Easy to start, easy to tune.

[@lovswr]

I'm so jealous of peeps who have access to great R/C play grounds (so to speak). I live in Tampa & don't want to go to the beach but patches of dirt are so hard to find around here. I was out in Fresno a few months ago & that place is an R/C'ers dream. Anyway great vid.

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you! I am definitely fortunate that this place (Five Mile) is about a 30 minute drive from where I live. It is BLM land that is dedicated for OHV use so we don't ever get bothered for running there.

[@kingwillie206]

The Traxxas udder?

[@DDMSteveB]

I think it is the Traxxas "YOU-DUR"

[@paschalmullins3360]

traxxas U N L I M I T E D desert racer, not ultimate smh

[@DDMSteveB]

Safe to say it is definitely not the ultimate. UN-limited? Ehhhhhhh.

[@brentfaulkner1980]

I’m thinking about getting the KV.5 or the Vekta Trophy Truck. First serious RC. Any thoughts or suggestions or Ideas? What are the benefits of 2 steering servos? Could you maybe show the swap out/how to on a bigger engine and tuned pipe on the Trophy Truck?

[@DDMSteveB]

Thanks for commenting! Double steering servos gives you a lot more torque to swing the big tires around. Having double the servos also increases the strength since you are spreading steering drivetrain shock through two servos rather than just one. I will definitley do a video on how to change the stock engine for a bigger one. Tuned pipe install is the same on the VEKTA TT as the orignal VEKTA. Same is also true of the engine swap. Kraken has a nice video showing removal/install of an engine into a VEKTA.

[@brentfaulkner1980]

DDMSteveB thanks! Great video btw!

[@oneil6599]

The steering broke on its maiden voyage?

[@DDMSteveB]

Not exactly. A screw fell out of the spindle (steering knuckle). When it comes to giving a review/feedback on any model I generally run them out of the box as-is so that I can give honest feedback if there are any issues or things that need to be addressed.

[@Anthonynd1975]

Good job man very detailed description how many parts in ur examination are interchangeable with the original one are the back uprights shorter than the vekta5 🤷‍♂️I'll probably just stick with the original version I personally like the look better 👍

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you for leaving a comment and the nice remarks. Basically the center of the truck front to back is identical. Uprights are the same. It is more narrow so shorter arms, driveshafts, turnbuckles, shorter rear axle housing. Wheelbase length is the same. Front bumper/skidplate is different.

[@Anthonynd1975]

DDMSteveB thanks man for the information 👍🙏

[@tamerakel]

That sucks, sounds like the engine is struggling.

[@DDMSteveB]

There were a few shots where the video was slowed down so it wasn't a split second of action, also some spots where full throttle was not used so I could run along side it to get some video of it running. That said the 29cc is adequate, but no powerhouse. I will post a video of how fast it goes.

[@den41400]

I can tell you have too much joy on that truck

[@GKHNGKR]

Man that thing is massive! Badass truck!

[@DDMSteveB]

It is massive, difficult to carry lol

[@neilpro18]

Would love to get this one with a different motor like a zenoah would be the 3 truck from you thanks

[@DDMSteveB]

The VEKTA TT is now available as a roller! That means you can get it and put in your own engine/radio of choice. Pretty good deal: www.davesmotors.com/KRAKEN-KV5TT-KT7710-TSCO-TRUCK-ROLLER.html

[@neilpro18]

@@DDMSteveB thank you

[@whittosrc8928]

That is a cool truck man

[@DDMSteveB]

Agreed! It is a lot of fun running it around. The new dialed in rear suspension is a lot of fun and adds to the driving experience.

[@mrn0b0dy38]

1:39 that is a traxxas udr

[@DDMSteveB]

So that is what that thing is called.

[@kittrct8437]

Awesome video man I can’t wait till I get mine

[@DDMSteveB]

You are not alone. Feel pretty spoiled that I got to have one first :D

[@divinechaos15thscalerc9]

Thanks Steve 👍

[@grantnelson884]

Love it Steve

[@fatcatdan65]

cant wait to get my set up and join in on the fun i am right here in utah tooele acually

[@DDMSteveB]

That is excellent! You should definitely hit up Five Mile, you should be able to hit it up pretty easy from your location too. We will need to get together and do a bash

[@fatcatdan65]

@@DDMSteveB Lookin' Foward to it.

[@fatcatdan65]

@@DDMSteveB do you stock a crank case outerwear for a 45cc if so list part number for me

[@17madracki17]

cool enough to get back into fifth scale possibly.

[@DDMSteveB]

If you have been out for a while definitely jump back in! Between all the choices from Losi and the two KRAKEN rigs they are all awesome! Best time to be in 1/5 right now

[@17madracki17]

DDMSteveB i’ve been out a year. i left owning a 5ivet and racing them.

[@temper21st]

great vid

[@DDMSteveB]

Thank you for stopping by to watch!

[@yomitarelmalo]

The better one still be the 5ive t

[@DDMSteveB]

Better how? It is not always how fast you go, but how you go fast.

[@yomitarelmalo]

DDMSteveB what is you best option this car or 5ive t?

[@JOEMAMMADRINK40Z]

.......practice.

[@christophermay4998]

@@JOEMAMMADRINK40Z yup........newbies break stuff really quick........been there done that.......plenty of times.......takes time to build driving and mechanical skills........the veterans always make it look so easy

[@JOEMAMMADRINK40Z]

@@christophermay4998 yeah man, always gotta have money fostered for: battery pax, steering servos, tires, plugs, clutches......pix & strings....... I can't really nor don't care to live w/o guitars or rc......rather jus f'n die. ha........my man, READ: no one-anywhere-ever-can-buy-Experience.....it has to be lived......regardless it inevitably rewards..

[@gizmo6923]

Darn thing i wish that kraken tsco is a brushless Cant stand the smell of the gas

[@DDMSteveB]

There are brushless conversion kits

[@gizmo6923]

@@DDMSteveB awww too late i order the sbr 2.0

[@5scbasher17]

Just want to say thanks again for such great customer service! #DDMFriday

[@BIGGBULLxxx]

Which model of kraken is the best for performance and speed? Thanks

[@BIGGBULLxxx]

It look pretty cluttered up in there , like it might be a task to work on something simple. By the way FROM STEVEwill you be selling the GOD DRAGON HAMMER VOKTZ? THANKS

[@DDMSteveB]

I recently tallied up my total of RC's. I was a little....shocked to find that I have accumulated 20, which includes a half dozen large scales. It is usually not this messy but this summer I have been a little ambitious with taking on too many projects at once. No plans on stocking a dragon hammer truck. Thanks for watching!

[@Thats-just-nasty]

Awesome truck dude keep up the good work braaap 4life liked and subscribed ✌️

[@DDMSteveB]

Gas gas braaap!

[@Thats-just-nasty]

DDMSteveB hell yeah 4life

[@JOEMAMMADRINK40Z]

Is it just me or does DDMSteve bear an uncanny resemblance to Steve from Family Guy? Just Joshin ya dude. 8^) This thing is drives and appears cooler than those ancient New Era 1/4's I.M.O........ I 'member them.........

[@DDMSteveB]

The New Era monster trucks with those air filled tires back in the day were AWESOME! We have definitely come a long way! Thanks for watching :)