Best Budget RC Car? Gorgon Could Be It!

Arrma Gorgon: an unexpected addition to the Mega 2x4 550 line-up earlier this month, it's already in Australia and I got one of the first ones off the plane. And oh boy, am I glad I did!
The last time I had so much fun with a brushed RTR was with a Kyosho Fazer Mk II, Traxxas Bandit and HPI Jumpshot V2. They're all brilliant and different machines. But for this machine, where I already have numerous monster trucks and way more powerful bashers? I wasn't sure what to expect.
Well, I can honestly say I did NOT expect to have such a great time as I did with the Gorgon here. It tracks straight, jumps well, crashes well, is easy to use, comes with every single thing you need and other than the body getting battered over time, I think it may be one of the most kid-proof models I've ever used.
For a big brand, it's cheap. And it's seriously good. Let me show you!
** Buy yours here: amzn.to/3FtYIaO **
Arrma's site: www.arrma-rc.com/en/product/1...
There's a kit, too: www.arrma-rc.com/en/product/1...
Did you notice the driver name under the side windows? (S.L.JACKSON) The bumper stickers at the rear? (Beware: snakes on board) They clearly had a bit of fun with the theme of this one!!
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[@Schmidt3850]

Been in this hobby for 20 years. I love this truck with a brushless conversion.

[@RCTNT]

I love it even with the stock motor, it is just so much fun! It's getting plenty of use here!

[@Xjeepguy]

Great vid! I love mine. I got the builders kit, and it goes together in about 45 mins. Great truck and tough as nails. I installed a brushless motor/ESC I had laying around that came in my Mad Van. Super fun truck. Just a heads up, I run a 5000mah Spektrum 3s hard case in mine. Fits perfectly.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I fit a 3S 5200mah hard pack Zeee in mine as well. I cut that from the video so it wouldn't be too long, but it's good to know. Glad you're enjoying yours! Go great, don't they!

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Really fun video brother! Arrma really did something great here and made it affordable to most everyone. This thing is super durable, and offers great looks and performance for what it is. Hoping I get my hands on one ASAP. Always new things coming from you. Keep up the awesome information and entertainment you provide. Your a true ambassador to the hobby!👊🏼🤗✌🏼🍻🙌🏻

[@RCTNT]

Aw thanks! The body is starting to look a bit ragged on mine, so I may have to do an update on that, but otherwise yes this thing has been brilliant. Cheers!

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

It’s interesting to me that “hobby grade” is now moving towards being constructed like a “toy grade” but with better materials, engineering, and electronics. I imagine that’s how they hit those price points. I think it’s a sensible change that I’ve seen from a few different go-fast type models. 🍻

[@RCTNT]

I mean, tamiya models are hobby grade and they're the closest thing to toy grade as far as their plastics go. This thing is completely hobby grade, not a shadow of a doubt. Slipper, adjustable, replaceable parts, modular design, plush and reliable suspension, good radio, usable tires, the list goes on. They've nailed it, for the price. And it really delivers on fun - I'm still shocked at how good it is.

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

@@RCTNT I agree. I was looking more at the simplicity of the chassis overall, and the narrow shape compared to the body and track. Also, Tamiya has long (perhaps always) been in a bit of a class of their own, at least in my mind.

[@jalee6587]

It's nothing like a toy grade. Toy grade is non replaceable parts. Non standard servos motors gears electronics and batteries. The gorgon is hobby grade. Full replacement parts. Standard 550 motor. 2 in 1 ESC will also fit a standard receiver and ESC in place. Standard .8 mod pinion, standard servo.oil filled shocks

[@RCTNT]

I suspect the 2 piece plastic chassis and the bright plastics give a feel of toy grade, despite it clearly being a hobby grade vehicle. Perception matters, but thankfully the price, construction, materials and design (over) deliver on value and fun. The body isn't ideal, given mine is already getting a bit rough after just 3 packs, but that's the only weakness I've found in what is otherwise an absolutely solid basher!

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

Absolutely right, Craig. In the opinion of a journeyman in manufacturing, it’s darn good design.

[@2iinfinite]

Thanks for the book recommendation! Great video

[@RCTNT]

Heh no worries! I really recommend it on audible, Fry reads his own work and it's really good.

[@Arturito2017]

Saw this at hobby town and for the price it’s crazy

[@RCTNT]

It gets used nearly every day here. Only problem so far is the motor shifted on its mount yesterday after my boy ran it into a wall at full speed. Though little thing and the tires really make it. Easy to recommend!

[@Noizy-Boy]

Nice review. I have seen others state that the body is the weakest part. Thanks for your review!

[@RCTNT]

Time will tell, and then I'll tell you. But so far so good

[@Casitascrawlers]

I see some of the guys showing broken & cracked bodies but they where definitely testing it’s limits so that’s common I love it for the $ ya can’t beat it. You really can’t complain for the price & it’s just plain fun. 👍

[@RCTNT]

Agreed. My son has been playing with it heaps. I should reinforce the body before it breaks though!

[@michaeldorich4485]

You've done another great review. I bought one, but haven't run it yet. Your review is very comprehensive. I like the truck. I have watched many reviews and tests. Most people have no problems. I have some things happen. Two people had the motor move. Three people has the servo saver break. Only one was really bashing it hard. It's a different style than other Arrma servo savers. One review running it at a skate park had the body crack on the top where the body support connects to the body in the back. Two people found it took forever to charge the NIMH battery with the included charger, which might be a downer on Christmas morning. I think it's great truck that offers a lot of fun. These occasional problems didn't discourage me from buying one. I have seen many reviews where they bashed it they had no problems. It's a lot of fun.

[@RCTNT]

Isn't youtube useful, eh? That's some impressive info you've been able to collect! We've really been enjoying ours. My son has used it every day since it's been here. The body is starting to look a bit ragged, but the rest of the machine has been great!

[@michaeldorich4485]

@@RCTNT That's great to hear. I am glad one of the larger companies has made an effort to put out a more reasonably priced product that looks great and is a lot of fun. They need to lower the prices a little on the replacement bodies. The clear replacement body is described as polycarbonate.

[@RCTNT]

Ooh really? Wow. Yep that's the one to have then. Hopefully they change the rtrs to that too.

[@The_RC_Family]

OMG I loved Mythos!!!

[@RCTNT]

He wrote a couple more after it, too!

[@wtfmimshag]

Ive flown turbines with the owner of the aussie HH distributor - gained some insights into where the extra markup of horizon products goes lol

[@RCTNT]

Heh right, I see! Well, credit to them on logistics and speed, these new releases are getting to Australia quickly!

[@jayb3518]

Have an old stampede I was in the process of "restoring" a bit for my 5 yo daughter to drive around to get her in to RC, but with the ageing plastics and the money I would want to put into it to make it something fun for her, It's almost cheaper to get the Gorgon, without the battery and charger, which is currently $149 U.S. It's a no brainer, and I can let the wife drive the stampede, which because of it's age and current condition is probably not as tough as the new gorgon... I assume you may be able to use some other body posts from similar cars to be able to use different bodies. I have seen a lot of videos, where the body seems to crack, but of course they are bashing them pretty hard Keep up the good Diverse content, you make my "work" day enjoyable, and I feel like I live vicariously through you in the sense of getting to drive all these RC's or work on them, because time is a premium with a 5 year old.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, I really appreciate that. I think you've got a good plan there. The basic gorgon is priced incredibly well for the durable machine it seems to be. Cheers

[@jalee6587]

Pretty sure it's 139 for the blue model without battery

[@RCTNT]

That's right, I showed it on screen during the video. Not bad eh

[@marresjepie1887]

Funny You also noted the roadholding. It's só plush. I tried it on a beach together with a properly adjusted Rustler from a friend, and it was crazy close afa controlability went. He also ran a stock Stampede. That's a hard to control, bouncing brick, compared to the Gorgon. When the Stampede was introduced, It ruled the pseudo-Monstertruck hobby segment (Not talking about competitions, just bashing ) . It's one of those moments you realize that development in RC afa materials, design and stock features, hasn't stood still the last 15/20 years.

[@RCTNT]

Well, the Stampede hasn't moved much in all that time, but yes, the lovely plush tires under the Gorgon are AMAZING - and they sound great on gravel and tarmac, too!

[@roblowrie1969]

Arrma have hit the nail perfectly with this truck. It looks awesome, and seems to run really well. The only issue I've seen in the few videos so far is the shell cracking very easily. And its extortionate to replace it!! Sort that problem, and itd be the perfect starter truck. Id certainly buy one. 😎👍🏻

[@RCTNT]

I haven't had that problem yet, but it certainly dents and bends easily. My boy has run two full lipo packs through it and already it's looking worse for wear.

[@roblowrie1969]

@@RCTNT £60 for a new one seems very steep!! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RCTNT]

Agreed

[@jackengel3958]

Bought the Black ‘build’ kit, but through in the 3S system from my Vendetta; Awesome RC truck. Great fun at skate parks and BMX tracks. Oh, and that tool it comes with, also undoes the bottom of the shocks, so you can replace the oil. Oh, and you need to reinforce the body, because it’s flimsy and breaks easily 😉

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! Yeah this pvc body is the only disappointment, now I've had the thing for a bit. It's been run every day for at least one full lipo battery each time and every single time the body gets crinkled, crumpled, dented or bent up some more. I hear there's a clear polycarbonate body for it (hooray!) but that it costs like $70!? (booo!)

[@jackengel3958]

@@RCTNT ARRMA says they’ll be sending out Gorgon bodies to retailers soon, so hopefully we can get replacements within the month 🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@fredtedstedman]

love the looks of it , a bit like a modern Gravedigger ? If ya want waterproof...........................................buy a model boat .

[@RCTNT]

It's had a lot of use at this point. Much water. No problem. Great car, this.

[@WestyCoastHermit]

Very Nice! I'm looking forward to getting a couple of these for my boys when they come to my part of the world. I am a little concerned that the body appears to be kinda weak and I was wondering what your solution to reinforcing a body is. Other than that, the Gorgon looks like a great choice. It even comes with a bit of a history lesson which is an awesome bonus. Take care!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I think drywall tape and shoe goo - the standard solution. We'll see how this thing holds up. My lad has taken a liking to it so I expect it'll see some use!

[@WestyCoastHermit]

@@RCTNT I'll bet! It's perfect for kids (of all ages). Thanks for the response. I've never reinforced a body but that's a skill I think I'd better learn soon. My youngest likes to explore the extremes with his RCs

[@S9RUT]

I really like this truck, really want to get one for myself and maaybes install some nice, mild electronics into it. But as usual, i dont have any shelf space 😂 Oh, and the Aus distributor for Horizon has been quite quick with its new releases lately, which is great! Whats even better though is that unique parts for those releases are also arriving in the same shipment! 🎉 Btw, Utron is finally in Australia 😁

[@RCTNT]

Oh really? I've had an eye on your store's page for the Knightwalker but haven't checked for the Utron (but have a saved search on eBay for it in Aus). Thanks Scotty!

[@VS666]

So far, I’m pretty happy with mine. I have the firma 3S system in mine however, I did break my servo saver about 30 seconds into my first run, which was disappointing, but hoping that adding a washer to the next one will help. Obviously there will be some aftermarket options, but not yet that allows the steering geometry to work correctly.

[@RCTNT]

Sorry you had a rough start there. Mine has seen nearly daily use so far and it's still good. Hope yours is smooth from here!

[@mdhighter75]

Try turning your steering door down and it won't turn that far to break it

[@mdhighter75]

Steering duration

[@RCTNT]

Dual rate, you mean? That's basically end point, but for both sides at the same time (the "dual" in dual rate, or D/R on the radio). Gorgon doesn't have enough throw to break the servo saver, does it? I can't remember! (Just checked, now I see: Max throw won't hurt the car, but it could hurt the servo. Dial it back until the servo can move the wheels, but no further)

[@rcuintheshed6981]

Awesome review Craig I had one in my hands at the hobby shop $370 rtr's only so I passed it up I'd really like the kit what did postage cost you if you don't mind me asking fantastic video mate always good and informative 👊

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I paid $319 delivered from Ultimate Hobbies Parramatta. It's $339 but I bought on ebay with a $20 discount.

[@rcuintheshed6981]

$370 isn't that bad then it was frontline hobbies they can be a bit more expensive but having somewhere to return it easily is pretty valuable aswell .... looking forward to the NT4 though and your review have a great weekend brother 👊

[@Moggmodels23]

Hi mate great truck but have you had any problems with the streeing servo saver because I have on mine when you drive it it the servo keeps cutting out let me know cheers mate

[@RCTNT]

Sorry to hear that! We've run ours nearly every day since opening it (my son loves it) and no problems yet, with steering or otherwise. Hope you get yours sorted out!

[@jalee6587]

It's $155 with battery and charger in USA. After amain hobbies $15 off coupon currently. Awesome deal on an awesome truck. Amain has a shop in Chico CA. About an hour drive from me!

[@RCTNT]

The list of them I showed on screen was a screenshot straight from Amain's site, yep!

[@jalee6587]

Yup it's $154.99 after the $15 off coupon on amains site. Great deal!

[@MudMonsterRacing4]

U missed the drivers name on the side 😆

[@RCTNT]

I noticed after I finished filming, so I put it in the Description. Great isn't it!

[@The_RC_Guru]

Kid proof you say near the end , same idea as waterproof- “kid resistant “ lol. Very.

[@RCTNT]

Ooh a missed opportunity, there. Well put!

[@phildavis4878]

You might want to be careful for the Shelf they break easy on those specific do it on cement so you might want to reinforce it

[@RCTNT]

Good to know, thanks. I'm going to reinforce the body today and we'll see how it stands up to frequent use. Cheers!

[@simonj5134]

What is this throttle limiter you speak of? Is there less than 100%?

[@RCTNT]

I misspoke. The dial only has one setting: 11

[@marresjepie1887]

There's a little switch on the backside of the transmitter where You can set 50/75/100% throttle. Handy when giving a newbie the transmitter to try the Gorgon.

[@RCTNT]

Simon was joking about FULL SEND being the only option :) But for anyone else, yes, the radio has a limiter of 50/75/100, as shown in the video. Thanks for clarifying this, @marresjepie1887

[@ThisisTyy]

It’s because 1$usd is worth 1.58$ Australian, roughly scales up to around what the difference would be

[@RCTNT]

Both amounts are in USD. It's AUD$340.

[@ThisisTyy]

@@RCTNT oh that’s super weird then man wth lol then are other products an rc’s priced like that as well?

[@RCTNT]

It is worse with Traxxas. Before discounts and such in the USA, the standard Slash VXL 4X4 is USD$400. In Australia, the Slash VXL 4X4 is USD$525. It starts to make sense when you consider the thing has to be shipped here, but when you do it in bulk the price jump still looks to me like they're pricing to what the market will tolerate.

[@pipcwp]

I got one for my son the other day and some cheap lipo 5AH batteries but for got the adapter but my only complaint is that the factory batter will only run for 5 mins if that before it is dead. I didnt expect to much out of it but it is really pathetic to be honest. the total 15 mins that it has ran has been fun though. anyone else noticed this?

[@RCTNT]

I've consistently gotten 15 to 20 minutes from the included 3300mah nimh battery it comes with. If your gear mesh isn't over tightened or in the absence of any other driveline binding issue, it sounds like your battery is a dud - unless you're running wide open throttle for 95% of those 5 minutes (which could be plausible, depending on where you drive). Certainly, a 2s 5000mah lipo will give you 25 minutes of fun, give or take.

[@pipcwp]

Thanks. I’m waiting to get my adapters in for the batteries and see how it does. Thanks for the info. It’s a pretty open area and yes it is mostly wide open throttle.

[@RCTNT]

@pipcwp I'm sure you've checked already, but if not, while it's off, roll it along the ground and make sure it rolls pretty freely. If it comes to a halt like its got brakes on, there might be something to check with the motor mount, gear mesh, axles or bearings. Best of luck with it.

[@pipcwp]

Yeah man i ran it on the 5200mah 2s lipo and it will run 20mins straight at mostly full throttle just fine. I guess its just a weak battery pack. @@RCTNT

[@RCTNT]

Sounds like it, yeah. Glad you're sorted with lipo then

[@jalee6587]

The body is made out of pvc

[@RCTNT]

Thanks!