MEGA BOOST – Behind the Wheel of Arrma’s Vorteks Boost 4×2 Stadium Truck

MEGA BOOST – Behind the Wheel of Arrma’s Vorteks Boost 4×2 Stadium Truck

The list of entry-level-focused RTR vehicles has grown significantly in recent years, and though plenty of these vehicles make for a great starting point, very few of them introduce new enthusiasts to the process of upgrading their vehicles as they grow with the hobby. Luckily, Arrma has developed a full line of vehicles with that exact thing in mind. Their Boost series trucks are prime examples of RTR kits that start off simple and can be upgraded over time with factory upgrade kits and a full warranty to back them. In this article we are going to take a closer look at one of the vehicles in the Arrma Boost lineup, the Vorteks 4×2 Stadium Truck.

MEGA BOOST - Behind the Wheel of Arrma’s Vorteks Boost 4x2 Stadium Truck

BUILT TO LAST

Just like the other models in the Boost lineup, the Vorteks 4×2 is designed to cope with plenty of crashes, flips, and other hard use from regular bash sessions. The chassis is manufactured from a super-strong composite plastic and features a smooth underside that keeps the truck from getting caught on obstacles. Large skid plates sit at the front and rear of the chassis, which is complete with equally strong front and rear bumpers. All the underside hardware is also countersunk to keep it safe. The chassis’ topside features large, raised side guards to keep out large rocks and prevent bits of debris from getting into the chassis tub. This overall layout is almost exactly like the higher-power 4×4 version of the Vorteks, including the super-strong composite bulkheads.

Working our way out from the chassis, the Vorteks Boost includes sturdy composite suspension arms front and rear, along with composite links and front steering knuckles. Arrma uses the same material on these components as they do with their higher-tier models, so rest assured these parts are built to take some serious abuse. To help cope with rough bashing and driving, the Vorteks Boost comes equipped with large-bore, fluid-filled coilover shocks mounted to heavy-duty composite shock towers. These shocks feature composite lower guards to help protect the springs and shock shafts from debris and impact. Arrma includes a full set of shock spacers so you can tune preload as you desire.

The Vorteks Boost features the same heavy-duty shock towers as the higher-power brushless version.

The Vorteks Boost features the same heavy-duty shock towers as the higher-power brushless version.

The included 12-turn 550 MEGA brushed motor provides plenty of power for the 4x2 truck.

The included 12-turn 550 MEGA brushed motor provides plenty of power for the 4×2 truck.

The included 12-turn 550 MEGA brushed motor provides plenty of power for the 4x2 truck.

The Vorteks Boost features a unique drivetrain engineered around Arrma’s modular drivetrain design. Since the truck is just about identical to the 4×4 model, it features the same midship motor placement and rear gearbox design. The rear gearbox can be easily removed for maintenance, while the front end features the same diff housing design with a built-in placeholder to fill in the void of the missing front diff. Arrma offers an optional front differential with their 4×4 upgrade set, an item we cover installing in this month’s issue.

A full set of Spektrum electronics is included with the Vorteks Boost. Center stage to the whole setup is the Spektrum SLT 2-in-1 ESC, a 40A ESC that includes a built-in 2.4GHz receiver. This 2-in-1 combo design eliminates the need for a separate receiver, which helps to not only save weight but also frees up space in the chassis. The Vorteks Boost is powered by a MEGA 550 12T brushed motor that helps the Vorteks 4×2 reach some decent speeds. Wrapping up the electronics package, the Boost RTR kit includes a Spektrum Smart 3300mAh NiMH battery, a Spektrum S120 USB-C smart charger, and a Spektrum SLT2 2.4GHz transmitter.

The Vorteks Boost includes a professionally pre-painted polycarbonate body complete with decals. Our test model is the beautiful metallic red, a color reminiscent of classic hot rods that really shines when in the sun. Finally, the Vorteks comes complete with a full set of dBoots KATAR off-road tires installed on some aggressive composite stadium truck wheels. This truck not only has some great technical specs, but it also looks good, too.

PUTTING IT TO THE TEST

The greatest thing about these Boost trucks is that they are just a lot of fun to drive. The larger 550-spec brushed motor provides enough power when combined with the included 3300mAh NiMH battery that it can reach some fun speeds, but the truck remains extremely controllable while doing so. Things can get a little squirrely when hitting loose dirt, but that’s part of the fun of a 2WD truck. Kicking up dirt, jumping off curbs and berms, and peeling out on the pavement are all parts of the whole equation when driving the Vorteks Boost. This may not be the top performer when it comes to speed, but that also means you can drive this thing full-tilt every time, which is a great feeling. Sometimes higher-power models can be a real handful, so dialing it down and driving a brushed truck can be a great breath of fresh air. This is also the perfect sweet spot for a beginner truck. It’s not intimidating to drive; it’s just truly enjoyable the whole time.
We put the truck through its paces at the local park. This place is huge and has a ton of different surfaces, from gravel and loose sand to rough packed dirt, large paved parking areas and huge patches of grass. The truck did well on all of these surfaces. The aggressive tires dig right into the dirt and work equally well on asphalt, making the truck a great fit for just about any terrain you might think of. Deeper, looser dirt and sand can get a little tricky with the 4×2 drivetrain, but that’s nothing that can’t be fixed but some occasional careful driving.

There’s no question that the Vorteks is a striking vehicle to look at. As good as it looks, it’s even more fun to drive.

There’s no question that the Vorteks is a striking vehicle to look at. As good as it looks, it’s even more fun to drive.

A sleek rear wing sits at the back of the Vorteks body for downforce and impact protection.

A sleek rear wing sits at the back of the Vorteks body for downforce and impact protection.

Arrma includes an 8.4V 3300mAh NiMH battery with the RTR kit.

Arrma includes an 8.4V 3300mAh NiMH battery with the RTR kit.

	The Spektrum SLT 2-in-1 40A ESC and receiver keeps the electronics package nice and compact.

The Spektrum SLT 2-in-1 40A ESC and receiver keeps the electronics package nice and compact.

Arrma 1/10 Vorteks 4×2 Boost Mega 550 Brushed Stadium Truck RTR with Battery & Charger Vehicle Specs

P/N: ARA4105SV4T1
MSRP: $239.99
arrma-rc.com

Height: 6.4 in. (163mm)
Length: 18.5 in. (470mm)
Width: 13.3 in. (338mm)
Wheelbase: 11.3 in. (287mm)

Scale: 1/10
Price: $239.99
Weight (No Battery): 5 lbs., 10 oz.
Chassis: Composite tub
Shocks: Plastic, oil-filled coilover
Suspension: Independent front and rear
Transmission: Direct drive with slipper clutch
F/R Driveshafts: Sliding universal joints
Bearings: Rubber shielded steel ball
Body: Polycarbonate, pre-painted
Wheels: 2.8-in. composite with 14mm hex
Tires: dBoots KATAR
ESC / Receiver: Spektrum SLT 2-in-1 40A ESC & receiver
Motor: MEGA 550 12T brushed
Steering Servo: Spektrum S650 digital, waterproof
Radio: Spektrum SLT2 2.4GHz
Battery: Spektrum Smart 8.4V 3300mAh NiMH
Charger: Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger

A Boost in Performance

Arrma’s Boost RTR vehicles have been designed with the ideal amount of performance for beginning RC enthusiast all while keeping longevity in mind. Many beginner RTR kits lack optional upgrades from the factory and quickly find themselves unused on the shelf as the enthusiast starts to grow with the hobby. With Arrma’s Boost vehicles that’s not a concern. Arrma offers an easy-to-follow path with a suite of Boost upgrades such purpose-made LiPo batteries, optional 4×4 drivetrain upgrade kits, and even a full brushless electronics upgrade kit. What’s even better is that all these option parts still allow the owner to retain Arrma’s 2-year manufacturer warranty.

FINAL WORD

All in all, the Vorteks Boost was more than up to the task of local park bashing. I have driven many bashers over the years, and ultimately those that end up putting the biggest smile on my face are the ones like this. Not necessarily the fastest, but really easy to control and a whole lot of fun to drive. What’s better is that Arrma provides a complete lineup of upgrades for these Boost trucks, so you can increase performance over time. If you’re looking for a great beginner truck, then I highly suggest you check one of these out at your local hobby shop. As always thanks for reading, and until next time take care.

Kicking up dirt comes naturally to the Vorteks Boost.

Kicking up dirt comes naturally to the Vorteks Boost.


Text and Images by Lauren Short

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Updated: June 6, 2023 — 3:20 AM
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