Very nice comparison of the internals. Haven't seen anyone else do this yet 👍 Traxxas definitely made the gears bigger! One thing to point out though, Arrma has spiral cut gears. Spiral cut can take more torque than straight cut. On the other hand straight cut is much easier to machine and produce. Very interesting 👍
B block on the Kraton is also metal like both sides of the rear just has a plastic cover. Will also be really interesting to see how tough the Sledge Drive cups and especially the crown gears are as Traxxas is known for making their gears out of a much softer almost like a powder metal that breaks apart pretty easily most people have to upgrade those as opposed to Arma they're smaller they might not look as tough but not so many issues with stripping them though there have been issues with the arrma LSD diffs in the past they seem to have gotten all those quality control issues fixed from what I experienced and what I hear so though the sledge might look tougher and beefier looks can be deceiving so appreciate you breaking this down but we will see what diffs set up and gears are truly more durable in the long run Great video brother
@@ExocagedRC come on bro, I didn't JUST say that. I was trying to help you out. There is metal in there even in the RTR NON EXB kits. Metal on both sides of Hinge pins, both sides of the diffs front and back. A B C D are all metal under there. Just take it apart and you will see. I do have about 12 Arrma Rigs so ya, kinda know these rigs pretty well.
@near sighted time traveler check Arrma's website for PDF exploded views... They are there. Or take one apart buddy. They are there. I have 10 of these 6s rigs, metal under the plastic casing in every one.
Finally, a Sledge-Kraton comparison video by someone intelligent & capable enough to know/understand what "we, the people" want to know. It's not so much that the (very few) other comparison videos weren't 'good' (they were), but that none of them covers the differences & similarities that people actually want, and NEED, to know...only you, Joe, did that. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I fully intend on picking up one of these...the blue one, because blue is faster 😁...and, to "combat" the Sledge's few "deficiencies", I've already put together a list of Traxxas upgrade parts. I have no doubt that there will be 3rd-party parts coming in the near future...especially from Arthur (Vita on Racing)...such as machined diff cups (which I'm sure Arthur is already working on), so, once those are available, I'll pick up those upgrades, as well.
My losi 8T and 8B diffs are compared to the ARRMA being spiral cut and no issues In 4 years . Traxxas uses that pot metal so it's good they gears are big !
The sledge spur gear is made of pot metal so I don't care that the sledge is bigger lol. Great comparison! I'd personally go with the exb and put in better electronics. But both nice trucks. But also the sledge should have upgraded components as it's damn near 900 dollars lol
Right pot metal gears, no sway bars, non adjustable turn buckles. They took alot of adjustability out of it. Not to mention people act like the chassis Groves are new. Like arrma dose that with the rtr stamped chassis too with the folded up edge. The only thing I really like is the t bar tower to tower braces. The rest is just over priced underwhelming traxxas stuff.
What's wrong with the Arrma electronics? I know their servos are crap, but I've had no problems with this same motor and ESC combo which is in my Felony. I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm generally curious as why to change out the other electronics. You surely don't mean replace the motor and ESC and receiver too?
@Boogie_the_cat The exb at the time didn't come with electronics which is why I said put in better electronics lol. Yeah I don't mind the stock spectrum stuff. It's much better than the traxxas stuff imo
I like the extra beef of the sledge, it obviously came at a cost though and I feel that high price tag may be putting it out of a lot of people's price range. Where the exb could be picked up much cheaper and and build with budget friendly electronics. That's really my only gripe. I think they're both fantastic
The b block is aluminum inside the plastic.looks like it’s plastic until you take it apart.either way the hinge pin blocks are way to skinny and bend like butter.beef is only good if it’s needed 👍🏻
@near sighted time traveler it’s inside the plastic like the rear that he took apart and mentioned.you won’t know there is aluminum in them unless you take them apart or look at a manual/exploded diagram
The diff may be beefier on the Sledge but, from what I've seen, they don't seem to hold up like the ones on the Kraton. Checkout Thunder RC's video. He recently uploaded a video showing how his Sledge's pinion and spur gears, almost dicenegrated. He mentioned that he thinks Traxxas is using the same monkey metal on the Sledge, as the ones they use on the X-Maxx. Only time will tell, if more people have the same problem with the diff's on their Sledge's? Thunder RC's video: ruclips.net/video/OJbazPpWSIY/видео.html
Wow the sheer size of the diffs on the sledge is incredible, not to mention typical traxxas ease of maintenance and attention to detail with the full metal hinge pin braces. Headed to pick mine up soon!! Thanks for the vid Joe 👍
Arrma has all metal Hinge pins as well. There was an error in the video. This Sledge looks solid, though to be seen as Traxxas has a habit of using cheaper metal in diff and spur gears.. XMaxx is terrible for this and I know.... I have plenty of Arrma and Traxxas Bigger does not always mean stronger.
@@3SonsRC I haven't been up close and personal or even driven the kraton EXB or the Sledge, but like you and Joe say, the ring gear material does look like a machined piece on the EXB vs the cast look of the Sledge. If the aftermarket makes hardened billet gears for the Sledge the size is going to make it indestructible hopefully. I run with a few Arrma guys and they love their rigs. Everything needs aftermarket support in one way or another regardless of brand. I have an Xmaxx with an 800kv max5 combo and I hear ya on the gears, but I have some tricks to make the 7792 HD gears last... so far 🤣
@@3SonsRC I know people have broken the sledge and im sure most everyone will. No doubt it's not bulletproof, but neither is the arrma, if your out to break it, you will. I have always liked how traxxas assembles their rigs and how easy they are to disassemble. Exo bashes in the realm of most users, hard, but not trying to ruin the car for views. I bash, but not to purposely break my truck. I do mostly track and moto x tracks. I think the sledge is worth 800 out of the box but I know what name brand equipment costs. Parts support and convenience is a part of that price, and traxxas knows that. I think the aftermarket is going to take the sledge to a whole new level. Sure it may be expensive but so is a Ferrari. Worth 500k? Maybe not, but if you spen the coin your gonna get some attention. And not every person will have one. "The servo is junk"- but most people don't realize it's high voltage capable. I think the sledge will do to r/c what the Toyota supra has done for cars... when it came out it was blah, now with all the aftermarket support it's almost untouchable still to this day. I hope arrma pushes out a better truck because of the sledge.... we all win in the end, and I'll save my resignation until I own one and have discovered the weaknesses first hand, of all brands and models.
@Matthew Hayslett Traxxas is indeed insanely corrupt but c'mon man, no reason to call people 'feeble-minded' over their choice of toy car. Far better to be kind and educational and help steer them towards the better rigs and brands out there.
the c and d blocks on the arrma are steel not aluminum. the sledge has bigger ring gears on the diffs but they are power metal comparied to the smaller arrma diffs. which were actually first used in the Team Durango race kits. yes they are smaller but better metal. if you shim up the spider gears inside the arrma diffs your good to go they have changed there pins which use to be an issue as well. time will tell on the sledge. but i never really blow traxxas spider gear its alway the ring and pinion that goes. the pinion gears new on this but i have a feeling the ring gears going to loose some teeth.. great video Joe keep them coming
Great points. I shoulda mentioned Tekno in this as their diffs are about the same as the Arrma and they are super strong. I was a bit disappointed in the B block being plastic on the Kraton.
yea i know me too... but like you said with all the competition coming out i cant wait to see what everybody's going to do to be on top.. we as the users are the true winner in this fight! great video man i Havent seen a sledge in person yet so im glad you made this 1.
Hi Joe! That's it! It helps a lot to understand... And now ask the People, what is allmost "OUT OF ORDER", let them make a " defect part hit list" in relation to the parts prices, availability and delivery speed... Nothing makes me madder than broken promises... 😉
If the sledge can hold up to a stock EXB Kratons durability then definitely impressed. So far with what I’ve seen it do compared to a kraton 😒Great comparison Joe 👍💪
Excellent comparison. Traxxas definitely nailed it. Given the majority of these (flat chassis) 1/8 bashers are based on old racing vehicles (that ran solely on 4S), the updates are definitely welcome. I'm interested to see how Arrma will respond in their next release.
Never had any issues with arrma diffs .....plenty more you can do with the arrma as we all know ... Traxxas had all the time in the world to come up with the ultimate basher but this version 1 has a couple of years to reach arrma standards imho!
Agree. Plus Arrmas chassis are weak. I bent my Kraton EXB chassis on my first outing - just beyond both bulkheads. I also shotgunned a diff and had to shim them. No problems once I shimmed the hell out of them. Sledge chassis is def an improvement, and that slotted center brace is no joke. As I said in another thread , Arrmas electronics in their RTRs are def better than Traxxas, and I love the roller concept. Traxxas diffs and chassis are generally better imo. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I like both. But I’m pretty impressed so far by the Sledge as far as a stock rtr goes. It’s been getting as much burn as my Xmaxx’s
@@iShootFast guess what everyone is complaining about the sledge chassis aswell bro; and many more faults that come with a $800 price tag Kraton is more nimble lighter and already a trademark for bashers😉
Joe, keep an eye on the dogbones. Maybe a freak thing but I had both pins slide out of my front dogbones on the diff side. Chewed up the control arm a bit but I caught it in time and hammered them back in. I also saw a post where a guy had a center shaft pin slide out and chew up his ESC. Hopefully a very uncommon issue but I would eyeball them for a while to make sure. Great comparison vid!
Good video. Unfortunately l just bought the EXB like a week ago lol. Waited forever for Traxxas to drop this truck. They do it the week l buy the exb 🤯👊.
Great Video, I will still take Kraton EXB over the Sledge. Traxxas did a great job studying the weaker points of the the Kraton to bring out a competitive truck. I don't care for either of the stock electronics but the Kraton has more room to work with. I run a 8S castle system in my Kraton that would not fit in the Sledge.
Maybe true but Sledge has reverse motor mounts now where you can fit damn near anything you want. I'm sure there's a solution for the battery box size issue too. However I've seen an 8s sledge and its too much and not as fun. I'm guessing it would be even worse for a Kraton 6s running in 8s. Unless your talking about a Kraton 8s then my bad.
I have no intensions of getting either but damn that's a good comparison. In my opinion the arrma has a better hub set up due to where the bearing sits on the shaft. But wow nice video
That was a great comparison, showing the detail design that is not normally shown as most would suspect the diffs would be near identical, I know I was a little surprised on how much bigger the Traxxas was. The end to end chassis brace being solid on the Traxxas I see as a little stronger design but time will tell.
I dunno. I considered the Sledge briefly, but the Kraton EXB v2 has a 2 piece center brace, Horizon Hobby has amazing, kind, helpful customer service \ warranty support. H.H. doesn't threaten RUclipsrs or do frivolous lawsuits. I think I'd rather get the EXB and buy some M2C diffs. And I'm not just talking out my butt as an Arrma fanboy. I don't get to buy a lot of RCs, and I want a durable one for very light bashing, 5-8 battery packs a week. I seriously considered the Sledge, and the Team Corally Kagama, but the Corally has too much 6061 aluminum and possibly not great quality control. And I'm not just voicing my opinion for no reason, as I'm ordering the EXB this week. I just wanted to see a comparison of the two trucks and your video did a good job. I think with $200 I can make a pretty durable Kraton EXB with some M2C love.
Great comparison of the most troublesome bits in these basher trucks! Sledge seems like a great truck, as is the Kraton EXB. If I was buying now, I'd have a terrible time choosing. Although we're more likely to pick up a Kraton EXB on sale if we wait.
Like on the maxx, i would bet those axle carriers have two locations for bearings on the inside. The widemaxx kit came with the larger bearing to run over the CV, separating the bearings, similar to the arma.
@@ExocagedRC I’m patiently waiting to see if you were able to superlite the scx24. I’d like to build an lcg superlite to compare with how I solved the scx24 issues (mostly with more weight). Thanks for great content!
And yet when they are driven the Sledge keeps breaking 🤔 Side by side proves little, the proof is in the long term durability after running many hours. Yet to see a Sledge hold up under those conditions. Being driven I mean...
I do have to say though on drive cups for example. Sledge are way weaker and break way more often. Also there is a better set up to more bullet proof the kraton diffs. Yes it shouldn’t have to be done. But it’s apples to oranges here. My friends sledge is down a lot more often than my k6 EXB. Measurements to hold proof to beefiness but material and quality used is the biggest factor. Love the fact you took the time to do measurements and internal comparisons of diffs etc. keep up the solid work. Thank you
Regardless of your opinion on the material of the traxxas gears, what matters more is whar will come from 3rd parties and the size that they can work with, overall its just a stronger platform with a higher ceiling then EXB i feel
Be interesting to know exactly what materials are used in the parts that were compared. That would make as much or more of a difference than just comparing the sizes.
Love your videos. You go all out on explaining things but I'm gonna say this, I love both companies! I personally like the overall look of the Kraton better. The Kraton to me even drives better. The Sledge is a great rig though. I just think both companies are awesome! Every time I go to the RC Shop, I have a hard time picking what I wanna go with, but with that said, any RC puts a smile on my face. I enjoy the hobby and I expect every one of them to have weak points and strong points. Even the under dog Rigs will shock you on how good they are against these top dogs.
The difference in diffs reminds me of the first time it was the ring gears of a Dana 35 and a 60 side by side. Great teardown and discussion vid EXO!!!👍👍👍
@@ExocagedRC Stop acting like a fan boy and talk material used not size.. Everyone know that's Traxxas powder metal is straight up trash..What they sent you this rig if you promise to only give it a good review and talk mess about Arrma? #sellout
Great breakdown video and excellent information. I’m not a huge Traxxas fan but this just may be the first Traxxas truck I might buy (only because it looks like a Kraton) 🤣
You buy the Traxxas, then you want to upgrade it, and buy an arrma anyways..those of us that bought an arrma first, will never downgrade to traxxes..at least i won't...😂
I have to tell you that was a very good comparison I've seen a lot of them and you break it down nicely definitely great video first time I ever say that
I think once Basherqueen makes some carbon fiber parts for the Sledge and sheds a ton of weight its going to be an absolute monster. That and remove all the monkey metal pinion or spur stuff as well.
@@ExocagedRC Yes, but the overhype about the size of sintered gears kind of turned me off on the review. You did a good job but as of now, most Sledge owners opt for the $50 replacement ring gears. At least the ones that really bash them. I run with a few friends that have Kratons and there is a couple of Sledge owners. Motor mount sucks beyond belief. So there are good and bad with both. Diffs on the Kraton are fine if you take the time to shim them, which should have been done at the factory. Good stuff, quality video.
It can be bigger and biffier by look but if the materials are cheap it doesnt mean anything. Arrma can make a 8mm chassis and still bend while m2c sells a 3mm chassis who doesnt bend. The gear material on the traxxas are fragile. Idk if its bad hardening but teeths flying off their spurs is a common thing if the mesh is not perfect. Only time will tell. I have seen axles snaping and pin snaping so far. Wing seems superior to the kraton stock. Most diffs on the competition have similar size gear, spider gears and so on.
This is why I mentioned material on the Kraton ring gear. The new pinions are supposed to be hardened steel but the ring gears look like the normal stuff they use in other trucks.
The only "heat treating" Traxxas spurs ever had was the press heat. You can tell because of the anodized layer on the gear. It's the same with the ring & pinion of the diffs. As you said, they have to be that large to hold up to any power. But the spur can only be so large, & at mod 1, fail almost on command compared to a normal hardened steel spur gear. Traxxas did include a harden steel pinion with this truck, but it only will wreck the spur faster.
Diffs on kraton are f&r 10k center 100k i think it’s the same on all of them I know on my talion,Mojave,and kraton they all are the same according to the manuals
Traxxas needs to step it up in the creativity department. Arrma put out new rigs regularly. They basically studied a Kraton and created the Sledge. The Kraton has been proven. Time will tell if the "beefier" parts are superior on the Sledge. Parts can be beefy but not as good of quality medals / plastics.
Once I took the EXB-diff of my friends Kraton apart I could'nt manage to make it work again. I had to let one of that bloody limited slip-segments out in ordert to make the diff running smoothly
Wait until the end of this summer when all the sledge bashers are crying for replacement parts/upgrades. This looks like its gonna be a money pit like the t/e maxx all over again (i myself learned this lesson years ago).
Another great video joe!!! I can’t remember do you have a Kraton 1/5? I’ve been eyeing that for a while (the EXB roller) just wondered what you thought about it. Thanks
For apples to apples comparison, it should have been a Sledge vs Arrma Kraton V5 RTR. The EXB is kind of in a different class, it uses better 7075 chassis materials. Hardened spiral cut gears, at least in the EXB version. Traxxas makes up for using not as strong of materials (chassis, crown gear) by making them larger. To me its kind of a wash since the Sledge is over 2lbs heavier. As a long time Traxxas admirer with a Xmaxx in my stable, I also enjoy my Arrma EXB, both have served me well. Might pick up a used sledge down the road, or a roller since I am not a fan of the Traxxas electronics.
The compelling thing to me is that Arrma makes already makes a couple of $750 exb's. Just not the Kraton. I'd be interesting in hearing reviewers thoughts on how the Sledge compares with the Talion EXB RTR in performance. Maybe with the bigger wheels on the Talion a lot of guys are running.
They really shoulda made those gears out of quality metals I completely agree on that. But I like the truck and wait until all the aftermarket starts hitting this thing… ohhh yeah.
Thanks for the breakdown. Every eye opening on each truck.
Very nice comparison of the internals. Haven't seen anyone else do this yet 👍 Traxxas definitely made the gears bigger! One thing to point out though, Arrma has spiral cut gears. Spiral cut can take more torque than straight cut. On the other hand straight cut is much easier to machine and produce. Very interesting 👍
bigger gears = more rotating mass? wonder if it makes a difference
@@SuperBubba360 It does, creates a lot more heat.
@Matthew Hayslett yup traxxas is powder metal
@Matthew Hayslett chinesium means way better materials? Lmao
After a full year after this review. It pretty obvious the Kraton is the better basher and it’s not even close!
Cheaper and more upgradeable makes it automatically better. You can literally have an all-Aluminum or all Carbon fiber build, that's just insane.
These in depth reviews are what is what I like to see! Thanks for taking the time to do that! 👍😁😎
Yeah buddy
B block on the Kraton is also metal like both sides of the rear just has a plastic cover. Will also be really interesting to see how tough the Sledge Drive cups and especially the crown gears are as Traxxas is known for making their gears out of a much softer almost like a powder metal that breaks apart pretty easily most people have to upgrade those as opposed to Arma they're smaller they might not look as tough but not so many issues with stripping them though there have been issues with the arrma LSD diffs in the past they seem to have gotten all those quality control issues fixed from what I experienced and what I hear so though the sledge might look tougher and beefier looks can be deceiving so appreciate you breaking this down but we will see what diffs set up and gears are truly more durable in the long run
Great video brother
I don’t think this one had any metal in there. I almost removed it completely but I’m pretty sure it’s plastic.
@@ExocagedRC come on bro, I didn't JUST say that. I was trying to help you out. There is metal in there even in the RTR NON EXB kits. Metal on both sides of Hinge pins, both sides of the diffs front and back. A B C D are all metal under there. Just take it apart and you will see. I do have about 12 Arrma Rigs so ya, kinda know these rigs pretty well.
@near sighted time traveler
check Arrma's website for PDF exploded views... They are there. Or take one apart buddy. They are there. I have 10 of these 6s rigs, metal under the plastic casing in every one.
Great video, I would sure hope the Traxxas Sledge is better, it had how many years to see the Kraton weak points and fix them.
Exactly
Lol and these years that arrma has had the kraton they haven't addressed the weak points lol. Arrma is hot garbage.
@@nealedmondson3191 Purchase what you like. It's not that serious bro LOL
not to mention the $250 price increase.
And the sledge is still weaker 😂 and proven
Finally, a Sledge-Kraton comparison video by someone intelligent & capable enough to know/understand what "we, the people" want to know. It's not so much that the (very few) other comparison videos weren't 'good' (they were), but that none of them covers the differences & similarities that people actually want, and NEED, to know...only you, Joe, did that. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I fully intend on picking up one of these...the blue one, because blue is faster 😁...and, to "combat" the Sledge's few "deficiencies", I've already put together a list of Traxxas upgrade parts. I have no doubt that there will be 3rd-party parts coming in the near future...especially from Arthur (Vita on Racing)...such as machined diff cups (which I'm sure Arthur is already working on), so, once those are available, I'll pick up those upgrades, as well.
Thank you buddy. I’m a mechanic so I look for those things. LoL.
Thanks for the information I own two exb and I get my sledge next week so thanks
My losi 8T and 8B diffs are compared to the ARRMA being spiral cut and no issues In 4 years . Traxxas uses that pot metal so it's good they gears are big !
True, Tekno diffs are similar to the Kratons in size and they hold up.
@@ExocagedRC it's all about the material you use 👍
Great comparison Joe! The sledge is looking awesome so far! Appreciate the effort brother, it helps us make good decisions! 💯🤜🤛🔥🔥⚡⚡
The sledge spur gear is made of pot metal so I don't care that the sledge is bigger lol. Great comparison! I'd personally go with the exb and put in better electronics. But both nice trucks. But also the sledge should have upgraded components as it's damn near 900 dollars lol
Right pot metal gears, no sway bars, non adjustable turn buckles. They took alot of adjustability out of it. Not to mention people act like the chassis Groves are new. Like arrma dose that with the rtr stamped chassis too with the folded up edge. The only thing I really like is the t bar tower to tower braces. The rest is just over priced underwhelming traxxas stuff.
Same thoughts, it's clearly very overpriced and those gears are very suspect looking..
@@nickkuhlmam1336 The turnbuckles are adjustable. They have different holes.
What's wrong with the Arrma electronics? I know their servos are crap, but I've had no problems with this same motor and ESC combo which is in my Felony.
I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm generally curious as why to change out the other electronics. You surely don't mean replace the motor and ESC and receiver too?
@Boogie_the_cat The exb at the time didn't come with electronics which is why I said put in better electronics lol. Yeah I don't mind the stock spectrum stuff. It's much better than the traxxas stuff imo
I like the extra beef of the sledge, it obviously came at a cost though and I feel that high price tag may be putting it out of a lot of people's price range. Where the exb could be picked up much cheaper and and build with budget friendly electronics. That's really my only gripe. I think they're both fantastic
Very well done. Your in depth breakdown is invaluable.
The b block is aluminum inside the plastic.looks like it’s plastic until you take it apart.either way the hinge pin blocks are way to skinny and bend like butter.beef is only good if it’s needed 👍🏻
@near sighted time traveler it’s inside the plastic like the rear that he took apart and mentioned.you won’t know there is aluminum in them unless you take them apart or look at a manual/exploded diagram
The diff may be beefier on the Sledge but, from what I've seen, they don't seem to hold up like the ones on the Kraton. Checkout Thunder RC's video. He recently uploaded a video showing how his Sledge's pinion and spur gears, almost dicenegrated. He mentioned that he thinks Traxxas is using the same monkey metal on the Sledge, as the ones they use on the X-Maxx. Only time will tell, if more people have the same problem with the diff's on their Sledge's?
Thunder RC's video:
ruclips.net/video/OJbazPpWSIY/видео.html
Great video, love seeing this kind of stuff most RUclipsrs don't go so thorough
I think they designed the center diff cup like that to toss rocks out the way 🤔
Best comparison on RUclips. I got both cars.
Wow the sheer size of the diffs on the sledge is incredible, not to mention typical traxxas ease of maintenance and attention to detail with the full metal hinge pin braces. Headed to pick mine up soon!! Thanks for the vid Joe 👍
Arrma has all metal Hinge pins as well. There was an error in the video.
This Sledge looks solid, though to be seen as Traxxas has a habit of using cheaper metal in diff and spur gears.. XMaxx is terrible for this and I know.... I have plenty of Arrma and Traxxas
Bigger does not always mean stronger.
@@3SonsRC I haven't been up close and personal or even driven the kraton EXB or the Sledge, but like you and Joe say, the ring gear material does look like a machined piece on the EXB vs the cast look of the Sledge. If the aftermarket makes hardened billet gears for the Sledge the size is going to make it indestructible hopefully. I run with a few Arrma guys and they love their rigs. Everything needs aftermarket support in one way or another regardless of brand. I have an Xmaxx with an 800kv max5 combo and I hear ya on the gears, but I have some tricks to make the 7792 HD gears last... so far 🤣
@@BagpipekilR check out Thunder RC Bash on the Sledge..... Just Embarrassing
I was not nice in the comments
@@3SonsRC I know people have broken the sledge and im sure most everyone will. No doubt it's not bulletproof, but neither is the arrma, if your out to break it, you will. I have always liked how traxxas assembles their rigs and how easy they are to disassemble. Exo bashes in the realm of most users, hard, but not trying to ruin the car for views. I bash, but not to purposely break my truck. I do mostly track and moto x tracks. I think the sledge is worth 800 out of the box but I know what name brand equipment costs. Parts support and convenience is a part of that price, and traxxas knows that. I think the aftermarket is going to take the sledge to a whole new level. Sure it may be expensive but so is a Ferrari. Worth 500k? Maybe not, but if you spen the coin your gonna get some attention. And not every person will have one. "The servo is junk"- but most people don't realize it's high voltage capable. I think the sledge will do to r/c what the Toyota supra has done for cars... when it came out it was blah, now with all the aftermarket support it's almost untouchable still to this day. I hope arrma pushes out a better truck because of the sledge.... we all win in the end, and I'll save my resignation until I own one and have discovered the weaknesses first hand, of all brands and models.
@Matthew Hayslett Traxxas is indeed insanely corrupt but c'mon man, no reason to call people 'feeble-minded' over their choice of toy car. Far better to be kind and educational and help steer them towards the better rigs and brands out there.
the c and d blocks on the arrma are steel not aluminum. the sledge has bigger ring gears on the diffs but they are power metal comparied to the smaller arrma diffs. which were actually first used in the Team Durango race kits. yes they are smaller but better metal. if you shim up the spider gears inside the arrma diffs your good to go they have changed there pins which use to be an issue as well. time will tell on the sledge. but i never really blow traxxas spider gear its alway the ring and pinion that goes. the pinion gears new on this but i have a feeling the ring gears going to loose some teeth.. great video Joe keep them coming
Great points. I shoulda mentioned Tekno in this as their diffs are about the same as the Arrma and they are super strong. I was a bit disappointed in the B block being plastic on the Kraton.
yea i know me too... but like you said with all the competition coming out i cant wait to see what everybody's going to do to be on top.. we as the users are the true winner in this fight! great video man i Havent seen a sledge in person yet so im glad you made this 1.
Hi Joe! That's it! It helps a lot to understand... And now ask the People, what is allmost "OUT OF ORDER", let them make a " defect part hit list" in relation to the parts prices, availability and delivery speed... Nothing makes me madder than broken promises... 😉
If the sledge can hold up to a stock EXB Kratons durability then definitely impressed. So far with what I’ve seen it do compared to a kraton 😒Great comparison Joe 👍💪
Excellent comparison. Traxxas definitely nailed it. Given the majority of these (flat chassis) 1/8 bashers are based on old racing vehicles (that ran solely on 4S), the updates are definitely welcome. I'm interested to see how Arrma will respond in their next release.
Me too. I hope they step it up and we get a better truck.
Never had any issues with arrma diffs .....plenty more you can do with the arrma as we all know ... Traxxas had all the time in the world to come up with the ultimate basher but this version 1 has a couple of years to reach arrma standards imho!
Agree. Plus Arrmas chassis are weak. I bent my Kraton EXB chassis on my first outing - just beyond both bulkheads. I also shotgunned a diff and had to shim them. No problems once I shimmed the hell out of them. Sledge chassis is def an improvement, and that slotted center brace is no joke. As I said in another thread , Arrmas electronics in their RTRs are def better than Traxxas, and I love the roller concept. Traxxas diffs and chassis are generally better imo. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I like both. But I’m pretty impressed so far by the Sledge as far as a stock rtr goes. It’s been getting as much burn as my Xmaxx’s
@@iShootFast guess what everyone is complaining about the sledge chassis aswell bro; and many more faults that come with a $800 price tag
Kraton is more nimble lighter and already a trademark for bashers😉
@@MuscleAKAOzzy who’s “everyone”?
Great video! Next one send them both to the moon and see which holds up best!
Joe, keep an eye on the dogbones. Maybe a freak thing but I had both pins slide out of my front dogbones on the diff side. Chewed up the control arm a bit but I caught it in time and hammered them back in. I also saw a post where a guy had a center shaft pin slide out and chew up his ESC. Hopefully a very uncommon issue but I would eyeball them for a while to make sure. Great comparison vid!
Good comparison. Very informative 👍
Good video. Unfortunately l just bought the EXB like a week ago lol. Waited forever for Traxxas to drop this truck. They do it the week l buy the exb 🤯👊.
Great video. Man you're gonna have some fun with these 2. Rcs have come a long way 😄
Thanks for the comparison on details
You’re welcome
Both look good. Keep in mind the material used by traxxas for there diffs are very weak. It's the same cast crap used on the spur gears.
New drinking game... Taking a shot every time Joe says “Beef”. Great analysis. Thank you as always!
Great Video, I will still take Kraton EXB over the Sledge. Traxxas did a great job studying the weaker points of the the Kraton to bring out a competitive truck. I don't care for either of the stock electronics but the Kraton has more room to work with. I run a 8S castle system in my Kraton that would not fit in the Sledge.
Same here. I like to experiment and doesn't look possible with the sledge. However, for most people, it looks good as it is.
Maybe true but Sledge has reverse motor mounts now where you can fit damn near anything you want. I'm sure there's a solution for the battery box size issue too. However I've seen an 8s sledge and its too much and not as fun. I'm guessing it would be even worse for a Kraton 6s running in 8s. Unless your talking about a Kraton 8s then my bad.
I have no intensions of getting either but damn that's a good comparison. In my opinion the arrma has a better hub set up due to where the bearing sits on the shaft. But wow nice video
I liked the separation better too.
@@ExocagedRC agreed but if I were to get one it would be the sledge
The more I see about the sledge, the more I want one. Nice video buddy 👍
That was a great comparison, showing the detail design that is not normally shown as most would suspect the diffs would be near identical, I know I was a little surprised on how much bigger the Traxxas was. The end to end chassis brace being solid on the Traxxas I see as a little stronger design but time will tell.
Yeah time will tell
The Sledge is pretty impressive 🔥 Time will tell. So far it's looking good . 👍
Thanks for the nice video I wish to see the same comparison but with an outcast or notorious. Thumbs up for the detailed video
Good stuff. This is how a comparison video is done.
I dunno. I considered the Sledge briefly, but the Kraton EXB v2 has a 2 piece center brace, Horizon Hobby has amazing, kind, helpful customer service \ warranty support. H.H. doesn't threaten RUclipsrs or do frivolous lawsuits.
I think I'd rather get the EXB and buy some M2C diffs.
And I'm not just talking out my butt as an Arrma fanboy. I don't get to buy a lot of RCs, and I want a durable one for very light bashing, 5-8 battery packs a week. I seriously considered the Sledge, and the Team Corally Kagama, but the Corally has too much 6061 aluminum and possibly not great quality control.
And I'm not just voicing my opinion for no reason, as I'm ordering the EXB this week.
I just wanted to see a comparison of the two trucks and your video did a good job.
I think with $200 I can make a pretty durable Kraton EXB with some M2C love.
Great comparison of the most troublesome bits in these basher trucks! Sledge seems like a great truck, as is the Kraton EXB. If I was buying now, I'd have a terrible time choosing. Although we're more likely to pick up a Kraton EXB on sale if we wait.
Like on the maxx, i would bet those axle carriers have two locations for bearings on the inside. The widemaxx kit came with the larger bearing to run over the CV, separating the bearings, similar to the arma.
Maybe by these axles have spring wire keeping the pins in. Kinda odd to see this design from traxxas.
@@ExocagedRC
I’m patiently waiting to see if you were able to superlite the scx24. I’d like to build an lcg superlite to compare with how I solved the scx24 issues (mostly with more weight). Thanks for great content!
Very awesome and helpful review!!
Sledge just went on sale $100 off fall sale. Great time to get one. I did. Great so far.
Nice comparisons! Maybe I'll get me a go fast...
This changes everything for me the 800 is Worth it now IMO guys. Thanks how for doing this for us we appreciate it a lot!!!
same. the devil is in the details
And yet when they are driven the Sledge keeps breaking 🤔 Side by side proves little, the proof is in the long term durability after running many hours. Yet to see a Sledge hold up under those conditions. Being driven I mean...
@@TheflyingkiwiRC I agree with you. Seems like this is what the e Revo 2.0 did when it was first released! You guys rock btw! Thanks M8!
I do have to say though on drive cups for example. Sledge are way weaker and break way more often. Also there is a better set up to more bullet proof the kraton diffs. Yes it shouldn’t have to be done. But it’s apples to oranges here. My friends sledge is down a lot more often than my k6 EXB. Measurements to hold proof to beefiness but material and quality used is the biggest factor.
Love the fact you took the time to do measurements and internal comparisons of diffs etc. keep up the solid work. Thank you
Great in-depth review 👍👌👍
SUCH quality content......an important document.
Great teardown!
Thanks!
Very well explained comparison !!! Great job thanks !!
Regardless of your opinion on the material of the traxxas gears, what matters more is whar will come from 3rd parties and the size that they can work with, overall its just a stronger platform with a higher ceiling then EXB i feel
Be interesting to know exactly what materials are used in the parts that were compared. That would make as much or more of a difference than just comparing the sizes.
Love your videos. You go all out on explaining things but I'm gonna say this, I love both companies! I personally like the overall look of the Kraton better. The Kraton to me even drives better. The Sledge is a great rig though. I just think both companies are awesome! Every time I go to the RC Shop, I have a hard time picking what I wanna go with, but with that said, any RC puts a smile on my face. I enjoy the hobby and I expect every one of them to have weak points and strong points. Even the under dog Rigs will shock you on how good they are against these top dogs.
well put buddy
The difference in diffs reminds me of the first time it was the ring gears of a Dana 35 and a 60 side by side. Great teardown and discussion vid EXO!!!👍👍👍
Yeah big difference.
The traxxas gears is powder metal though..They have to be that big just to hold up(somewhat)..Arrma is hardened steel
@@philthyco1 Exactly 💯 Durability of the Sledge is far from being proven yet. Drivetrain issues have been encountered.
@@TheflyingkiwiRC The thing breaks on every light run from what I've seen so far lol
@@ExocagedRC Stop acting like a fan boy and talk material used not size.. Everyone know that's Traxxas powder metal is straight up trash..What they sent you this rig if you promise to only give it a good review and talk mess about Arrma? #sellout
Thanks for the information awesome video can't wait to run my traxxas sledge this thing is a Epic and stay safe ✌️ 😎
Man this did not age well. Traxxas monkey metal has caused so many of us issues with the diffs.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Great breakdown video and excellent information. I’m not a huge Traxxas fan but this just may be the first Traxxas truck I might buy (only because it looks like a Kraton) 🤣
You buy the Traxxas, then you want to upgrade it, and buy an arrma anyways..those of us that bought an arrma first, will never downgrade to traxxes..at least i won't...😂
@@duc696monster6 I do have to agree with you there brother. 😎👊🏼
I have to tell you that was a very good comparison I've seen a lot of them and you break it down nicely definitely great video first time I ever say that
Well that's it. Im selling the Kraton and getting a Sledge 👌
I think once Basherqueen makes some carbon fiber parts for the Sledge and sheds a ton of weight its going to be an absolute monster. That and remove all the monkey metal pinion or spur stuff as well.
Excellent comparison. Ty
I’m curious how the fixed turnbuckles hold up on the traxxas vs the adjustable ones on the kraton.
I doubt there will be any issues other than maybe stretching the ends but they should be cheap to replace.
Your check is in the mail. Signed Traxxas.
LoL did you see the drive comparison?
@@ExocagedRC Yes, but the overhype about the size of sintered gears kind of turned me off on the review. You did a good job but as of now, most Sledge owners opt for the $50 replacement ring gears. At least the ones that really bash them. I run with a few friends that have Kratons and there is a couple of Sledge owners. Motor mount sucks beyond belief. So there are good and bad with both. Diffs on the Kraton are fine if you take the time to shim them, which should have been done at the factory. Good stuff, quality video.
Great comparison, Joe😀👍! Hopefully this motivates Arrma to up their game💪
Y the kraton is already great and for the difference in cost arrma is the clear winner hear.
In the end we win as each one wants to have the better vehicle.
Great comparison 👍
The spiral cut gears makes them a lot stronger. How strong compared to bigger gear straight cut? Idk
I’d have to say the size of them make up for that difference. Same gears as Maxx and they have proven very durable.
@@ExocagedRC yeah but this is 6s
It can be bigger and biffier by look but if the materials are cheap it doesnt mean anything. Arrma can make a 8mm chassis and still bend while m2c sells a 3mm chassis who doesnt bend. The gear material on the traxxas are fragile. Idk if its bad hardening but teeths flying off their spurs is a common thing if the mesh is not perfect. Only time will tell. I have seen axles snaping and pin snaping so far. Wing seems superior to the kraton stock. Most diffs on the competition have similar size gear, spider gears and so on.
This is why I mentioned material on the Kraton ring gear. The new pinions are supposed to be hardened steel but the ring gears look like the normal stuff they use in other trucks.
The only "heat treating" Traxxas spurs ever had was the press heat. You can tell because of the anodized layer on the gear. It's the same with the ring & pinion of the diffs. As you said, they have to be that large to hold up to any power. But the spur can only be so large, & at mod 1, fail almost on command compared to a normal hardened steel spur gear. Traxxas did include a harden steel pinion with this truck, but it only will wreck the spur faster.
@@Megasty15 things like that most costumers do not know about
Just found your channel, great vids, how do you not have more subs?
Thanks man. I wish I did have more subs! 😂😂
Diffs on kraton are f&r 10k center 100k i think it’s the same on all of them I know on my talion,Mojave,and kraton they all are the same according to the manuals
Makes you wonder if Traxxas is setting these up to fail with the diffs not being full any body check the shocks to make sure theres oil in them
Shocks seem super smooth and work fine. They are proven Maxx shocks.
What I'm liking about the exb is the wheelbase looks longer
Traxxas needs to step it up in the creativity department. Arrma put out new rigs regularly. They basically studied a Kraton and created the Sledge. The Kraton has been proven. Time will tell if the "beefier" parts are superior on the Sledge. Parts can be beefy but not as good of quality medals / plastics.
I’m late to the party (per usual). I’ve been looking at the Sledge and the Kraton. Both look great. But I’m leaning toward Traxxas.
Metallurgy is the key
Great video as always!
The thumbnail still has me laughing. Love it Joe. Thanks!
LoL I was looking at both trucks at the same time. LoL
Once I took the EXB-diff of my friends Kraton apart I could'nt manage to make it work again. I had to let one of that bloody limited slip-segments out in ordert to make the diff running smoothly
Best comparison vid of 2022 man!! Soo many design differences, it's mind boggling how the word "copy" even applies lol keep up the in depth content.
Yeah they got their feelings hurt on this and that’s it for the most part.
Wait until the end of this summer when all the sledge bashers are crying for replacement parts/upgrades. This looks like its gonna be a money pit like the t/e maxx all over again (i myself learned this lesson years ago).
Hey love your videos , Metal used on the Traxxas has shown to be really low quality there’s videos of them already striping
You got a blue tongue! 😁
LoL yeah blueraspberry!
Another great video joe!!! I can’t remember do you have a Kraton 1/5? I’ve been eyeing that for a while (the EXB roller) just wondered what you thought about it. Thanks
I have both a Kraton 8s and an Outcast 8s.
Okay I have the one exb and his big brother think I need a sledge now lol
Great information, thx 👍
For apples to apples comparison, it should have been a Sledge vs Arrma Kraton V5 RTR. The EXB is kind of in a different class, it uses better 7075 chassis materials. Hardened spiral cut gears, at least in the EXB version. Traxxas makes up for using not as strong of materials (chassis, crown gear) by making them larger. To me its kind of a wash since the Sledge is over 2lbs heavier. As a long time Traxxas admirer with a Xmaxx in my stable, I also enjoy my Arrma EXB, both have served me well. Might pick up a used sledge down the road, or a roller since I am not a fan of the Traxxas electronics.
The compelling thing to me is that Arrma makes already makes a couple of $750 exb's. Just not the Kraton. I'd be interesting in hearing reviewers thoughts on how the Sledge compares with the Talion EXB RTR in performance. Maybe with the bigger wheels on the Talion a lot of guys are running.
I chose what I felt was the best Arrma had to offer. For the driving parts I’ll be using the stock electronics from the Fireteam and bolting those in.
What a GREAT video! Excellent content.🤠
Awesomesause ✌
Watch the version 6 arrma 6s they put the 8s drive line in it
I hope they do, I’ll buy another one 😂😂
The media material that Traxxas sent us does all these comparisons to the Arrma Keaton v5 and says do not distribute to the public lol.
THANK YOU JOE GREAT VIDEO FULL OF VERY HELPFUL CONTENT. HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND SIR.🇬🇧🇺🇲🕊️✌🏻👍🏻
Thank you buddy
Nice video bro 😎!
Awesome video👍
jump up on that sledge and crow errma fanboys ya feathers are all ruffled anyway 😁😆😎
😂😂
Thank you. Very helpful.
Oh wow buy looking at the trexxas new truck it has limited slip also
Love the cross eyed thumbnail. Made me laugh!
LoL thanks! I was trying to look at both the same time
Good comparison Joe but did u forget shock size or did I miss something? Lol I'm always off in lala land haha
Shocking news! Newer truck, aimed at the same target group, is beefier than the old one!
Powder metal gears and shafts! JUNK!! NEXT!!!!
They really shoulda made those gears out of quality metals I completely agree on that. But I like the truck and wait until all the aftermarket starts hitting this thing… ohhh yeah.
@@ExocagedRC I agree..Aftermarket will have a hay day with this rig and it's not junk I was just messing around as I always do lol
I wanna see the sledge diffs vs E revo, they look identical 🤔