ARRMA GORGON 223S Review: Brushless GORGON Power with QUAKE DNA

Bottom line: The ARRMA GORGON 223S is the factory brushless GORGON many drivers expected ARRMA to build sooner or later. It shares a lot of platform DNA with the QUAKE 223S, but the lighter SUV-style GORGON body gives it a different feel. On 2S, it is a fast and manageable everyday basher. On 3S, it becomes a wild 50mph-class 2WD monster truck that needs good throttle control, clean battery fit, and a little respect.

The original ARRMA GORGON already had the right look. Big tires, simple 2WD layout, high-clearance monster truck stance, and a body shape that felt more like a classic monster SUV than a race truck. What it did not have from the factory was brushless power. Many owners fixed that themselves with motor and ESC swaps, stronger tires, and drivetrain tweaks. The GORGON 223S takes that idea and turns it into a ready-to-run package.

That is why this release is interesting. It is not a completely new platform, and it is not pretending to be one. It is ARRMA taking a proven 2WD basher layout, adding the 223S brushless system, giving it 2S and 3S flexibility, and pairing it with the GORGON body style. For someone who already owns a QUAKE 223S, the decision may come down to looks and driving flavor. For someone who wanted a brushless GORGON without building one from scratch, this truck makes much more sense.

What Is the ARRMA GORGON 223S?

The ARRMA GORGON 223S is a 1/10 scale 2WD ready-to-run brushless monster truck. It comes with a Spektrum 4000Kv brushless motor, Spektrum SLT 45A 2-in-1 waterproof brushless ESC and receiver, Spektrum SLT2 transmitter, metal-geared waterproof digital servo, Dynamic Stability Control, wheelie bar, and 2S or 3S LiPo compatibility.

The official battery tray size is 140 × 50 × 35mm, and the truck uses an IC5 connector. That connector detail matters because EC5-plug LiPo batteries can work with the IC5 system, which makes EC5 hardcase packs a practical option for ARRMA owners who do not want to change the truck’s factory connector.

The GORGON 223S also gets the newer brushless-style wheel and tire package rather than simply reusing the older brushed GORGON tire setup. That is important because 3S brushless power can balloon tires, pull wheelies, and load the drivetrain much harder than a brushed setup. Foam-filled chevron tires, a wheelie bar, and DSC all help make the truck feel more complete as a factory brushless basher.

From Brushed GORGON to Brushless 223S

The biggest change is obvious: power. The brushed GORGON was a fun entry-level monster truck, but the 223S version moves the platform into a very different mood. The 4000Kv brushless motor gives the truck instant punch, and 3S power can turn it from a friendly backyard basher into a wheelie-heavy, 50mph-class machine.

That does not mean the brushed GORGON suddenly becomes irrelevant. A brushed truck still makes sense for younger drivers, smaller yards, and people who want something slower and simpler. But the GORGON 223S is aimed at drivers who want the same basic monster truck attitude with a lot more speed on tap.

The difference is not only the motor. The 223S package also includes the stability control system, wheelie bar, foam-filled tires, stronger overall performance setup, and a more aggressive driving personality. In other words, this is not just an old GORGON with more motor. It is a more complete factory brushless version of the idea many owners were already building themselves.

GORGON 223S vs QUAKE 223S: Same Family, Different Feel

The comparison with the ARRMA QUAKE 223S is unavoidable. The two trucks are very close in layout, power system logic, tire package, and size. That is why some drivers will call the GORGON 223S a rebodied QUAKE. Mechanically, that criticism is understandable. In real driving feel, however, the body shape and weight still matter.

The QUAKE wears more of a pickup-style body and feels more rowdy. It has a stronger, more reinforced shell character and makes more sense for drivers who want big air, ugly landings, and body-first abuse. The GORGON body is lighter, lower, and more SUV-like. That can make the truck feel a little more settled at speed, but the shell itself is not the strongest part of the package.

If the goal is rough body impacts, repeated roof landings, and hard skate park bashing, the QUAKE still has a strong argument. If the goal is classic monster truck looks, a lighter-feeling body, and a GORGON identity with factory brushless power, the GORGON 223S makes a very clear case for itself.

2S vs 3S: Two Very Different Personalities

One mistake is assuming that 3S is automatically the only setup worth running. The GORGON 223S is already fun on 2S. In a backyard, skate park, schoolyard, or small open field, 2S gives plenty of speed while keeping the truck easier to place. It also puts less stress on the body, tires, drivetrain, and driver.

On 3S, the truck wakes up hard. It pulls the front end up easily, runs into the 50mph range when there is enough space, and feels much more like a full-send brushless monster truck. That extra speed is fun, but it also makes the truck more demanding. The front end wants to lift, loose surfaces can get lively, and throttle control becomes much more important.

This is where the GORGON 223S becomes interesting as a “grow into it” truck. A newer driver can start on 2S or reduced throttle settings, then move to 3S later. An experienced driver can jump straight into 3S and enjoy the silly wheelie power. The platform gives both options, which is exactly what makes the 223S idea work.

Battery Fit: The Detail That Owners Should Not Ignore

The GORGON 223S uses a 140 × 50 × 35mm bottom-loaded battery tray. That number should be treated as the starting point, not the whole answer. Because the battery loads from underneath, the case, connector, and wires all need to share the same space. A pack that looks close on paper may feel tight once the IC5 or EC5 connector is inside the tray.

A slim 3S pack is usually the easiest way to get full 223S performance without fighting the battery door. Some 5000mAh-class 3S packs can also work, but they need the right position. The connector should sit near the chassis opening, and the wires should be routed upward rather than trapped under the battery tray. Forcing the door closed against stiff leads is not a good long-term setup.

For CNHL users, this is where the dedicated GORGON 223S battery collection helps. The goal is not just finding the biggest pack possible. The goal is finding a hardcase LiPo that matches the truck’s space, connector system, and driving style. You can browse the dedicated LiPo Battery for ARRMA GORGON 223S collection for 2S and 3S options built around that logic.

EC5 and IC5 Compatibility

The GORGON 223S comes with an IC5 connector. EC5-plug LiPo batteries can work with IC5-equipped ARRMA vehicles, which is useful if you already run EC5 hardcase packs in other RC cars. This keeps the setup simple and avoids cutting the factory connector on a new truck.

Connector compatibility does not remove the need for basic checks. Always confirm battery dimensions, plug condition, polarity, and wire direction before running the truck. This matters even more on the GORGON 223S because the bottom-loaded tray leaves limited room for a large connector and thick wires.

Driving Feel: Fast, Funny, and More Capable Than Old 2WD Trucks

The GORGON 223S still behaves like a 2WD monster truck in the best way. It likes to wheelie, it looks dramatic when the front end comes up, and it has that silly rear-drive energy that makes simple bashing feel entertaining. But it does not feel like an old loose, floppy 2WD truck that immediately swaps ends every time the throttle is touched.

The mid-mounted motor layout, large tires, DSC, and overall chassis balance help it stay surprisingly composed. On 2S, it can feel controlled and confident. On 3S, it has more than enough power to make the wheelie bar work hard. In loose dirt, the truck can still move around, but that is part of the character. It is not a clean speed-run chassis out of the box. It is a brushless 2WD monster truck with enough power to be funny every time you squeeze the trigger.

Jumping performance is better than many people expect from a 2WD truck. It can backflip with the right ramp and throttle timing, and it carries itself well for open-field bashing. Still, throttle control matters more than on a 4WD basher. A 4WD truck has more rotating mass from all four tires to help adjust pitch in the air. With the GORGON 223S, it is cleaner to approach ramps with steady speed and use throttle changes with more care.

DSC Makes the 3S Setup More Usable

Dynamic Stability Control is one of the most useful features on the GORGON 223S. It helps correct steering when the rear of the truck steps out, and it can make the truck much easier to drive at speed. For a 2WD brushless monster truck, that matters.

Newer drivers can use more DSC and reduce throttle from the transmitter to make the truck easier to handle. More experienced drivers can turn DSC down or off to practice real 2WD throttle control. This flexibility is a big part of why the GORGON 223S works as both a beginner-friendly basher and a truck that still feels exciting on 3S.

That said, DSC is not magic. On loose surfaces, with full 3S power, the GORGON 223S can still get lively. The system helps keep the truck straighter, but the driver still needs space, smooth throttle input, and a realistic sense of how fast a 2WD monster truck should be pushed.

Body Strength: Great Look, Realistic Expectations

The GORGON body is one of the biggest reasons this truck stands out. The SUV-style shape gives it a different personality from the QUAKE, and the color options make it feel more playful than a plain basher shell. It looks good in photos, and it looks even better when the body color catches sunlight.

Durability is the tradeoff. The GORGON shell is not the most reinforced part of the truck. For normal bashing, it is fine. For repeated roof hits, nose landings, failed flips, and skate park abuse, the body will show damage before the chassis gives up. Drivers who bash hard may eventually reinforce the inside of the shell or accept that body wear is part of the truck’s personality.

This is also where the QUAKE comparison matters. If you want the tougher body for rougher landings, QUAKE makes sense. If you want the GORGON look and a lighter-feeling shell, the GORGON 223S is the more interesting choice. Neither answer is wrong. They simply favor different kinds of driving.

What to Know Before Buying

The GORGON 223S is a strong value-focused brushless basher, but it is not perfect for every driver. The 45A 2-in-1 ESC and receiver help keep the truck simple and affordable, but they may not satisfy people who want deep tuning options, separate receiver flexibility, or more ESC programming control. For most stock 2S and 3S driving, the factory system fits the purpose. For heavy modifiers, it may become one of the first things they think about changing.

The servo is another part to keep an eye on over time. It is a metal-geared waterproof digital servo, and it makes sense for the truck as sold. But hard bashers eventually upgrade servos on almost everything. The same logic applies to the body and long-term drivetrain wear. The platform is tough, but 3S power always asks more from parts than brushed running or mild 2S sessions.

The biggest thing to understand is that the GORGON 223S is not trying to be a polished speed-run car. If the goal is clean 50mph passes, the truck may need more room, smoother throttle buildup, lower ride height, or extra front-end stability. Out of the box, its real personality is simpler: fast, tough, silly, and ready to throw the front end up when the surface gives it traction.

Who Should Buy the GORGON 223S?

The GORGON 223S makes the most sense for someone buying into the ARRMA 223S 2WD brushless platform for the first time. It is also a very natural upgrade path for someone who liked the brushed GORGON but wanted more speed without doing a full conversion. The truck gives that driver brushless power, better tires, DSC, a wheelie bar, and 2S/3S flexibility in one box.

If you already own a QUAKE 223S, the GORGON 223S is less of a must-buy and more of a personal preference. You may still want one because you like the body, want a second truck, or prefer the GORGON identity. But if you are choosing only one, the decision should be based on how you drive. Pick the QUAKE for harder body abuse. Pick the GORGON for the classic monster SUV look and a slightly different driving feel.

Battery and Setup Recommendations

For everyday driving, a 2S hardcase LiPo is the most balanced choice. It gives enough speed to make the truck fun, but keeps it easier to control. For drivers who want the full personality of the GORGON 223S, a 3S hardcase LiPo is the more exciting option. That is where the truck shows the big wheelies, stronger acceleration, and high-speed brushless character people expect from a 223S model.

For battery fit, the key points are simple: hardcase construction, suitable size, EC5 or IC5 connector compatibility, and clean wire routing. The GORGON 223S battery tray is compact, so a slightly smaller pack that fits neatly can be better than a larger pack that has to be forced into place.

For compatible options, visit the CNHL ARRMA GORGON 223S battery collection. If you are also comparing the QUAKE platform, the ARRMA QUAKE 223S battery collection is worth checking as well. For broader basher setups, browse the main CNHL RC car battery collection.

Final Verdict

The ARRMA GORGON 223S is not a revolutionary new platform, and that is fine. Its value comes from giving the GORGON identity the brushless setup people were already building on their own. It is fast, simple, durable enough for normal bashing, and flexible enough to run as a tame 2S truck or a wild 3S wheelie machine.

The body is the part to watch, and 3S battery fit should be handled carefully. But those are setup details, not deal breakers. For drivers who want a fun 2WD monster truck with factory brushless power, the GORGON 223S is one of the most entertaining ways to get there. For CNHL customers, the key is choosing the right 2S or 3S hardcase pack, respecting the 140 × 50 × 35mm tray, and routing the connector cleanly instead of chasing the biggest battery that might fit.

FAQ

Is the ARRMA GORGON 223S just a QUAKE 223S with another body?

The GORGON 223S shares a lot with the QUAKE 223S, including the 223S brushless system, general chassis layout, and tire package. However, the body shape, body mounts, shell weight, and body strength give it a different driving feel. The QUAKE is better for rougher body impacts, while the GORGON has its own lighter SUV-style monster truck identity.

Is the ARRMA GORGON 223S good on 2S?

Yes. 2S is a strong everyday setup for the GORGON 223S. It is still quick and fun, but easier to control than 3S. For newer drivers, smaller spaces, or lower-stress bashing, 2S is often the better starting point.

Is the ARRMA GORGON 223S too powerful on 3S?

It can feel very wild on 3S, especially in small areas or on loose surfaces. The truck has enough power to wheelie easily and reach the 50mph range, so 3S is best for open areas and drivers who are comfortable with throttle control.

Can a 5000mAh 3S battery fit in the GORGON 223S?

Some 5000mAh-class 3S packs can fit, but it depends on the exact dimensions, plug direction, and wire routing. The tray is listed at 140 × 50 × 35mm, and the bottom-loaded design means the connector and wires need to be positioned carefully.

Can I use EC5 batteries with the ARRMA GORGON 223S?

Yes. The GORGON 223S uses an IC5 connector, and EC5-plug LiPo batteries can work with the IC5 system. Always check plug condition, polarity, battery size, and wire routing before running the truck.

Is the GORGON 223S body strong enough for hard bashing?

The body looks great and works fine for normal bashing, but it is not the strongest part of the truck. Repeated roof landings, nose hits, and failed flips can damage the shell over time. Drivers who bash very hard may prefer the QUAKE body style or reinforce the GORGON shell.

Should I buy the GORGON 223S or the QUAKE 223S?

Choose the GORGON 223S if you like the SUV-style body, classic GORGON look, and slightly different driving feel. Choose the QUAKE 223S if you want a more reinforced body for harder crash landings. If you do not own either truck, both are strong 2WD brushless basher options.