ARRMA QUAKE 223S vs GORGON: Real Upgrade or Just Hype?

Let’s cut to the chase—should you ditch your GORGON for the QUAKE 223S? We’ve been down that road, and here’s what I found after putting both through their paces. We’ve driven both, and as someone who used to bash a GORGON nearly every weekend, let us tell you exactly what you’re in for with the QUAKE.

Let’s Line Them Up Side by Side

• Speed: Not even a fair race. The QUAKE on 3S can hit over 50 MPH (80+ km/h). The GORGON… well, bless its heart, it tries.
• Power System: QUAKE comes brushless right out of the box. GORGON runs brushed, and it shows.
• Body Mounts: QUAKE’s got a slick clipless body system—no more lost pins. GORGON still relies on those old-school body clips.
• Handling: The QUAKE features built-in DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). That means more grip, less spinouts, and tighter control.

Can You Just Upgrade the GORGON?

We know what you're thinking: "Why not just slap a brushless system into my GORGON?" Been there, done that. And after wasting time and cash trying to make it work, We realized we should’ve just bought the QUAKE from the start. By the time you buy a solid motor and ESC, plus whatever extras you'll need, you've already spent more than just picking up a QUAKE 223S brand new. Save yourself the hassle. Go straight to QUAKE. You’ll thank yourself later.

Battery Talk – What the QUAKE Really Needs

Now we get to the fun part. If you want to unleash the QUAKE’s full potential, the battery matters—a lot. We’ve run a bunch of packs through this thing, but two CNHL Racing Series batteries stand out as perfect fits, both in size and performance.

• CNHL Racing Series 5600mAh 7.4V 2S 120C with EC5 Plug – This is your daily driver pack—the kind you can run heat after heat without worrying about overheating, cutouts, or drama. Great for bashing all day, especially if you're new to brushless. It gives you solid punch and long run times without getting wild.
• CNHL Racing Series 5600mAh 11.1V 3S 120C with EC5 Plug – This one’s built for those who don’t lift off the throttle. Hit the gas and it responds like a kicked hornet’s nest—aggressive, fast, and unapologetic. If you want instant torque, wheelies on demand, and smoke-your-buddies kind of speed, this is your pack. There’s raw power under that hard case—no joke.

Real-World 3S Fitment Notes

One thing we noticed quickly during testing: the QUAKE 223S battery tray is tighter in real-world use than the official dimensions suggest — especially once you start running larger hard case 3S packs.

The battery itself usually isn’t the main problem. Most of the tightness comes from the ESC connector and wire routing inside the compartment. Once everything is plugged in, space disappears fast.

What worked best for us was removing the small battery cap piece between the ESC and cooling fan (two screws), then routing the battery wires upward through the opening instead of forcing everything down into the tray. With the wiring moved outside the compartment, larger 3S packs fit much more naturally.

No cutting. No permanent modifications. Just a cleaner setup that makes high-capacity 3S batteries much easier to run.

And honestly? Once the QUAKE is running properly on a strong 3S pack, it completely changes personality. At that point, it stops feeling like a beginner monster truck and starts feeling like a GORGON that spent the winter in the gym.

Perfect Tray Fit? Yep.

Both CNHL batteries are designed to fit the QUAKE’s 140×50×35mm tray. And with EC5 plugs, you get a direct, no-mods connection to the stock ESC. Slide the pack into the tray, plug it into the ESC, and you're ripping up dirt in seconds—no mods, no guessing.

So, What’s the Verdict?

The GORGON is a fantastic entry-level 2WD truck, no doubt. But the QUAKE 223S? You’ve cut your teeth on the GORGON—now it’s time to let the QUAKE show you what real 3S brushless fun feels like. Instead of spending time and cash trying to turn your GORGON into something it was never meant to be, you get a brushless beast straight from the factory. Throw in a CNHL Racing pack, and this thing transforms from a weekend toy to a serious backyard beast—without breaking your wallet.

Wondering which battery drops in without a fuss?

We’ve already put together a full battery compatibility guide for the ARRMA QUAKE 223S right here. Whether you're going 2S or 3S, it's got all the specs, plug types, and fitment info you need.

Quick FAQ

• Q: Will the CNHL 5600mAh 3S battery fit the QUAKE 223S?
  A: Yes, it’s a perfect fit for the 140×50×35mm tray. No adapters or mods required.
• Q: Is the QUAKE 223S really that much better than the GORGON?
  A: 100%. It’s not just about brushless—it’s about everything else ARRMA upgraded too.
• Q: Which CNHL battery should I start with?
  A: If you’re newer or want smooth control, start with the 2S. If you want raw power, go straight for the 3S.