ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S Review: Real Speed, Battery Choices, and Mini XRT Comparison

The ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S is not just another small-scale RC truck—it represents a completely new direction for ARRMA’s basher lineup. Sitting between the Grom platform and traditional 1/10 scale vehicles, the Mini Kraton delivers real 3S performance in a size that’s easy to store, easy to transport, and easy to run almost anywhere.

In this guide, we’ll break down what actually works on the Mini Kraton 3S based on real-world testing: battery choices, connector upgrades, battery tray fitment tips, and how it truly compares to popular alternatives like the Mini XRT. This isn’t a spec-sheet comparison—it’s about how the truck behaves once you put a proper 3S battery in it and start driving.

Important Battery Notes Before You Start

Before diving deeper, there are two practical details every Mini Kraton owner should know:

• All recommended batteries in this guide use XT60 connectors. Converting your ESC to XT60 unlocks more battery options and higher discharge capability.
• If you plan to run a larger 2200mAh 3S battery, removing the foam padding in the battery tray makes installation much easier and cleaner.

These two small changes dramatically expand your battery choices and overall driving experience.

Why ARRMA Didn’t Call It a Grom: The New “Mini” Platform Explained

One of the first questions many people asked was simple: why isn’t this a Kraton Grom? The answer becomes obvious the moment you see and drive the truck. The Mini Kraton is built on a completely new platform—larger, stronger, and more capable than any Grom-based vehicle.

Everything about the Mini Kraton is slightly scaled up. The suspension arms are beefier, the drivetrain is stronger, and the overall footprint allows it to handle rough terrain and higher speeds far more confidently. This isn’t a small car pushed beyond its limits—it’s a properly engineered mini basher designed to live on 3S power.

ARRMA’s goal was simple: deliver the “King of Bashers” feel in a size that works in backyards, skate parks, and local fields without needing the space or logistics of a full 6S machine.

Half the Size of a 6S Kraton, Still a Real Basher

Despite being roughly half the size of a 6S Kraton, the Mini Kraton retains the same core personality. It jumps confidently, lands predictably, and feels planted even when speeds climb past what most people expect from a “mini” truck.

This balance is what separates it from many other small-scale bashers. It doesn’t feel twitchy or unstable at speed, and it doesn’t require constant throttle correction to keep it tracking straight. Whether you’re running it on grass, dirt, or pavement, the Mini Kraton feels composed.

PowerGuard in Real Life: More Than a Marketing Feature

The PowerGuard system is easy to misunderstand if you only read the box. In real use, it’s one of the most practical features ARRMA has introduced for mixed-experience households.

With the Power Key removed, the Mini Kraton runs in a limited mode that still delivers strong performance—around mid-30 mph—but with smoother power delivery and longer runtime. Insert the key, and the truck unlocks full chaos mode, delivering 50+ mph performance on 3S.

This isn’t just about limiting speed. It’s about control. Parents can hand the truck to younger drivers without worrying about accidental full-throttle launches. Experienced drivers can pull the key and immediately access everything the platform can deliver.

Many experienced hobbyists initially dismissed the Power Key as a gimmick—until they actually used it. In practice, it’s a smart solution that makes one truck suitable for multiple drivers.

Real Speed Testing: 1300mAh vs 2000–2200mAh 3S Batteries

Out of the box testing with a smaller 1300mAh 3S battery already shows how serious the Mini Kraton is, hitting speeds in the mid-to-high 40 mph range. But stepping up to a larger capacity battery changes the experience significantly.

With a 2000–2200mAh 3S battery, real-world testing consistently reaches the advertised 50+ mph. The difference isn’t just peak speed—it’s voltage stability. Larger capacity packs maintain voltage under load, keeping acceleration strong and top speed consistent throughout the run.

This is where battery choice matters more than raw numbers. A well-matched 3S pack transforms the Mini Kraton from “fast for its size” into something that genuinely surprises people the first time they see it run.

Battery Tray Reality: Foam Padding and Fitment Tips

The Mini Kraton’s battery tray is well designed, but fitment matters. Smaller packs like 1300mAh and 1500mAh drop in effortlessly with the factory foam padding installed.

When stepping up to a 2200mAh pack, removing the foam padding allows the battery to sit cleanly and securely without stressing the strap or wiring. This isn’t a modification—it’s simply optimizing the tray for larger packs.

Once installed properly, even larger batteries remain secure during aggressive driving and hard landings.

Why XT60 Makes Sense on the Mini Kraton 3S

One of the smartest upgrades you can make early on is converting the ESC connector to XT60. XT60 is one of the most widely used connectors in the RC world, offering excellent current handling and compatibility.

By switching to XT60, you unlock access to a much wider range of high-performance batteries—including high C-rating packs that fully support the Mini Kraton’s potential.

Higher discharge capability means stronger punch, less voltage sag, and more consistent performance during hard acceleration and repeated full-throttle runs.

Recommended XT60 battery options include:

• CNHL Black Series 1300mAh 11.1V 3S 130C LiPo Battery (XT60)
• CNHL Black Series V2.0 1500mAh 11.1V 3S 130C LiPo Battery (XT60)
• CNHL Black Series 2200mAh 11.1V 3S 30C LiPo Battery (XT60)

Mini Kraton vs Mini XRT: Speed Is Only Part of the Story

On paper, the Mini XRT is faster when fully upgraded, pushing close to 57 mph with a separate 3S battery. But that performance comes at an additional cost—battery upgrades, cooling additions, and tuning.

Note: Prices and speeds can vary by retailer, gearing, temperature, road slope, GPS setup, and battery condition. The goal here is to reflect the common “what owners actually see” discussions, not a lab-spec shootout.

The Mini Kraton, by contrast, delivers 50+ mph straight out of the box when paired with a proper 3S battery. It feels more stable at speed, requires fewer immediate upgrades, and offers a smoother overall driving experience.

If you’re leaning toward the Mini Kraton after comparing it with the Mini XRT, battery choice quickly becomes the next big question. To explore recommended 3S options, capacities, and connector setups that fit the Mini Kraton platform well, you can browse our LiPo battery collection for ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S BLX , which focuses on packs that balance speed, runtime, and real-world fitment.

Many drivers note that while the Mini XRT excels in raw speed, the Mini Kraton feels more composed and predictable, especially during high-speed runs and jumps.

Durability, Stability, and Community Feedback

Real-world feedback consistently highlights the Mini Kraton’s stability and balance. Drivers report that it tracks straighter at high speeds and feels less nose-heavy than some alternatives.

The suspension and drivetrain handle repeated hard landings well, and the ESC’s tuning delivers smooth braking and throttle control—even on 3S.

For many, this balance is what makes the Mini Kraton stand out. It doesn’t just go fast—it goes fast in a way that feels controllable and durable.

Who the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S Is Really For

The Mini Kraton 3S is ideal for drivers who want serious performance without committing to full-scale logistics. It’s fast enough to thrill experienced bashers, approachable enough for newer drivers, and flexible enough to grow with simple battery and connector upgrades.

If you value stability, versatility, and real-world performance over spec-sheet bragging rights, the Mini Kraton delivers exactly what its name promises—true Kraton DNA in a smaller, smarter package.

ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S – Quick FAQ

How fast is the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S out of the box?

With a properly sized 3S LiPo (around 2000–2200mAh) and the PowerGuard key installed, the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S is commonly reported to reach about 50 mph in real-world speed runs. Smaller 1300mAh packs often produce slightly lower speeds, while larger-capacity packs help maintain voltage under load.

What is PowerGuard on the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S?

PowerGuard is a physical key-based power control system that limits the truck’s top performance unless the key is installed. When removed, the Mini Kraton runs in a reduced-power mode for easier control and longer runtime, making it harder for inexperienced drivers to accidentally unleash full 3S power.

Is the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S better than the Traxxas Mini XRT?

The Mini XRT is typically faster on 3S at the top end, but many users consider the Mini Kraton the better out-of-the-box package due to its included 3S option, aluminum threaded shocks, PowerGuard system, and overall stability. Value and drivability are the most common deciding factors.

Does the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S include a center differential?

Yes. The Mini Kraton 3S features a sealed center differential, which helps control wheel spin, improve stability at speed, and make high-power 3S driving more manageable compared to platforms without a center diff.

Do you need extra cooling to run the Mini Kraton on 3S?

The Mini Kraton includes an ESC cooling fan and a motor heatsink with a fan from the factory. Many users report that this stock cooling setup is sufficient for typical 3S bashing, especially compared to other mini-scale trucks that require immediate fan upgrades.

What battery size fits the ARRMA Mini Kraton battery tray?

The battery tray comfortably fits compact 3S packs in the 1300–2000mAh range. Larger 2200mAh packs can fit, but some users recommend removing the foam spacer inside the tray to make installation easier and avoid compressing the battery.

Why do people swap the ESC connector to XT60 on the Mini Kraton?

Swapping to an XT60 connector allows compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket 3S batteries, including high-discharge packs. This gives drivers more flexibility in capacity and C-rating choices compared to being limited to the stock connector ecosystem.

Is the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S good for beginners?

Yes. Features like PowerGuard, throttle limiting, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) make the Mini Kraton approachable for new drivers, while still allowing experienced users to unlock full 3S performance when ready.

Is the ARRMA Mini Kraton 3S durable enough for skate parks?

Early user feedback and bashing videos show the Mini Kraton handling skate park use well for its size. The metal drivetrain and aluminum center skid provide durability, though visible skid wear is expected with repeated high-impact riding.