ARRMA Granite 4X4 Review: Rugged and Reliable
An expert analysis of the ARRMA Granite 4X4's features, performance, and durability for RC enthusiasts.
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Overview of the ARRMA Granite 4X4
The ARRMA Granite 4X4 is a 1/10 scale brushless electric RC truck designed to bridge the gap between nitro-powered models and modern electric beasts. Released in 2021 as part of ARRMA's Granite series, this truck has quickly gained a reputation for its rugged durability, impressive performance, and value for money. It's a favorite among both beginners and experienced hobbyists who want a truck that can handle rough terrain without breaking the bank.
At its core, the Granite 4X4 features a full aluminum chassis, a metal-geared steering servo, and oil-filled shock absorbers, all of which contribute to its robust and responsive nature. The truck is powered by a brushless motor and an ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) that can handle 3S LiPo batteries out of the box, with the option to upgrade to a 4S LiPo for those seeking more speed. Its top speed of approximately 50 mph (with a 3S battery) makes it one of the faster trucks in its class, while its 4WD system ensures excellent traction on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and sand.
One of the Granite 4X4's standout features is its adjustability. The suspension can be fine-tuned for different types of terrain, and the truck's modular design allows for easy upgrades and repairs. Whether you're into bashing, racing, or just cruising around your backyard, the Granite 4X4 is built to deliver a thrilling experience. In this review, we'll dive deep into its design, performance, durability, and maintenance requirements to help you decide if it's the right truck for your needs.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience of the ARRMA Granite 4X4 is a highlight in itself. ARRMA has always excelled at packaging, and the Granite 4X4 is no exception. The truck arrives in a sturdy cardboard box with a vibrant, eye-catching design that immediately sets the tone for what's inside. The packaging is well-padded with foam inserts, ensuring that the truck and its accessories arrive in pristine condition. This is particularly important for RC trucks, as even minor shipping damage can affect performance.
Inside the box, you'll find everything you need to get started, depending on whether you opt for the RTR (Ready-to-Run) or kit version. Most buyers will likely go for the RTR package, which includes:
- A fully assembled ARRMA Granite 4X4 truck;
- A 3S LiPo battery (typically a 5000mAh 30C pack);
- A battery charger (usually a basic balance charger);
- A 2.4GHz radio transmitter and receiver;
- A set of tools for minor adjustments;
- Spare parts (including body clips, shock oil, and a spare tire);
- A detailed instruction manual.
The ARRMA Granite 4X4 RTR package includes everything you need to start driving right out of the box.
First Look at the ARRMA Granite 4X4
The first thing you'll notice when unboxing the Granite 4X4 is its aggressive, muscular stance. The truck sits low to the ground, giving it a planted and stable feel. The body is pre-painted in a striking matte black with orange accents, which is a classic color scheme that looks great in motion. The body is made of durable polycarbonate, and ARRMA includes a spare body in the box, which is a nice touch for those who want to switch up the look.
The chassis is where the Granite 4X4 truly shines. Made from a single piece of aluminum, it's both lightweight and incredibly strong. The aluminum construction not only reduces weight but also improves heat dissipation, which is crucial for high-performance RC trucks. The four-link suspension is fully adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the ride height, camber, and caster angles to suit your driving style and terrain.
The wheels are 12mm hex wheels with beadlock rims, which prevent the tires from coming off during aggressive maneuvers. The tires themselves are 4.5-inch diameter with a deep, aggressive tread pattern designed for off-road traction. The front and rear axles are connected via a robust 4WD system with a gear-driven center differential, ensuring power is distributed evenly to all four wheels.
The Granite 4X4's low-slung, aggressive stance is evident in this side profile shot.
Design and Build Quality
Design Features
The ARRMA Granite 4X4's design is a masterclass in functionality and style. Every component is purpose-built for off-road performance, and the truck's modular design makes it easy to upgrade as your skills grow. Let's break down the key design features:
Chassis and Dimensions
The Granite 4X4 is built around a full aluminum chassis, which is a significant upgrade over the plastic chassis found in many budget RC trucks. The aluminum chassis is not only lighter but also more rigid, which improves handling and reduces flex during high-speed runs. The truck measures approximately 19.5 inches (495 mm) in length, 14.2 inches (360 mm) in width, and 7.5 inches (190 mm) in height, making it a true 1/10 scale monster truck.
The wheelbase is 12.2 inches (310 mm), which provides a good balance between stability and maneuverability. The truck's ground clearance is 2.8 inches (71 mm), allowing it to clear small obstacles like rocks and roots without getting stuck. The approach and departure angles are also impressive, at 30 degrees and 25 degrees, respectively, which means the truck can tackle steep inclines and declines without flipping over.
Suspension System
The suspension system of the Granite 4X4 is fully adjustable, with a four-link setup at the front and rear. Each suspension arm is made of aluminum, and the shocks are oil-filled with a threaded body for easy ride height adjustments. ARRMA includes a set of 200mm shock springs, but you can swap these out for stiffer or softer springs depending on your weight and driving style.
The camber and caster angles can also be adjusted by swapping out the suspension arms or using the included shims. This level of adjustability is rare in RTR trucks and is usually reserved for high-end kit builds. It allows you to fine-tune the truck's handling for different types of terrain, whether you're bashing on dirt or racing on a track.
Drivetrain and Power System
The Granite 4X4 is powered by a brushless motor (typically a 3660-size motor with a 19T pinion) and a sensored ESC that can handle 3S LiPo batteries out of the box. The motor is mounted in a rear-biased layout, which helps with weight distribution and improves traction. The ESC features programmable settings, including low-voltage cutoff, brake force, and throttle response, which you can tweak via the included programming card.
The drivetrain consists of a gear-driven center differential, which splits power between the front and rear axles. The front and rear differentials are also gear-driven, ensuring smooth and reliable power transfer. The axles are 12mm hex, which is a standard size for 1/10 scale RC trucks, making it easy to find replacement parts and upgrades.
Steering and Braking
The Granite 4X4 is equipped with a metal-geared steering servo (typically a Savöx SB-2290SG or similar), which provides precise and responsive steering. The servo is mounted on the chassis, and the steering linkage is adjustable for different turn radii. The truck uses a dual-bellcrank steering system, which improves steering accuracy and reduces slop.
Braking is handled by a pair of high-performance disc brakes at the front and rear. The brake rotors are vented for better heat dissipation, and the brake pads are sintered metal for improved stopping power. The ESC's brake force can be adjusted, allowing you to fine-tune the truck's braking performance for different driving conditions.
The full aluminum chassis of the Granite 4X4 is both lightweight and rigid, improving handling and durability.
Build Quality
The build quality of the ARRMA Granite 4X4 is exceptional, especially for an RTR truck. Every component feels premium, from the machined aluminum parts to the metal-geared servo and oil-filled shocks. The truck is assembled with tight tolerances, and there's minimal play in the suspension or drivetrain. Even the plastic parts, like the body and wheel hubs, feel sturdy and well-made.
One area where ARRMA really excels is in the attention to detail. The wiring harness is neatly bundled and secured with zip ties, reducing the risk of snags during a crash. The battery tray is adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the center of gravity for different battery sizes. The shock towers are reinforced with aluminum braces, which add rigidity and prevent flex under load.
Another standout feature is the adjustable battery tray. You can mount the battery in different positions to adjust the truck's weight distribution. For example, mounting the battery further back can improve rear traction, while mounting it forward can help with steering response. This level of adjustability is rare in RTR trucks and makes the Granite 4X4 more versatile.
The only minor quibble with the build quality is the included plastic body clips. While they're functional, they can be a bit fiddly to use, and some users prefer aftermarket aluminum body clips for a more secure fit. Additionally, the stock body is pre-painted, which limits customization options. However, ARRMA includes a spare unpainted body in the box, so you can paint it yourself if you want a unique look.
Performance and Speed
Speed and Acceleration
The ARRMA Granite 4X4 is no slouch when it comes to speed and acceleration. Out of the box, with a 3S LiPo battery, the truck can reach a top speed of approximately 50 mph (80 km/h). This puts it in the same league as other high-performance 1/10 scale trucks like the Traxxas XMaxx or the Losi RC10 TMB+. The acceleration is punchy and linear, with the truck quickly reaching its top speed without any lag or hesitation.
The brushless motor and ESC work in harmony to deliver consistent power delivery. The ESC is programmable, so you can adjust the throttle response to suit your driving style. For example, if you prefer a more aggressive throttle, you can set the ESC to "Sport" mode, which sharpens the throttle response. If you're a beginner or prefer a more relaxed driving experience, "Turbo" mode smooths out the power delivery and makes the truck easier to control.
One of the benefits of the Granite 4X4's brushless system is its reliability. Unlike nitro engines, which require regular tuning and maintenance, brushless motors are virtually maintenance-free and can handle high RPMs without breaking a sweat. The included 3S LiPo battery provides a runtime of approximately 15-20 minutes per charge, depending on your driving style. If you want more runtime, you can upgrade to a higher-capacity battery, but keep in mind that this will add weight and may affect the truck's handling.
For those seeking even more speed, the Granite 4X4 can be upgraded to a 4S LiPo battery. With a 4S setup, the top speed can exceed 60 mph, but this requires some additional modifications. You'll need to upgrade the ESC to handle the higher voltage and install a cooling fan to prevent overheating. The motor may also need to be upgraded to a higher-turn model for better efficiency. While these upgrades are possible, they do add to the cost and complexity, so they're best left to experienced users.
The Granite 4X4 accelerates quickly and reaches a top speed of 50 mph with a 3S LiPo battery.
Handling and Control
The handling and control of the ARRMA Granite 4X4 are where it truly shines. The truck's 4WD system, combined with its adjustable suspension, allows for precise and responsive handling on a variety of terrains. Whether you're bashing on dirt, racing on a track, or cruising around your backyard, the Granite 4X4 delivers a thrilling and confidence-inspiring experience.
The four-link suspension system is fully adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the ride height, camber, and caster angles to suit your driving style. For example, if you're driving on a smooth track, you can lower the ride height and set the camber to zero for maximum stability. If you're bashing on rough terrain, you can raise the ride height and set the camber to a slight negative angle to improve grip.
The steering is precise and responsive, thanks to the metal-geared servo and dual-bellcrank linkage. The truck's turning radius is tight, allowing it to navigate tight corners with ease. The 4WD system ensures that power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, providing excellent traction on loose surfaces. The gear-driven center differential helps to prevent wheel spin and improves overall handling.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Granite 4X4's handling is its stability at high speeds. The truck remains planted and composed even when pushed to its limits, thanks to its low center of gravity and rigid aluminum chassis. The oil-filled shocks do an excellent job of absorbing impacts and maintaining traction, even on rough terrain. The truck's weight distribution is also well-balanced, with the battery mounted in the center of the chassis. This helps to reduce body roll and improve overall stability.
If your bedroom is under 200 sq ft and you sleep with a partner who values silence, the Granite 4X4 might not be the best choice for indoor bashing. While the brushless system is quieter than a nitro engine, it still produces a noticeable whine at high RPMs. For outdoor use, however, the Granite 4X4 is a dream to drive. It handles jumps with confidence, sticks to loose surfaces, and feels incredibly planted at speed.
The Granite 4X4's adjustable suspension and 4WD system make it a beast on rough terrain.
Real-World Use Cases
The ARRMA Granite 4X4 is a versatile truck that can handle a variety of real-world use cases. Here's how it performs in different scenarios:
- Bashing: The Granite 4X4 is built for bashing. Its durable construction, adjustable suspension, and powerful brushless motor make it perfect for tearing up your backyard, local park, or off-road trail. The truck can handle jumps, wheelies, and even some