The Versatility of the Arrma Granite Grom
One question I’ve often been asked about the Arrma Granite Grom and similar trucks is what they are actually good for. Well, let me show you why this little car is a great addition to your collection. Whether you have limited space or just want to have some fun, this truck is perfect. You can bash it around without worrying about causing any damage, making it ideal for music bashing sessions.
Pine Needle Woes
However, there is one small drawback to this car – it really doesn’t handle pine needles well. So, if you live in an area surrounded by pine trees, be prepared to clean it out often. While it may require a little extra maintenance, the fun you’ll have with it outweighs the hassle of clearing out those pesky pine needles.
The Clipless Body System
Let’s dive into some details about the Arrma Granite Grom. One notable feature is its clipless body system. While it does offer some advantages, like not having to deal with clips, the design can be a bit frustrating. The push buttons used to secure the body can be tricky to access. Trying to press both buttons simultaneously can be difficult, but lifting one corner of the body at a time makes it easier.
Putting the body back on, however, can be equally frustrating. There is a small funnel provided for the tab at the front, which is relatively easy to attach. However, it can also become easily misaligned, resulting in improper placement. Even after numerous attempts, I still find myself struggling to correctly align the front tab about half the time.
Is it Worth Your Money?
Now that we’ve discussed the pros and cons of the Arrma Granite Grom, the burning question remains – is it worth the price? In my opinion, if you’re looking for a versatile and fun vehicle for small bashing areas, this little truck is a solid investment. Despite the minor inconvenience of the clipless body system and the need for frequent pine needle clean-up, the enjoyment it brings far outweighs these drawbacks.
So, if you’re in search of a capable and durable RC car that can handle small spaces and provide countless hours of entertainment, the Arrma Granite Grom is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to keep it away from those pesky pine trees!
Pushing Back Posts and Dealing with Dirt
Pushing these back posts into their holes can sometimes be a challenging task, especially if there’s dirt stuck in there. While pushing straight down may work, I prefer giving those tabs a little bit of help. Once they’re on there, they stay on there, and it’s definitely a relief not to have to deal with those body posts anymore.
Diving into the Truck’s Design
Let’s now take a closer look at the design of this truck. Initially, it came with a brushed system, which has left many people disappointed. The brushed system can only achieve speeds of about 19 mph on hard surfaces, which is relatively slow. However, for those who haven’t experienced these small cars, 19 mph power is sufficient. The power that comes from the brush system is also adequate.
Switching to Brushless and the ESC Mount
That being said, many people may want to switch to brushless for a more powerful experience. If you decide to do so, you’ll need to replace the ESC, which also doubles as the mount for the servo. Unfortunately, Horizon’s website does not currently offer the adapter needed for this swap. However, there are 3D printed options available, including one that can be purchased on eBay. While the quality of these options may vary, they are at least accessible.
Ease of Work on the Car
Working on this car is exceptionally easy, especially when compared to other similar vehicles. Throughout the entire car, you’ll find two sizes of screws, simplifying the process.
Durability and Value for Money
Now, let’s move on to the most important aspect of this review: the durability of the Arrma Granite Grom. The truck’s build quality is impressive, and it can withstand quite a beating. Whether you’re driving it off-road or on rough surfaces, the Arrma Granite Grom holds up well.
As for its value for money, this truck offers a decent package. While the brushed system might not satisfy everyone’s need for speed, the option to switch to brushless is a game-changer. With a few modifications and upgrades, the Arrma Granite Grom can deliver an exhilarating performance.
In conclusion, the Arrma Granite Grom is a durable truck with good potential. Its design may require some adjustments if you want to switch to brushless, but overall, it offers an enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a small car with decent speed and durability, the Arrma Granite Grom is definitely worth considering.
The Durability of the Arrma Granite Grom
All of the screws in the Arrma Granite Grom are large, with nice, big heads on them. Taking apart any specific part of the car is very easy. By removing nine screws, the central brace comes out, exposing everything in the middle. If you need to deal with a differential or any of the suspension components, simply take off one of the bumpers and remove the cover for the differential. Everything is then exposed, making maintenance a breeze.
The Battery Tray
One of the standout features of the Arrma Granite Grom is its battery tray. Unlike many smaller cars, this battery tray is very large, accessible, and easy to fit any type of battery. This attention to detail is a great selling point for the car, allowing users to customize their power source according to their needs. It’s a feature that sets the Arrma Granite Grom apart from other RC cars in its class.
Durability Test
Although the Arrma Granite Grom is designed to be durable, it’s important to put it to the test. After multiple packs of bashing and one intense session of trying to break something, we finally managed to break a part. In our upcoming videos, we will be taking apart the car to figure out what caused the break. Stay tuned for exciting content, including carbon fiber parts made with lasers and other fascinating projects. Don’t miss out – make sure to subscribe to our channel!
The Rear Differential Issue
During our durability test of the Arrma Granite Grom, it didn’t come as a surprise when the rear differential gave in. We decided to take a closer look at what went wrong. Upon inspection, the ring and pinion seemed to be in excellent condition. We delved deeper and found that even the stub shaft appeared unharmed. However, upon further examination, we discovered the issue lay with the output cup.
The Weak Link
To our surprise, it was the output cup that failed us during the test. The small ears on the cup sheared off, causing the breakdown. While we were expecting the gears to be the weak point, it turned out to be the cup. This finding was certainly interesting and worth noting for potential buyers.
Thoughts on Arrma Granite Grom
In general, the Arrma Granite Grom is an impressive little truck that is well-designed and offers excellent performance. It handles well and provides a lot of fun for enthusiasts. Additionally, its versatility out of the box makes it a convenient choice for users. One of the notable aspects of this truck is its easy maintenance and repairability.
The Elephant in the Room: Competition
However, when discussing the Arrma Granite Grom, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room – the competition. Priced similarly, the 16889 pro from many different brands offers some significant advantages. It comes with a brushless motor, superior shocks, and an all-metal drivetrain, making it a more feature-rich option.
The Downsides
While the 16889 pro has its advantages, it’s important to consider the downsides of this type of truck. These trucks may not have the same level of reliability and durability as their more expensive counterparts. Additionally, the parts availability for these trucks might be limited, making repairs and maintenance more challenging.
In conclusion, the Arrma Granite Grom is undeniably a cool and well-designed little truck that offers great performance and versatility. However, it faces tough competition from the 16889 pro and other similar models that offer better features. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences, priorities, and budget considerations.
Difficulty in Working on the Truck
When it comes to trucks like the Arrma Granite Grom, one thing that I have noticed is that they are slightly harder to work on compared to other models. This could be attributed to a few factors, but one factor that stands out is the lower quality hardware parts that come with this truck. Finding suitable replacement parts for the Granite Grom can be a bit more challenging, as they may not be as readily available as compared to other trucks.
Refinement Level Out of the Box
Another aspect to consider is the level of refinement that the Granite Grom offers right out of the box. While it is still a reliable and durable truck, it may lack the refined finish that some other models have. This means that you may need to spend some extra time and effort to fine-tune and adjust certain components to ensure optimal performance.
Comparison to Competitor Models
One competitor model to the Granite Grom is the Hypergo 14 MT. Although it is priced higher than the Granite Grom, it offers certain advantages in terms of size and performance. The larger size of the 14 MT provides additional benefits, such as increased stability and better handling. However, it is essential to note that both trucks have their own unique selling points and can cater to different preferences.
What Makes the Granite Grom Worth Considering?
Despite the aforementioned challenges, the Granite Grom still has its merits. If you prioritize ease of maintenance and repair, the clarity of its upgrade path, and readily available parts support, the Granite Grom is an excellent choice. Its simplicity in design allows for straightforward maintenance and repair procedures, ensuring that you can easily fix any issues that may arise during usage.
Considerations for Best Out-of-the-Box Value
On the other hand, if you are looking for the best out-of-the-box value, you may want to consider alternatives such as the 16889 Pro or the Hypergo monster truck. These options offer a more refined experience straight from the box, providing a well-rounded performance and excellent value for your money. Ultimately, both options are fantastic choices and will provide a lot of fun and excitement for any RC truck enthusiast.