If you’ve spent any time around short-course trucks, you already know Arrma doesn’t build toys.
They build bashers - and the Arrma Mojave Grom might be their most approachable one yet.
Styled after the 1/7 Mojave EXB and built with the same “send-it” mindset, it packs real off-road control into a smaller, lighter setup that’s perfect for learning.
This Arrma Mojave Grom review focuses on what you feel once the tires hit dirt: the instant torque when you squeeze the trigger, the suspension’s calm over bumps, and the balance that makes it easy to push harder each run.
Key Takeaways
- Built for real driving: The Arrma Mojave Grom feels balanced and planted, even on uneven ground - rare for trucks at this price.
- Durability where it counts: Composite chassis and sealed drivetrain make it tougher than most entry-level rigs, with simple friction shocks that are easy to maintain or swap later for oil-filled units.
- Upgrade-ready design: The Grom’s drivetrain and ESC setup make it an easy transition to a brushless Arrma Mojave Grom build later.
- Responsive control: The included 2.4GHz radio system delivers clean input, and throttle modulation feels smooth enough for first-timers.
- Affordable performance: For under $200, it offers hobby-grade reliability with real upgrade potential - not disposable fun.
Shop the Arrma Mojave Grom now at RC Visions.
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Is the Arrma Mojave Grom Worth Buying for Beginners?
The Arrma Mojave Grom MEGA 380 is what a first real RC truck should be - easy to start, hard to outgrow.
It’s ready to run (RTR), fully assembled, and includes the battery, charger, and 2.4GHz radio right in the box.
Simple Setup, Real Control
Plug in the NiMH pack, power up, and drive. The Grom’s low, wide stance makes it feel planted right away, even on uneven terrain.
The brushed 380 motor has a smooth torque curve - enough punch to kick up dirt, but calm enough for beginners to stay in control.
The steering feels precise for its size. You can line up a turn, commit, and it holds the line instead of drifting wide like smaller rigs tend to.
It’s the kind of setup that lets new drivers build throttle confidence before worrying about tuning or upgrades.
Built to Take a Beating
Arrma didn’t cheap out on the structure. The composite chassis holds up to rollovers and rough landings, while the sealed 4×4 drivetrain keeps rocks and sand out of the gears.
Electronics are waterproof, so wet grass and puddles are fair game.
The Grom ships with friction shocks (basic, but durable) and upgrading to oil-filled versions later adds even more stability for higher jumps and faster runs.
Tuned for Learning (and Progress)
New drivers will notice how the Grom settles instead of snapping when they lift off the throttle. It stays predictable through small mistakes (bumps, uneven turns, half-throttle launches) that usually sends cheaper trucks spinning.
And since it shares the same chassis platform as the brushless BLX, it’s ready for a power upgrade once you’ve mastered control.
Main Pros and Cons of the Arrma Mojave Grom for Off-Road Racing
This Arrma Mojave Grom review shows exactly what beginners will notice first - where the truck impresses, and where it starts to show its limits.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Real 4×4 traction - keeps power balanced across loose dirt and grass, even when one wheel lifts. |
Friction shocks - durable but a little springy; upgrading to oil-filled shocks improves rebound control. |
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Durable composite chassis - Arrma’s proven modular design that’s easy to clean and tough to break. |
Plastic bushings - fine for learning runs but full bearings make a noticeable upgrade in smoothness. |
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Beginner-friendly torque - the 380 brushed motor delivers steady pull instead of jerky surges. |
Modest top speed - roughly 20 mph on the stock NiMH setup; brushless systems go much faster. |
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Waterproof electronics - sealed receiver and ESC mean wet grass and puddles aren’t a problem. |
Short runtime - about 10-12 minutes on the stock pack; a small LiPo easily doubles it. |
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Easy to upgrade - shares its chassis with the BLX version, so brushless power, bearings, and shocks drop right in. |
Find the Arrma Mojave Grom in-stock at RC Visions.
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Arrma Mojave Grom vs. the Competition: Power, Control & Price
The Arrma Mojave Grom sits in a unique spot: smaller and slower than mid-tier brushless trucks, but tougher and more predictable than most beginner RTRs.
This Arrma Mojave Grom review wouldn’t be complete without comparing it to two popular alternatives: the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL and the Team Associated Pro2 SC10.
|
Truck |
Motor / Power |
Top Speed |
Durability |
Handling |
Upgrade Potential |
Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
380 brushed motor, NiMH included |
~20 mph |
High - composite chassis, sealed drivetrain |
Stable, beginner-friendly |
Excellent - shares platform with BLX brushless |
≈ $160-$180 |
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Velineon 3500 brushless, 3S LiPo capable |
65+ mph |
Very High - reinforced chassis, heavy-duty arms |
Aggressive, traction-biased |
Huge aftermarket support |
≈ $400-$450 |
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|
3300 kV brushless system |
~35 mph |
Medium - composite tub, lighter build |
Responsive, tuned for flat tracks |
Moderate - racing-oriented parts |
≈ $350-$470 |
The Arrma Mojave Grom is the only one here that a new driver can crash, clean, and keep running the same day.
The Rustler is pure power, the SC10 demands clean lines - the Grom just gets back on its wheels and keeps going.
Performance Breakdown
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL is built for flat-out speed, the Pro2 SC10 for clean, track-style precision.
The Arrma Mojave Grom sits between them - slower, yes, but steadier when things get messy. It takes the hits, finds traction again, and keeps running while the others are cooling down or waiting for parts.
And once you look past the shell, the specs and the setup tell the same story:
- Brushless potential and LiPo compatibility: The Arrma Mojave Grom MEGA 380 runs a brushed setup but shares its chassis and drivetrain with the brushless BLX version. You can upgrade later with a 2S or 3S LiPo-compatible system - no major mods needed.
- Speed and torque: Stock speed hits around 18-20 mph on the included NiMH pack. Swap to a 2S LiPo, and you’ll reach closer to 25 mph. Torque delivery is smooth, making throttle control easy to learn and consistent off-road.
- Battery life: Expect 10-12 minutes of runtime on the included pack. A LiPo battery stretches that to roughly 18-20 minutes, depending on terrain and driving style.
- Off-road handling: The short wheelbase and low center of gravity make the Grom surprisingly composed on dirt and grass. It recovers quickly from slides and doesn’t traction-roll easily, even on rougher tracks. The full-time 4×4 drivetrain gives it real grip when climbing or cornering under power.
What stood out most in this Arrma Mojave Grom review wasn’t speed - it was composure. You can throw it into loose dirt, clip a corner, and it still gathers itself instead of flipping out.
User Experiences and Customer Reviews
Scroll through RC forums, Reddit threads, or a few YouTube run videos, and the feedback on the Arrma Mojave Grom lines up pretty cleanly.
Most drivers call it exactly what Arrma meant it to be - a small, sturdy basher that’s easy to drive, fix, and upgrade.
The consensus? Durability and control top the list. Even new drivers mention being surprised by how well it holds together after bad landings and side hits.
The runtime gets positive notes too (not long, but consistent) and the price makes it feel less like a toy and more like a real hobby rig.
The common gripe? The stock tires wear down fast on asphalt, and the battery life on the included NiMH pack is short once you push harder. Most drivers fix that early with a 2S LiPo upgrade and better tread.
Replacement parts are easy to find, and Arrma’s modular design makes most repairs quick - pop a few clips, swap the arm, and you’re back on the dirt.
Here’s what actual hobbyists are saying:
|
Review |
What It Suggests |
|---|---|
|
“Put 4 batteries through her today at work, ran inside on a polished and sealed concrete floor, as well as outside... The Mojave version is by far my favorite. On that slick polished floor, this thing was so easy to drift, it made me look good lol. Outside, it handles like it's big brother. What a great rig. Way to go Arrma.” - Arrma Forum user (ARRMA RC Forum) |
Confirms that users notice good drift / control even indoors, and that the Mojave feels more mature than expected. |
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“We bought this a couple of months ago … obviously the diffs broke (Mojave Grom known issue). Upgrades initially to V2, broke those too then to the metallic ones.” - Arrma Forum user (ARRMA RC Forum) |
That’s a warning: differential failure is being reported by real owners; users often upgrade diff internals early. |
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“This little RC is so fun … but I do wish it was about 2 inches wider in stance … Either way it’s fun and well worth the money and occasional troubles.” - Arrma Forum user (ARRMA RC Forum) |
Users enjoy it, but the narrow track (stance) gets called out as a minor downside. Wider tires or offset wheels help stability on corners. |
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“Buddy bought it for me around a week or so ago and it’s a super fun car to drive…” - RCTalk Forum user (RCTalk Forum) |
Simple, reliable fun - exactly what most entry-level bashers promise but few deliver. |
Where to Buy the Arrma Mojave Grom and Best Bundle Deals
The Arrma Mojave Grom MEGA 380 Brushed 4×4 is widely available through major RC retailers, but what you get in the box can vary - some kits stop at the basics, others include the parts that make it run better.
Pricing, battery types, and charger quality can vary depending on where you buy and whether the kit includes essentials or upgraded power supply.
Here’s a quick breakdown of where to find it and what each retailer typically offers:
|
Retailer |
What You Get |
Why It’s Worth Considering |
|---|---|---|
|
Official Arrma Mojave Grom RTR with NiMH battery + wall charger. Often bundled with optional 2S LiPo packs or quick chargers. |
Fast U.S. shipping, verified Arrma dealer, warranty support, and expert service for new drivers. |
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Standard RTR package with NiMH and charger included. Occasionally offers coupons or seasonal discounts. |
Official Arrma distributor - reliable stock and warranty registration. |
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Same RTR base kit, sometimes with Tower’s house-brand 2S LiPo upgrade bundle. |
Great if you already have Tower Rewards or want bundled discounts. |
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RTR + accessories option, may include upgraded battery/charger combos. |
Solid selection of add-ons and quick replacement parts shipping. |
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Standard RTR package, sometimes lower price but usually without bundle extras or dealer support. |
Convenient but less warranty and parts assistance compared to hobby stores. |
Best Value Bundle Tip
If you’re just getting started, choose a kit that includes at least one 2S LiPo pack and a smart charger.
It nearly doubles runtime and unlocks better throttle response compared to the stock NiMH.
Most authorized retailers (like RC Visions or Horizon Hobby) offer these as optional add-ons - worth every penny.
Order the Arrma Mojave Grom from RC Visions - get the full RTR kit, verified parts, and LiPo-ready upgrade options.
Why the Arrma Mojave Grom Deserves Attention
The Arrma Mojave Grom MEGA 380 is built for seat time, not spec sheets. You take it out, crash it, clean it, and it’s still ready for another run. That’s rare at this price.
For beginners, it’s one of the easiest trucks to learn on - stable, predictable, and quick enough to be fun.
For hobbyists, it’s a reminder that small-scale rigs can still feel like real RC trucks.
The drivetrain’s sealed, the chassis holds up, and the upgrade path’s already mapped out: LiPo pack, oil-filled shocks, better tires. If you do those three and the Grom changes character completely.
After testing and researching for this Arrma Mojave Grom review, it’s clear this small truck captures what Arrma does best: reliability, balance, and true off-road fun at a fair price.
FAQ
1. Is the Arrma Mojave Grom good for beginners?
Yes - that’s exactly who it’s made for. The Grom’s brushed 380 motor has smooth throttle response, the 4×4 drivetrain keeps it planted, and the composite chassis takes hits without cracking.
2. How fast does the Mojave Grom go on 2S and 3S batteries?
Out of the box with the included NiMH pack, it’ll reach about 18-20 mph. On a 2S LiPo, it climbs closer to 25 mph. The chassis can handle 3S power with a brushless upgrade, but that setup requires drivetrain reinforcement and heat management to stay reliable.
3. What upgrades improve its speed and durability?
Start with a 2S LiPo battery, oil-filled shocks, and a bearing kit - those three mods make the biggest difference fast. From there, adding a brushless combo and better tires takes the Grom into a higher class entirely while keeping its compact handling.
4. Is the Mojave Grom waterproof?
Yes - the ESC, servo, and receiver are water-resistant, so puddles, wet grass, and light rain aren’t a problem. Just make sure to dry it off and clean the bearings afterward to prevent rust or grit buildup.
5. Where can I buy replacement parts or accessories?
All major Arrma retailers stock parts for the Mojave Grom. RC Visions carries full OEM replacements, upgrade kits, and optional LiPo bundles - everything compatible with the Grom’s platform.
6. How does the Arrma Mojave Grom handle off-road terrain?
Surprisingly well for its size. The short wheelbase and 4×4 drivetrain give it steady grip on loose dirt and grass. It recovers quickly from slides and doesn’t traction-roll easily, even when pushed hard. Add oil-filled shocks, and it starts feeling like a much larger rig.
7. What are the most common issues or weak points?
The Grom’s stock friction shocks and differential gears are its main limitations. The shocks can feel bouncy on rough ground, and some users report diff wear after long runs. Both are simple to upgrade with Arrma or aftermarket parts.
8. Can kids or teens drive the Mojave Grom safely?
Yes - the power delivery is gentle enough for young drivers, especially on the included NiMH setup. The truck’s compact size and durable build make it ideal for supervised backyard runs or park driving.
9. Does the Mojave Grom need regular maintenance?
A quick clean after every few runs is enough. Rinse or brush off dirt, check the drivetrain for pebbles, and dry it after wet sessions. Arrma’s modular layout makes access simple - it’s all Phillips screws and clips, no teardown required.