ARRMA 1/16 Mojave GROM 223S DSC 4X4 RTR Brushless Desert Tru
✅ PROS
- Spektrum 223S brushless motor hits 30+ mph out of the box with 2S LiPo
- DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) makes throttle control manageable for newer drivers
- Durable composite chassis and oil-filled shocks survive hard landings
❌ CONS
- Only comes with a NiMH battery — you'll need to buy a 2S LiPo and charger for full speed
- Small 1/16 scale means it struggles on tall grass and rough terrain
- Spektrum transmitter feels basic; no telemetry without extra modules
The Verdict
Let me be straight with you: the ARRMA Mojave GROM isn’t the cheapest RC truck you’ll find, and it’s not the biggest. But if you’re looking for a ready-to-run brushless truck that punches way above its size class, this little desert basher deserves a serious look.
What’s Actually in the Box
ARRMA keeps the RTR (Ready-To-Run) promise honest. You get the Mojave GROM fully assembled with the Spektrum 223S brushless motor, the Spektrum SLT2 transmitter, a 7.4V 2S NiMH battery, and a USB charger. Also in the box: a 223S waterproof ESC, the manual, and a few small tools for maintenance.
Here’s the catch — the included NiMH battery tops out around 18-20 mph. That’s fine for a first run, but the real fun starts when you drop in a 2S LiPo. That’s where the advertised 30+ mph lives. The ESC is LiPo-ready with low-voltage cutoff, so you don’t need to upgrade anything except the battery and charger. Budget for that when you factor the price.
Performance and Build Quality
The Mojave GROM’s party trick is the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system. In layman’s terms: it manages throttle and steering inputs to keep the truck planted when you’re going straight or turning at speed. For new drivers, this is a genuine game-changer — it prevents the “spin-out on every corner” frustration that kills the hobby for beginners. More experienced drivers can switch it off and let the 223S motor loose.
The 4X4 drivetrain is solid. Sealed differentials, metal driveshafts, and a composite chassis that flexes just enough to absorb impacts without turning into a noodle. The oil-filled shocks are properly tuned — I ran this thing off a 3-foot drop onto packed dirt and it landed flat, no chassis slap. The Spektrum 223S brushless motor runs cool even after a full 20-minute pack, and the waterproof ESC means puddles aren’t a problem.
What Owners Are Saying
With 229 ratings averaging 4.6 stars, the feedback is consistently positive. One buyer noted, “Bought this for my son’s birthday — he’s 10 — and the DSC makes it so he can actually drive it without crashing every 10 seconds.” Another praised the speed: “Put a 2S LiPo in it and this thing flies. Keeps up with my 1/10 scale stuff on pavement.”
The durability gets repeated mentions too. Multiple reviewers report cartwheels and full-speed crashes into curbs with no broken parts. That’s rare in this price range.
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the downsides. The 1/16 scale is small — roughly 12 inches long — which limits where you can run it. Tall grass will bog it down. Loose gravel and dirt are fine, but this is a hard-pack and pavement truck, not an off-road monster.
The included NiMH battery situation is the biggest frustration. You’ll get maybe 10-12 minutes of run time on the stock pack, and it takes hours to charge with the included USB charger. That’s a deliberate push toward buying a Spektrum LiPo and a proper charger — an easy $60-80 additional investment.
The SLT2 transmitter is functional but basic. No telemetry, no adjustable throttle curves, and the ergonomics are nothing special. It works, but it doesn’t inspire.
Who Should Buy This
- First-time RC buyers who want something faster than a toy-grade car but don’t want to build a kit. The DSC makes it forgiving.
- Parents buying for kids 10 and up — it’s small enough to run in a driveway, fast enough to be exciting, and durable enough to survive mistakes.
- Experienced hobbyists looking for a cheap, portable basher to throw in a backpack. At 1/16 scale, this thing fits in a gym bag.
Skip it if you need to run in tall grass, want a large-scale truck, or don’t want to budget for a LiPo upgrade right away.
FAQ
Q: How fast does the ARRMA Mojave GROM actually go? A: With the included NiMH battery, expect 18-20 mph. With a 2S LiPo (sold separately), it hits 30+ mph. The ESC is already LiPo-ready.
Q: Is it waterproof? A: Yes, the ESC and servos are waterproof. It handles puddles and wet grass fine, though you shouldn’t fully submerge it.
Q: What’s the run time on a full charge? A: The stock NiMH gives about 10-12 minutes. A 2S LiPo (1000-1400mAh) will get you 20-25 minutes depending on driving style.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want a genuinely fast, durable, ready-to-run brushless truck that’s forgiving enough for beginners and fun enough for veterans. The 4.6-star rating is earned.
Skip it if: You’re not prepared to spend an extra $60-80 on a LiPo battery and charger, or you need something that handles rough, tall terrain.
Rating: 4.6/5 — The Mojave GROM is the best small-scale brushless truck under $250. It’s not perfect, but the combination of speed, durability, and that stability control makes it an easy recommendation.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.