Kraton 6S V5 vs V6

How much does the driving experience change?

The V6 is still a 4S/6S Kraton with a 2050Kv motor, so the generation change doesn't buy you another battery class. Its taller fitted gearing gives more wheel speed for each motor revolution. That's useful if you want a faster stock setup, but it also increases the load on the motor; gear choice and temperature checks still matter on grass and during repeated acceleration.

RC Driver's V6 launch test praised the steering response and controllable jumps, then switched to 4S for the skate park's tighter space. The reviewer reported cool motor and ESC temperatures after its 4S and 6S runs. Those findings give the revised steering and controller setup some practical context, while the exact loads and temperatures will depend on your own driving.

Kraton V5 equipment and setupV5 and V6 fitted equipmentRC Driver V6 driving test, from 8:20

Where the durability changes are concentrated

Much of the V6's appeal is underneath the body: a 7075-T6 chassis, heavy-duty 29 mm differentials, a front bumper with a stainless steel skid and a revised wing mount. Those changes target chassis impacts, drivetrain loads and rearward landings. The clipless shell also makes battery changes and quick inspections easier, while taller side guards help keep debris out.

That equipment doesn't eliminate repair costs. In a V6 build thread, Thattechguy later reported a rear differential bearing failure that damaged internal gears; the truck had already received other modifications. Treat that as an individual maintenance experience, rather than evidence that every V6 needs replacement differentials. Check bearings, driveline play and impact damage before spending on upgrades.

V6 launch equipmentV6 owner build and repair history

What did the extra US$50 buy?

RC Driver's November 2024 launch review priced the V6 at US$599.99, US$50 more than the outgoing version, or about 9%. Horizon's U.S. listing checked on 15 October 2026 was US$699.99. That later US$100 increase happened within the V6 generation, so it should be kept separate from the premium for the hardware changes introduced at launch. These are published U.S. prices, not a verified historical MSRP series.

At either price, the V6's value is in the chassis, differential, shock and steering package you get together. A V5 owner who wants several of those changes should compare the complete conversion cost with changing trucks. If the V5 already drives well and needs only a routine repair, keeping it lets you avoid the cost of another complete truck. Both RTR packages still need a suitable battery and charger.

V6 launch review and US priceHorizon US listing, checked 15 October 2026

Familiar motor, different steering and control

The shared Spektrum Firma 4074 motor, SPMXSM1700, gives the two trucks a familiar starting point. Both use a 150A controller, with V6 moving to the Firma Smart V2 unit. With the motor's KV rating unchanged, the larger fitted pinion is the clearest gearing difference.

Steering changes from the V5's S652 to the V6's S665. A servo replacement involves the saver or horn as well as the servo itself, so match the output spline and mounting arrangement to the equipment you intend to keep. The manuals are the useful reference for wiring, calibration and the supplied steering setup.

Kraton V5 equipment and setupKraton V6 equipment and setup

The chassis and shocks deserve a closer look

V5's chassis drawing identifies ARA320623, while V6 uses ARA320570, the CNC 7075-T6 chassis labelled EXB. The distinction is useful when comparing equipment on a used truck: the Kraton name alone won't tell you which chassis is underneath it. An EXB-labelled component also doesn't make the whole RTR identical to an EXB edition.

The V6 drawings identify ARA-1510 front and ARA-1511 rear shock assemblies with emulsion caps. V5 uses ARA330621 and ARA330622 assemblies. For servicing, the complete assembly number is a better starting point than a nominal length, particularly when choosing caps, shafts or rebuild parts. Keep the front and rear assemblies separate when making that comparison.

Kraton V5 chassis and shock assembliesKraton V6 chassis and shock assemblies

What the shared part numbers tell you

Both generations list ARA311066 and ARA310990 differential sets as options. The V6 drawing identifies ARA311199 as its front/rear assembly, so the shared option numbers don't describe the stock differential. ARA330778 and ARA330779 are alternative shock sets in the V5 references; V6's fitted assemblies are ARA-1510 and ARA-1511.

That overlap is useful when sorting existing spares or planning a repair, provided you follow the exact assembly drawing. A number appearing in both parts lists establishes a shared listing; confirming a conversion also requires the mounts, drive connections and supporting hardware. The component table below keeps those references together.

Kraton V5 assembly referenceKraton V6 standard and option parts

Which edition makes sense for you?

For a new buyer who expects hard landings and wants the revised steering, the V6 combines several useful upgrades in one truck. The US$50 premium reported at its introduction bought a substantial equipment change. Compare any current offer separately, because the same V6 has since been listed at a higher price.

If your V5 already drives well, keep it running and address the parts that actually need attention. A new chassis, shocks and steering system can make a conversion expensive, but a single worn component is a much smaller job. This comparison covers the RTR editions; EXB and roller packages have different equipment.

Drivetrain

Power

Suspension

Steering & radio

Wheels & tires

Size & weight

Kraton 6S BLX V5

• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA8608V5.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA550059.html

Full specification sources for Kraton 6S BLX V5

Kraton 6S BLX V6

• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA8608V6.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: search
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA310980.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA310979.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA310963.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: ARA550059.html
• www.horizonhobby.com: search

Full specification sources for Kraton 6S BLX V6