The competition in the small-scale RC vehicle market is heating up, and with the Traxxas Mini Maxx entering the scene, which one will come out on top? Here, we’ll compare the Mini Maxx against the Arrma Grom series (such as granite) and the MJX Hyper Go small-scale bashers, breaking down their pros and cons to help you quickly make an informed decision.
Mini Maxx and Arrma Grom
Size: Compared to the mini scale Arrma Grom series, the Mini Maxx is noticeably bigger, measuring closer to a 1/14 scale. IMO, the Grom series are true backpack bashers — you can take them anywhere and enjoy them at home, in the backyard, or outdoors. On the other hand, the Mini Maxx is better suited for outdoor use only.
Power System: The Grom comes in both brushed and 3S brushless versions, reaching top speeds of over 50+ mph, though it has a relatively small battery tray. Meanwhile, although the Mini Maxx is 1/14 scale, it’s equipped with a Traxxas 1/10 scale 2S brushless motor, ESC, driveline, and other components, with a top speed of over 30 mph. So, the Grom has a slight edge in speed, but the Mini Maxx is the more stout of the two.
MJX Hyper Go
The price is more attractive compared to Arrma and Traxxas vehicles of the same scale. Not only does it offer a more powerful power system, even reaching 3S, but the quality of other parts is solid too, with features like metal differentials and metal oil-filled shocks.
Which is Better?
Arrma Grom: Compact, backpack bashers. Total price of RTR, battery, and charger is half that of a Mini Maxx, making it a great gift for kids.
Mini Maxx: If you find the Arrma Grom isn’t stout enough, the Mini Maxx might be a better fit—it’s more durable, and you can even upgrade it to a 3S setup for more bashing capability. Plus, Traxxas may expand their small-scale vehicle lineup in the future to compete with other brands, which means they’ll likely offer more parts support. This makes it easy to turn the Mini Maxx into a true little beast.
MJX Hyper Go: It’s the best alternative to the Mini Maxx and Arrma Grom Series, and its setup even outperforms them. However, it falls a bit short when it comes to aftermarket and parts support compared to those bigger brands. That said, if your local RC hobby store can provide the necessary support, I think that would easily make up for its disadvantage.