These tips will apply to ANY of the Arrma 3S lineup. If this video was helpful - consider joining as a member! The cheapest membership is only $0.99/mo!
Hi @RoadsideRC I am planning to by Vortek 3s blx V3 version. Request your advice whether I should buy it or should.look for some other RC car I need my rc car to be fast fun east to control and maintain and be durable atleast for an 1 year of use Pls let me know whether I should buy vorteks or not
@@AbbyRCToysDon’t know if you bought one yet. But I have had one for about 2 years. Never had a problem. Runs great and fast on 3s. Never put the bigger pinion in yet. It’s only for speed runs. Don’t use it for bashing. It will over heat your ESC!!
Its been 20 years since I've been into RC cars so I've been doing a lot of research before rejoining the hobby. Once I decided on the Vorteks I saw this and did all your checks before my first drive. Thanks for the RC maintenance refresher! Holy cow it is so much faster than what I used to have! Oh and my gears were too tight. Thanks again.
tysm all i ever see is box openings, speed runs, bashes, or slipper fixes so ty 4 this info im new to RC and got my vortex and batteries n charger but waiting on dust cover to run. this gives me things to do with it before i get that cover. thx again cant wait to finally see some videos on first things to upgrade.
I’ve had countless makes and models of 6 & 8S cars and I’ve just bought myself a 3S Vorteks (and granite, big rock, senton and typhon 😆😆😁). In all my time in this hobby and of all the UA-cam vids I’ve watched, this has to be in the top 5 for most concise and informative vids I’ve ever seen. I have now subscribed to your channel. Thank you for such amazing advice - even for an old sweat like me it is very welcome advice. Take care, stay safe and please keep up the good work.
I can’t wait for mine to arrive. Trust me when I say this you are helping me out a lot, and I am sure I am not the only one. Keep up the great work and have a ton of fun.
Picked one up today, and was looking at videos while the batteries charged. Thank you sir, I am going to do those checks right now before the first drive.
Can't believe 6 months ago I missed that you said you fly fpv on the channel. Subbed immediately. I'll be checking out your flights. I actually commented about how nice this list of things are to check and I did nothing but go out and run the trucks I bought without doing any of these things. The wheel kept flying off of my vorteks so I used blue loctite and haven't had an issue since. I has the granite blx first for about 2 or 3 months then bought the vorteks when it came out because I liked the granite so much.. the blx line is perfect for my 7 year old son and I. The steering serve went in the granite so I just did these all endpoint settings but just way way late after purchasing. 😊 Thanks brother
Awesome! Glad you are enjoying the Granite and Vorteks! I agree - these 3S vehicles do everything I need. The more I run them, the more my 6S models sit...which isn't what I would have guessed.
Awesome video dude! My slipper was so tight I couldn't get another turn. I lossened one full turn! Also mesh was tight in one spot. I backed it off a tad! And one axle screw I got a full turn and a half! Thanks dude. She is ready to roll!
I actually just ran my vorteks today and I've only checked my mesh cause it sounded weird. My mesh was extremely tight so I loosed that up. But I'm definitely gonna replay this video and do the steps you did! Thanks alot for this very informative video! Definitely earned a sub!
I had a infraction the throttle was set 100% full throttle at neutral point. It took off on the bench and I had it raised so the tires were off the bench but it still took off. Very important what your talking about. Great video!!!! All cars should be looked over.
I’ve got one and i love it more & more every time i’m bashing it! I had a tough start because of the AVC! But i’m just turning it off when i’m bashing! I love this truck!
I'm having mine delivered tomorrow, great video. This will be my 4th arrma. Big rock, typhon, Senton and now this one tomorrow. I will. Be checking everything.
@@RoadsideRC it's a really good truck, my first arrma. So fast but not so stable in the corners at high speed. I've just changed the tyres to some pro line ones which are wider and as a result holds better in corners. It wheelies like a crazy evil kenevil. Very impressive bit of kit.
I tried my Vorteks for the first time today and it had a horrible scrapping noise coming from the rear diff area. Turning the wheels by hand it would sometimes seize up so it couldn't go any further without using excessive force. I had to cut and file plastic off the diff housing where one bearing sits and also remove some protruding plastic lumps from the inside of the part that holds the diff as the diff was scraping on that when it rotated. Really great quality control there Arrma.
Reading experiences like these all over the internet makes me sad. I bought two 3S arrma's end of march, in the EU. I ran into all the issues one can think of. Is HH killing Arrma's reputation? I wanted a 6s Notorious next, but sadly I am looking for other brands now. I have no confidence in the Arrma quality anymore. And their Customer Service is totally different here in the EU.
Great video! Just got my Vorteks 3s today. I will check these steps first for sure. Also, I didn't buy a Lipo and a charger yet, as I wanted to inform myself first. I read this is the best battery? Zeee 3S Lipo Battery 8000mAh 11.1V 100C Hard Case with EC5 Plug. Could anyone confirm this? Also, which charger would fit?
Hi there! The Vorteks is a great choice! For batteries, I actually tested a lot of different batteries in the Vorteks. I found this to be the best for me: ua-cam.com/video/V3nwK3kDfV4/v-deo.htmlsi=j_wnAD7s2nnV6oG4 For chargers, check this out: ua-cam.com/video/1gb8Oohhciw/v-deo.htmlsi=jkIQxAL0MK6Paz5q
Yes I totally agree if you buy a new RC you should give it a good look over even when I buy a used one I tear it down and rebuild it from the ground up another great video Troy thank you
Getting my daughter a Vorteks blx for Xmas this year, hopefully this will be a gateway from her Infraction and crawlers into higher powered offroad cars! Great video as always!
New at this and been looking for vids to help for a newbie like my self and if have watch your vids and found them very helpful. And yes I got the vorteks in love with it!!!
Almost impossible to get a real read on that gear mesh without the front end of the spur gear being supported. I had always ran a piece of loose-leaf paper between the two, pushed it tight, and set the screws with paper still in between. Have never stripped a spur or pinion in over 30 years in the hobby. But tough to do on this one. I've got an Infraction 3s, and LOVE it. Looking in to this guy now. A great, and very versatile platform they've got there! seeing the part with the overall inspection and screw tightening, always a good idea! I found all sorts of slop in the steering on my Arrma Typhon 6s, to find whoever assembled it must have been distracted, as it was missing the lower bushings on the steering posts. I got a couple nice ball bearings for that. Perfect excuse for that little upgrade!
💯 percent! Always check. I have a Vorteks and I’ve noticed the spring can come out of the wing if you jump it pretty good. Also the roof covers have a huge potential of popping out as well.
Super useful pretrip check. I am getting one in 2 days. I will definitely do what you did and hopefully it will save me a lot of headaches down the road.
Great guide. Got myself one this winter and this guide gave me the courage to take it apart. The technical manual is pretty nice but when you see all those small pieces you start to doubt your skills. If I had any tip, it's to get those 2 and 2,5 thin and long hex drivers for those wheel nuts.
Well scrub my muffin!!!! I own all these. I check most of these items but not the wheel to axle screws. I’ll do that today. They all have miles on them but that doesn’t mean they are not loose. Thanks!!!
My Typhon axle screw came out when I was at the racetrack...made for quite an embarrassing moment with everyone else in their expensive race buggies...me running around on 3 wheels...
Love the advice I have had my vortex for a week now. And have had to replace spur gear now metal all drive shafts now metal. Both steering knuckles now metal as well. After that it's a beast. I did break it in at a skat park though lol....👌👌😋
Great video! This new truck looks amazing. It's exactly what my girls need. I am grabbing two. The boy and I have 6S Arrmas now but this thing looks to be possibly the best and toughest truck they have made to date. Looks great too! Great tips, thank you. Also if you have an RC get MIP hex drivers - they will save you the headache of stripped screws.
Brilliant video, thank you! Really well explained and you can actually see what you are doing and why, not like some of the other 'syle over content' videos that are out there. Thank you! With I'd seen this before I'd burnt out the stock servo :)
Lucky I came across your video, purchased one of these exact cars, seeing a bunch of good reviews and good things on youtube. Sort of a snap back into reality. I 1000% was going to bash this without doing any sort of runover of the parts. Being that the car is a decent amoutn of money I figured it would be perfect..... Thanks I will be sure to check all of these components before I drive now. Saved me some headaches in the future im sure.
Great video 👍 will check these when I get mine in a few days. Some have mentioned the slipper clutch also being too tight, do think this is a concern that should be checked right out of the box?
That could be a good addition for sure. So far, I have had no slipper issues. But I am pretty simple with a slipper. Either it is too loose and you can hear it slipping a lot. OR, when it is too tight, it breaks driveshafts. So far - no broken driveshafts.
G'day Troy, I've just started having a look through your videos and this was the first one I hit. Super helpful, nicely made, easy to follow along. Nice work, thank you for doing these! (I'm also utterly impressed at your pace of 5 or 6 new videos a week, that's a full time workload with overtime! Wow!) Cheers -Craig :)
@@RoadsideRC Believe it or not, Im enjoying this one prob more than any other that I have and that includes the Sledge, yeah sounds crazy but Im being honest.
I 100% understand. There is all of this hype online about needing to go 6S to really have fun, but I truly believe the Arrma 3S lineup is one of the best platforms out there!
@@RoadsideRC Im thinking I just like the nimbleness of how it handles compared to the bigger machines. That being said, my best friend has the rustler vxl, and the vorteks I think is better in just about every way. Im now considering the Senton over the Ultimate Slash.....Keep up the great work bud!
My favorite of the 3S line is the Typhon. Handles like a dream, tough, and fast. The 17mm hex also gives you a lot of freedom to put other tires on it also.
Awesome video man. Very consice and thorough. You're also very well spoken and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you for your contribution to the hobby dood! Edit: Oh yeah, and I just got me one and did every last thing on this video. Couldn't be happier. She's a beast and runs like a Swiss watch.
Great video but one thing I would add is that you should inspect all your shocks. I realize the stock shocks are only plastic but it seems that most of these kits come with barely any shock oil in them. I suggest topping them up and re-sealing them before you go out on your first run. Also, consider the ride height, I'd suggest adding at least the middle sized shock spacers, (included in the kit), to all shocks to bring it up a little. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts. Cheers from Ontario Canada.
Thanks for your ideas! Double-checking the shocks is a good idea for sure! I don't think I would raise the ride height though - I like my cars nice and low for better handling.
@@RoadsideRC I appreciate your thoughts. I kinda like my ride height on the low side aswell but I guess that's a matter of opinion based on how you bash. I only suggest a higher ride height for those that are new to the hobby until they learn a little about how these cars are gonna preform. Cheers and keep making those videos.
Great and informative vid. My vorteks was out for about 4 minutes when my front left wheel took off one way and the truck the other 😝That screw definitely losend up.
Man thank you for all your help bro that little video along helped me figure out a couple things that were wrong with my granite thank you again man I enjoy your Watching your videos keep up the good work man
Thanks for the info. Just bought my son a vorteks for his 12th birthday. But unfortunately I did not know to do all this first. Better over look things B4 he drives it again
Excellent advice! Of course I was too excited to drive and just did the throttle and steering calibration. Guess what! My f'n back tire flew off 15 minutes into my first run!!!
I just got into RC couple of months ago and doing reviews for several months what to buy and I picked up the Vorteks today in purple and it is Out of this world. Videos are not enough you have to drive one to experience it. The speed, handling, sound of the engine and tires, it is a beast 💪🏼. Can someone explain to me do I have to do ESC endpoints adjustments, I would appreciate it. Thanks
@@RoadsideRC do you suggest to change to the other pinion gear it came in the package to make it go faster, what is the 2nd pinion for overall, please let me know.
The other pinion will make it faster. I did swap mine in and have left it that way. The negative is you will build more heat in the motor and ESC as they work harder.
@@RoadsideRC thank you for your help, was it hard to change it to the other Pinion approx how long does it take? Hopefully you don't mind me asking questions, I rather ask and learn more.
It is rather easy to do. In my video on "top things to do before you drive", I show almost the whole process when I tell to check the gear mesh. Also, I think the manual actually shows how to change the pinion.
Nice video !!! Great content….I got a battery at approximately all cells at 3.8 after today’s use. ……What’s the best to do ? ……..Full charge from 3.8 to max charge?…….or ……. Balance charge all cells to at around 3.8 ? …….Or discharge to under 3.7
@@RoadsideRCThanks for all your feedback I really appreciate it. I got an issue with my vortek. Since I got it out of the box the Willie bar looks crooked to The naked eye……I’ve had it for maybe 10 days and the last two times I’ve taken it out it veers and favors one side immediately. And that also goes with a rear wheel looks more angle than the other from the over view , Also out box.
Recently retired and going to get a Vorteks and planning to follow your video to a T. Could you give a list of what tools and their sizes are needed to do what you showed? I'd like to have them on hand. Eventually want to get the wife the Vorteks in another color. If all goes well - plan to get an extra one or two so the grandkids can play along with grandma and gramps. Thank you
First - CONGRATULATIONS on the retirement!!! That is awesome! Mainly, you just need regular basic hand tools (flat blade screwdriver, slip-joint pliers,etc). The only more specific tools I HIGHLY recommend is a set of MIP hex drivers: amzn.to/3fAxYvk Don't cheap out. Get these, they are worth every penny. Other recommendation is a set of shock pliers: amzn.to/3SK6imN If you look on my channel, I actually have a video of all the tools I typically recommend.
Just ran across your video. Thinking of picking up a Vorteks to add to my fleet. I have a nitro Slash and a fleet of LaTrax Rally cars. I recently added an Infraction and have found the Arrma vehicle to be way more durable than the Traxxas ones. Downside is the Infraction eats tires and needs a really big space to operate at full potential so I don't run it very often. I figure the Vorteks would be a good back yard runner.
I agree - the Vorteks is a great size for your yard. I also did a test of Vorteks vs Typhon vs Granite. You might want to check that out also: ua-cam.com/video/EYyNnaoa_FM/v-deo.html
Good info!! I just didn’t understand your point about AVC. After adjusting and power cycling it’s left in a position of adjust for the last steer. Where do you now put it back to? P.S. My first 3s+ was not long ago, my big rock. First 30 seconds using it the front wheel popped off and I lost the nut. Lesson learned.
That AVC knob is just temporarily used to set the steering end points. Afterwards - you revert to using it to adjust AVC and set it wherever you want it.
Many thanks for the info on setting up very valuable as I would of checked all screws etc but not the drive ends n the tightness of the pinion as you'd expect these important parts to be manufacture secure etc......👍👍👍
Hi great video on setting the radio up, do you know if the duel rate on the steering can be adjusted on the fly with the st rate knob on the tx whilst you are running the truck.? Or do you have to go into the program mode on the tx each time to alter the steering dual rate. Thanks.
@@RoadsideRC Ah so you cant have AVC & normal dual rate adjustment together, its one or the other I suppose. Can you remind me how you disable the AVC.
Hey Guys bought my first ever ARRMA... which is a Vortek . Question. Mine has this Clack clack clack sound when i drive it. Similar to the old nail in the tire on a real car. whump whump but clack clack for me. I'm thinking gearing to the drive shaft but upon inspection i find nothing. thanks guys see you at the park !
Mine makes a similar noise. I never found it either, and it seemed to get better as I have driven it. Did you check the gear mesh? Also - double check the slipper assembly. Make sure everything looks lined up there.
Great! I did a swap brushed -> brushless with a Granite Mega also. Super fun truck. To be fast, you need to be more aggressive with the pinion gear than you think.
O one more thing I found on my second vortex they used to much loc tight on motor screw that is the main reason for the motors fail on them reason the loctight gets hot running inside motor and bearing them it collects metal killing motor and bearing I just lubed my bearing it's still go on my granite . Make sure you take screws out of the motor check before you use it . Love my arrma but will say out of 25 RC cars never seen so many QC problems hope it was just a rush on vortex
@@RoadsideRC I have pictures if you add it. To tip of screw and it's alot it does bad things it's melts Everytime you get the motor hot becomes like a goo that holds any dust and the metal composite dust that happens car was new and I still cleaned all around bearing by shaft plus it was even in between motor and motor plate and that extra loctite was makeng its way to the next hole from top and from bottom to spur all that's needed is a small drop in middle of and screw if fine thread and just over not why so many don't know that about loctite great stuff but like most things in life you see everything is 50/50!good guy bad cop robber 69 pieces big small you understand!! So seems like I get days it all breaks and days I get to run many all no problems 🤫🤙still say arrma still rocks but horizon needs to do betterxhances with arrma all mine where good before the change had good results with spectrum and arrma blx but I can see there was a change in the new ones
Great video! I did the same with my Vorteks and agree with everything you covered here. One question, do you have any knowledge on why the Vorteks has a distinctive clicking sound? Mine has it and I hear it in every video I see of it running. You can notice it the most when the car is moving and free rolling / not under acceleration. It's like a ticking / clicking sound and for the life of me I cannot discover the cause. I can't even ascertain if it's an issue or not (doesn't appear to be) and if it's just normal for this vehicle. What I have done is check the mesh (it's fine) and roll the car with the motor removed which results in smooth and quiet operation so I don't believe it's the diffs or driveshaft. I'm thinking it may in fact be coming from the motor itself?
I know the sound also - it drives me crazy! If it doesn't make it without the motor, then you must be right. It doesn't sound metallic to me though...sounds like plastic hitting somewhere. I figure it will break or wear through eventually!
Mine does it too. It seems like in most videos Arrma's just have loud drivetrains so im assuming its normal for now. Im guessing its the diffs or slipper clutch/motor polls.
Me too it stopped me from adding to my collection, its possibly the motor but not likely. Its coming from the clutch assembly, either it wasn't centered when tighten down breaking free the brass piece so that's spinning and thats the clicking or the nut inside that clutch adjustment screw goes through is in diffrent spot than our other 3s vehicles. Its a fixed nut inside the hub , what happens is dosen't allow the clutch to be centered inside the two covers and motor mount , so spur gear hits the case , I bought a new assembly from jennys and for life of me couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work once all put together , I eventually had to use a older hub with that fixed nut in the proper spot .
@@phillipgatelein8591 one of youtubers said he thinks its from the diff but doesn't sound likely to me . Earl another youtuber , I'd ask him if bothers you ,he's good finding the faults he replaced his kids with metal spur but I think he also used a different clutch hub and that's what I think it is.
Great video. I am new to the world of RC and I picked up this Vorteks. Could you possibly point me to a tool set on Amazon that would allow me to break this vehicle down as needed?
Sure - happy to help! First is a set of MIP tools: amzn.to/344FZjb Add on a set of pliers: amzn.to/3fBeqDG A good utility knife: amzn.to/3bGN0v1 And add in the free tools they give you with the truck and that will handle most of your jobs for a reasonable price. The next thing you will want to add on is a good soldering iron. I am surprised how often I have this thing plugged in and using it on the workbench: amzn.to/3u6e8tF
Hi, great clip. I am hoping to get a vortex at some point. I have two r/c cars a buggy and a drift car both rtr I have never programmed a ESC, so was good to see how to do it. Thanks.
These tips will apply to ANY of the Arrma 3S lineup.
If this video was helpful - consider joining as a member! The cheapest membership is only $0.99/mo!
Hi @RoadsideRC
I am planning to by Vortek 3s blx V3 version.
Request your advice whether I should buy it or should.look for some other RC car
I need my rc car to be fast fun east to control and maintain and be durable atleast for an 1 year of use
Pls let me know whether I should buy vorteks or not
@@AbbyRCToysDon’t know if you bought one yet. But I have had one for about 2 years. Never had a problem. Runs great and fast on 3s. Never put the bigger pinion in yet. It’s only for speed runs. Don’t use it for bashing. It will over heat your ESC!!
Its been 20 years since I've been into RC cars so I've been doing a lot of research before rejoining the hobby. Once I decided on the Vorteks I saw this and did all your checks before my first drive. Thanks for the RC maintenance refresher! Holy cow it is so much faster than what I used to have! Oh and my gears were too tight. Thanks again.
Glad to hear this was helpful!
Welcome back to the hobby!
tysm all i ever see is box openings, speed runs, bashes, or slipper fixes so ty 4 this info im new to RC and got my vortex and batteries n charger but waiting on dust cover to run. this gives me things to do with it before i get that cover. thx again cant wait to finally see some videos on first things to upgrade.
Great! Stay tuned, more videos are in the works!
I just got my vorteks last Friday on my birthday 😊 thks for the information Vegas Paul here and out 😎👍
Glad to help, and Happy Birthday!
Same here, birthday - present this week.
Thanks for the Video!!
Just got mine for my 59th Birthday and tomorrow is the first time I get to take it out. Can't wait thanks for the helpful tips.
Awesome! Have fun with it!
Thank you for always giving all the extra details like screwdrivers sizes for when I'm trying to remember and don't want to go check myself. Thank you
Glad to help!
I’ve had countless makes and models of 6 & 8S cars and I’ve just bought myself a 3S Vorteks (and granite, big rock, senton and typhon 😆😆😁). In all my time in this hobby and of all the UA-cam vids I’ve watched, this has to be in the top 5 for most concise and informative vids I’ve ever seen. I have now subscribed to your channel. Thank you for such amazing advice - even for an old sweat like me it is very welcome advice.
Take care, stay safe and please keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for the kind words. I try to help as much as I can!
I can’t wait for mine to arrive. Trust me when I say this you are helping me out a lot, and I am sure I am not the only one. Keep up the great work and have a ton of fun.
Glad to hear it!
Just ordered a green one. This video is extremely informative. Thanks!
Congratulations! I bet you will like it!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Picked one up today, and was looking at videos while the batteries charged. Thank you sir, I am going to do those checks right now before the first drive.
Glad to help!
I bet you will enjoy the truck!
Can't believe 6 months ago I missed that you said you fly fpv on the channel. Subbed immediately. I'll be checking out your flights. I actually commented about how nice this list of things are to check and I did nothing but go out and run the trucks I bought without doing any of these things. The wheel kept flying off of my vorteks so I used blue loctite and haven't had an issue since. I has the granite blx first for about 2 or 3 months then bought the vorteks when it came out because I liked the granite so much.. the blx line is perfect for my 7 year old son and I. The steering serve went in the granite so I just did these all endpoint settings but just way way late after purchasing. 😊 Thanks brother
Awesome! Glad you are enjoying the Granite and Vorteks!
I agree - these 3S vehicles do everything I need. The more I run them, the more my 6S models sit...which isn't what I would have guessed.
Awesome video dude! My slipper was so tight I couldn't get another turn. I lossened one full turn! Also mesh was tight in one spot. I backed it off a tad! And one axle screw I got a full turn and a half! Thanks dude. She is ready to roll!
Great! Glad it helped!
I actually just ran my vorteks today and I've only checked my mesh cause it sounded weird. My mesh was extremely tight so I loosed that up. But I'm definitely gonna replay this video and do the steps you did! Thanks alot for this very informative video! Definitely earned a sub!
Glad this was helpful! Thanks for the feedback - and I hope you enjoy your Vorteks!
I had a infraction the throttle was set 100% full throttle at neutral point. It took off on the bench and I had it raised so the tires were off the bench but it still took off. Very important what your talking about. Great video!!!! All cars should be looked over.
Oh my!!! An Infraction taking off at 100% - that is literally quite the dangerous thing! Glad you had it off the ground!
@@RoadsideRC lol, it came off the stand, not a good day.
I’ve got one and i love it more & more every time i’m bashing it! I had a tough start because of the AVC! But i’m just turning it off when i’m bashing! I love this truck!
Awesome! Glad to hear it.
What is your favorite part about it so far?
@@RoadsideRC it’s fast and stable in the air! Cool truck
I'm having mine delivered tomorrow, great video. This will be my 4th arrma. Big rock, typhon, Senton and now this one tomorrow. I will. Be checking everything.
Awesome! I still need to try a Big Rock at some point.
@@RoadsideRC it's a really good truck, my first arrma. So fast but not so stable in the corners at high speed. I've just changed the tyres to some pro line ones which are wider and as a result holds better in corners. It wheelies like a crazy evil kenevil. Very impressive bit of kit.
I tried my Vorteks for the first time today and it had a horrible scrapping noise coming from the rear diff area. Turning the wheels by hand it would sometimes seize up so it couldn't go any further without using excessive force. I had to cut and file plastic off the diff housing where one bearing sits and also remove some protruding plastic lumps from the inside of the part that holds the diff as the diff was scraping on that when it rotated. Really great quality control there Arrma.
Interesting!
That is a new one - hadn't heard that one before!
Reading experiences like these all over the internet makes me sad. I bought two 3S arrma's end of march, in the EU. I ran into all the issues one can think of. Is HH killing Arrma's reputation? I wanted a 6s Notorious next, but sadly I am looking for other brands now. I have no confidence in the Arrma quality anymore. And their Customer Service is totally different here in the EU.
Great video! Just got my Vorteks 3s today. I will check these steps first for sure. Also, I didn't buy a Lipo and a charger yet, as I wanted to inform myself first. I read this is the best battery? Zeee 3S Lipo Battery 8000mAh 11.1V 100C Hard Case with EC5 Plug. Could anyone confirm this? Also, which charger would fit?
Hi there! The Vorteks is a great choice!
For batteries, I actually tested a lot of different batteries in the Vorteks. I found this to be the best for me: ua-cam.com/video/V3nwK3kDfV4/v-deo.htmlsi=j_wnAD7s2nnV6oG4
For chargers, check this out: ua-cam.com/video/1gb8Oohhciw/v-deo.htmlsi=jkIQxAL0MK6Paz5q
Yes I totally agree if you buy a new RC you should give it a good look over even when I buy a used one I tear it down and rebuild it from the ground up another great video Troy thank you
Thanks Bob!
Getting mine today and will be completing your 6 items. Thanks!
Glad to help!
Great video- thank you! I’m a “real” RC rookie, so this was very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. I had issues connecting my remote to the radio. Your video helped me solve it!!!
Awesome! Glad to help!
Getting my daughter a Vorteks blx for Xmas this year, hopefully this will be a gateway from her Infraction and crawlers into higher powered offroad cars! Great video as always!
Awesome! Hope she likes it!
Just picked mine up today, i’ll be running through this advice asap 👍
Great!
Hope you enjoy it - it was a great truck for me.
Very helpful. Thanks for sharing. John. Liked and subscribed.
Thank you!
Thanks for the help, I'm about to get one myself. Ill be sure to watch this video again and do everything you said.
Great! I bet you will like it!
Axles are a must... over all great information and very good video!
Thanks!
New at this and been looking for vids to help for a newbie like my self and if have watch your vids and found them very helpful. And yes I got the vorteks in love with it!!!
Awesome! Glad you like it!!
Almost impossible to get a real read on that gear mesh without the front end of the spur gear being supported. I had always ran a piece of loose-leaf paper between the two, pushed it tight, and set the screws with paper still in between. Have never stripped a spur or pinion in over 30 years in the hobby. But tough to do on this one. I've got an Infraction 3s, and LOVE it. Looking in to this guy now. A great, and very versatile platform they've got there!
seeing the part with the overall inspection and screw tightening, always a good idea! I found all sorts of slop in the steering on my Arrma Typhon 6s, to find whoever assembled it must have been distracted, as it was missing the lower bushings on the steering posts. I got a couple nice ball bearings for that. Perfect excuse for that little upgrade!
Yes! I agree 100% - setting gear mesh on these is not as straightforward as it is in other vehicles.
💯 percent! Always check. I have a Vorteks and I’ve noticed the spring can come out of the wing if you jump it pretty good. Also the roof covers have a huge potential of popping out as well.
Interesting - I'll take a look at those!
I just got one and I am following all your tips sir
Great! Glad it is helpful!
Super useful pretrip check. I am getting one in 2 days. I will definitely do what you did and hopefully it will save me a lot of headaches down the road.
Great!
I hope you love the truck, it has been good for me!
Very informative. Quick simple and to the point. Just picked added the Vorteks to my lineup and it rips.
Awesome!
I hope you enjoy it!
Good video. And a real thing to check for with RTR kits. With a self build you know every screw and part as you built it. Good show sir.
Thank you!
I just got a Arrma Vorteks, I’m planing to got threw my truck tilde you suggested. Just need to pick up some tools tomorrow.
Great! I hope it really helps you!
I'll echo others... New to this part of RC and this video was extremely helpful! Thank you for putting it out there.
Awesome! Glad it was helpful!
Nice list of items to check over. I own the granite blx 3s and the vorteks as well. Thanks for going over these topics
Glad you like them!
Thanks for the tips. Just ordered mine will be here tuesday. Will deffinitely check those out.
Great! I hope it helps!
Great guide. Got myself one this winter and this guide gave me the courage to take it apart. The technical manual is pretty nice but when you see all those small pieces you start to doubt your skills. If I had any tip, it's to get those 2 and 2,5 thin and long hex drivers for those wheel nuts.
Great tip!!!
Glad the video helped you.
Excellent video for noob, thank you. I’m picking mine up in two days and will do all the checks you’ve mentioned . Arigato! 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Just bought mine. Great advise, Thank you! 😊
Happy to help! Hope you enjoy it.
Hey man aswume vid ordered mine yesterday. Shold be here in a few days purple pink love purple !! I'll be sure to go over everything thanks!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Nice explanation. My Vorteks arrives today.
Awesome! Congratulations!
Well scrub my muffin!!!! I own all these. I check most of these items but not the wheel to axle screws. I’ll do that today. They all have miles on them but that doesn’t mean they are not loose. Thanks!!!
My Typhon axle screw came out when I was at the racetrack...made for quite an embarrassing moment with everyone else in their expensive race buggies...me running around on 3 wheels...
Love the advice I have had my vortex for a week now. And have had to replace spur gear now metal all drive shafts now metal. Both steering knuckles now metal as well. After that it's a beast. I did break it in at a skat park though lol....👌👌😋
Ha! I finally had my first breakage also - I got a control arm. But to be honest, it was deserved. Pretty nasty crash!
Great video! This new truck looks amazing. It's exactly what my girls need. I am grabbing two. The boy and I have 6S Arrmas now but this thing looks to be possibly the best and toughest truck they have made to date. Looks great too!
Great tips, thank you. Also if you have an RC get MIP hex drivers - they will save you the headache of stripped screws.
Yes! I bet it will work out well for you!
Good luck!
Brilliant video, thank you! Really well explained and you can actually see what you are doing and why, not like some of the other 'syle over content' videos that are out there.
Thank you! With I'd seen this before I'd burnt out the stock servo :)
Great! Glad this was helpful!
Lucky I came across your video, purchased one of these exact cars, seeing a bunch of good reviews and good things on youtube. Sort of a snap back into reality. I 1000% was going to bash this without doing any sort of runover of the parts. Being that the car is a decent amoutn of money I figured it would be perfect..... Thanks I will be sure to check all of these components before I drive now. Saved me some headaches in the future im sure.
Great! Glad this was helpful.
Just like many things, sometimes there are errors in assembly.
Good to check over things first!
Great tips Troy. That looks like a really nice truck.
Thanks! It is fun so far!
Very useful information here, especially on setting endpoints! I've been eyeing the Vorteks for a while, it might end up in my collection.
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback.
The Vorteks has been fun for me so far.
Did you see the comparison I did between it and the Granite and Typhon?
@@RoadsideRC not yet, but I did subscribe, so just a matter of time 😉
I bought one and the second time i drove it, one of the rear tire got lose cause the same screw that u just said... thanks man!!
Yes! Happens to all of us!
Great video 👍 will check these when I get mine in a few days. Some have mentioned the slipper clutch also being too tight, do think this is a concern that should be checked right out of the box?
That could be a good addition for sure.
So far, I have had no slipper issues. But I am pretty simple with a slipper. Either it is too loose and you can hear it slipping a lot. OR, when it is too tight, it breaks driveshafts. So far - no broken driveshafts.
Just received mine and glad I found your video. 👍👍
Great! I hope you enjoy it!
Getting a vortex the typhon locked up. I will take your video and learn from my mistakes.
I hope it helps!
Good tips that could apply to a lot of different rigs. well done
Absolutely - thanks Tank!
Im am about to run to RC store and get one, thanks so much for sharing. Awesome informative video. For sure subscribed.
Great! I really hope you will like it!
Thanks for the sub!
Great video and tutorial. Getting a vortex soon and this will come in handy. 1st 1/10th vehicle. Just got into the hobby a couple months ago.
Great choice!
Feel free to ask questions along the way if you have any!
Oh yes I will certainly let you when I get one👍. Great video!
Awesome!
G'day Troy, I've just started having a look through your videos and this was the first one I hit. Super helpful, nicely made, easy to follow along. Nice work, thank you for doing these! (I'm also utterly impressed at your pace of 5 or 6 new videos a week, that's a full time workload with overtime! Wow!) Cheers -Craig :)
Thanks Craig - I appreciate the nice words!
Thanks for the great info. I’ve got one in the way. Should be here tmro. I’m pretty new to this hobby but have a few. It’ll be my first arrma.
I bet you will love it! Have fun!
@@RoadsideRC Believe it or not, Im enjoying this one prob more than any other that I have and that includes the Sledge, yeah sounds crazy but Im being honest.
I 100% understand.
There is all of this hype online about needing to go 6S to really have fun, but I truly believe the Arrma 3S lineup is one of the best platforms out there!
@@RoadsideRC Im thinking I just like the nimbleness of how it handles compared to the bigger machines. That being said, my best friend has the rustler vxl, and the vorteks I think is better in just about every way. Im now considering the Senton over the Ultimate Slash.....Keep up the great work bud!
My favorite of the 3S line is the Typhon. Handles like a dream, tough, and fast.
The 17mm hex also gives you a lot of freedom to put other tires on it also.
Thank you, awesome how to video, I got this baby fired up, man shes fast!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video man. Very consice and thorough. You're also very well spoken and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you for your contribution to the hobby dood!
Edit: Oh yeah, and I just got me one and did every last thing on this video. Couldn't be happier. She's a beast and runs like a Swiss watch.
Glad it was helpful!
I really hope you enjoy your Vorteks!
Great video but one thing I would add is that you should inspect all your shocks.
I realize the stock shocks are only plastic but it seems that most of these kits come with barely any shock oil in them.
I suggest topping them up and re-sealing them before you go out on your first run. Also, consider the ride height, I'd suggest adding at least the middle sized shock spacers, (included in the kit), to all shocks to bring it up a little.
I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.
Cheers from Ontario Canada.
Thanks for your ideas!
Double-checking the shocks is a good idea for sure!
I don't think I would raise the ride height though - I like my cars nice and low for better handling.
@@RoadsideRC I appreciate your thoughts. I kinda like my ride height on the low side aswell but I guess that's a matter of opinion based on how you bash. I only suggest a higher ride height for those that are new to the hobby until they learn a little about how these cars are gonna preform.
Cheers and keep making those videos.
Great and informative vid. My vorteks was out for about 4 minutes when my front left wheel took off one way and the truck the other 😝That screw definitely losend up.
Thank you!
So useful. Thank you for uploading this!!!👌🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻
Glad it was helpful!
Man thank you for all your help bro that little video along helped me figure out a couple things that were wrong with my granite thank you again man I enjoy your Watching your videos keep up the good work man
Glad I could help!
Thanks for the info. Just bought my son a vorteks for his 12th birthday. But unfortunately I did not know to do all this first. Better over look things B4 he drives it again
Glad to help!
Thanks for the information buddy
Hope it was helpful!
I just bought one, thanks for the tips
Glad it was helpful!
Don't you have to set up the break&punch settings too? Fantastic job on sharing this valuable info on this truggy.
I just did exactly what you see here!
My friend you take all of the fun out of the term. R. T. R.
Ha! Good point!
That was a very informative video! I’ll definitely refer back to this video if I get one!! Love the colour choice! 😆😆
Thank you!
Thanks man. This is great. A lot of help
Glad it helped!
Just picked up the purple Vortek 👍🏻
Great!
I just ordered mine today
Nice! I bet you will like it!
Excellent advice! Of course I was too excited to drive and just did the throttle and steering calibration. Guess what! My f'n back tire flew off 15 minutes into my first run!!!
Ahhh! That does happen!
At least it is a very easy fix! Put some loctite on that screw!
I just got into RC couple of months ago and doing reviews for several months what to buy and I picked up the Vorteks today in purple and it is Out of this world. Videos are not enough you have to drive one to experience it. The speed, handling, sound of the engine and tires, it is a beast 💪🏼. Can someone explain to me do I have to do ESC endpoints adjustments, I would appreciate it. Thanks
Glad you like it!
You shouldn't NEED to set the ESC endpoints, but it doesn't hurt.
@@RoadsideRC do you suggest to change to the other pinion gear it came in the package to make it go faster, what is the 2nd pinion for overall, please let me know.
The other pinion will make it faster.
I did swap mine in and have left it that way.
The negative is you will build more heat in the motor and ESC as they work harder.
@@RoadsideRC thank you for your help, was it hard to change it to the other Pinion approx how long does it take? Hopefully you don't mind me asking questions, I rather ask and learn more.
It is rather easy to do.
In my video on "top things to do before you drive", I show almost the whole process when I tell to check the gear mesh.
Also, I think the manual actually shows how to change the pinion.
Very helpful, thanks for all you do
Thank you!!!
awesome, great info, thank you, which shock oil do you recommend for this rc?? i have to do shock maintenance
I typically replace with the stock oil weight.
Sage advice. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Nice video !!! Great content….I got a battery at approximately all cells at 3.8 after today’s use. ……What’s the best to do ? ……..Full charge from 3.8 to max charge?…….or ……. Balance charge all cells to at around 3.8 ? …….Or discharge to under 3.7
Here is the clear rule:
Do you plan to use again within 24hrs?
If yes - balance charge to full 4.2V is OK.
If no - storage charge
@@RoadsideRCThanks for all your feedback I really appreciate it. I got an issue with my vortek. Since I got it out of the box the Willie bar looks crooked to The naked eye……I’ve had it for maybe 10 days and the last two times I’ve taken it out it veers and favors one side immediately. And that also goes with a rear wheel looks more angle than the other from the over view , Also out box.
You can measure the turnbuckles to see if there is a difference. It might have been assembled a little wrong.
I would not worry about the wheelie bar.
@@RoadsideRC Veer is not the word…..it shoots to one side aggressivly right after takeoff to a 45* angle.
Recently retired and going to get a Vorteks and planning to follow your video to a T. Could you give a list of what tools and their sizes are needed to do what you showed? I'd like to have them on hand.
Eventually want to get the wife the Vorteks in another color. If all goes well - plan to get an extra one or two so the grandkids can play along with grandma and gramps.
Thank you
First - CONGRATULATIONS on the retirement!!! That is awesome!
Mainly, you just need regular basic hand tools (flat blade screwdriver, slip-joint pliers,etc).
The only more specific tools I HIGHLY recommend is a set of MIP hex drivers: amzn.to/3fAxYvk
Don't cheap out. Get these, they are worth every penny.
Other recommendation is a set of shock pliers: amzn.to/3SK6imN
If you look on my channel, I actually have a video of all the tools I typically recommend.
Thanks so much for the clear, simple and concise tutorial. Fantastic, sure way to avoid any problems on my sons birthday. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for all the tips & trucs!👍🙂
Glad it helps!
Just ran across your video. Thinking of picking up a Vorteks to add to my fleet. I have a nitro Slash and a fleet of LaTrax Rally cars. I recently added an Infraction and have found the Arrma vehicle to be way more durable than the Traxxas ones. Downside is the Infraction eats tires and needs a really big space to operate at full potential so I don't run it very often. I figure the Vorteks would be a good back yard runner.
I agree - the Vorteks is a great size for your yard.
I also did a test of Vorteks vs Typhon vs Granite. You might want to check that out also: ua-cam.com/video/EYyNnaoa_FM/v-deo.html
Good info!! I just didn’t understand your point about AVC. After adjusting and power cycling it’s left in a position of adjust for the last steer. Where do you now put it back to?
P.S. My first 3s+ was not long ago, my big rock. First 30 seconds using it the front wheel popped off and I lost the nut. Lesson learned.
That AVC knob is just temporarily used to set the steering end points. Afterwards - you revert to using it to adjust AVC and set it wherever you want it.
@@RoadsideRC appreciate the quick response!
Great video Troy
Thanks 👍
Great video and information
Glad you liked it!
Many thanks for the info on setting up very valuable as I would of checked all screws etc but not the drive ends n the tightness of the pinion as you'd expect these important parts to be manufacture secure etc......👍👍👍
Glad to help!
Hi great video on setting the radio up, do you know if the duel rate on the steering can be adjusted on the fly with the st rate knob on the tx whilst you are running the truck.? Or do you have to go into the program mode on the tx each time to alter the steering dual rate. Thanks.
If you disable the AVC, then it works like a normal dual rate knob.
@@RoadsideRC Ah so you cant have AVC & normal dual rate adjustment together, its one or the other I suppose. Can you remind me how you disable the AVC.
Hey Guys bought my first ever ARRMA... which is a Vortek .
Question. Mine has this Clack clack clack sound when i drive it. Similar to the old nail in the tire on a real car. whump whump but clack clack for me.
I'm thinking gearing to the drive shaft but upon inspection i find nothing.
thanks guys see you at the park !
Mine makes a similar noise.
I never found it either, and it seemed to get better as I have driven it.
Did you check the gear mesh?
Also - double check the slipper assembly. Make sure everything looks lined up there.
@@RoadsideRC thanks again for your help I'll take a look around.
Just annoyed here.
I just grabbed an Arrma Granite mega without an esc off eBay that I am putting a brushless system in.
Great! I did a swap brushed -> brushless with a Granite Mega also. Super fun truck.
To be fast, you need to be more aggressive with the pinion gear than you think.
Check the mesh all around the spur. Most vorteks' have a tight spot, where 3/4th is ok. Check Earl Moorheads video on this issue!
I saw that, thank you!
Very helpful, thank you Sir
Glad it was helpful!
O one more thing I found on my second vortex they used to much loc tight on motor screw that is the main reason for the motors fail on them reason the loctight gets hot running inside motor and bearing them it collects metal killing motor and bearing I just lubed my bearing it's still go on my granite . Make sure you take screws out of the motor check before you use it . Love my arrma but will say out of 25 RC cars never seen so many QC problems hope it was just a rush on vortex
Interesting - never heard that loctite theory before. Thanks.
@@RoadsideRC I have pictures if you add it. To tip of screw and it's alot it does bad things it's melts Everytime you get the motor hot becomes like a goo that holds any dust and the metal composite dust that happens car was new and I still cleaned all around bearing by shaft plus it was even in between motor and motor plate and that extra loctite was makeng its way to the next hole from top and from bottom to spur all that's needed is a small drop in middle of and screw if fine thread and just over not why so many don't know that about loctite great stuff but like most things in life you see everything is 50/50!good guy bad cop robber 69 pieces big small you understand!! So seems like I get days it all breaks and days I get to run many all no problems 🤫🤙still say arrma still rocks but horizon needs to do betterxhances with arrma all mine where good before the change had good results with spectrum and arrma blx but I can see there was a change in the new ones
Great video! This one just got u a new sub. Keep up the good work!
Awesome, thank you!
Great video! I did the same with my Vorteks and agree with everything you covered here.
One question, do you have any knowledge on why the Vorteks has a distinctive clicking sound? Mine has it and I hear it in every video I see of it running. You can notice it the most when the car is moving and free rolling / not under acceleration. It's like a ticking / clicking sound and for the life of me I cannot discover the cause.
I can't even ascertain if it's an issue or not (doesn't appear to be) and if it's just normal for this vehicle.
What I have done is check the mesh (it's fine) and roll the car with the motor removed which results in smooth and quiet operation so I don't believe it's the diffs or driveshaft. I'm thinking it may in fact be coming from the motor itself?
I know the sound also - it drives me crazy!
If it doesn't make it without the motor, then you must be right.
It doesn't sound metallic to me though...sounds like plastic hitting somewhere.
I figure it will break or wear through eventually!
Mine does it too. It seems like in most videos Arrma's just have loud drivetrains so im assuming its normal for now. Im guessing its the diffs or slipper clutch/motor polls.
Me too it stopped me from adding to my collection, its possibly the motor but not likely. Its coming from the clutch assembly, either it wasn't centered when tighten down breaking free the brass piece so that's spinning and thats the clicking or the nut inside that clutch adjustment screw goes through is in diffrent spot than our other 3s vehicles. Its a fixed nut inside the hub , what happens is dosen't allow the clutch to be centered inside the two covers and motor mount , so spur gear hits the case , I bought a new assembly from jennys and for life of me couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work once all put together , I eventually had to use a older hub with that fixed nut in the proper spot .
Yup . I just got mine . same thing and most annoying. Not something you wanna hear after spending this much money .
@@phillipgatelein8591 one of youtubers said he thinks its from the diff but doesn't sound likely to me . Earl another youtuber , I'd ask him if bothers you ,he's good finding the faults he replaced his kids with metal spur but I think he also used a different clutch hub and that's what I think it is.
Great video. I am new to the world of RC and I picked up this Vorteks. Could you possibly point me to a tool set on Amazon that would allow me to break this vehicle down as needed?
Sure - happy to help!
First is a set of MIP tools: amzn.to/344FZjb
Add on a set of pliers: amzn.to/3fBeqDG
A good utility knife: amzn.to/3bGN0v1
And add in the free tools they give you with the truck and that will handle most of your jobs for a reasonable price.
The next thing you will want to add on is a good soldering iron. I am surprised how often I have this thing plugged in and using it on the workbench: amzn.to/3u6e8tF
Just got mine this is good to know
Glad to help!
Hi, great clip. I am hoping to get a vortex at some point. I have two r/c cars a buggy and a drift car both rtr I have never programmed a ESC, so was good to see how to do it. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!