The Arrma Kraton 6S BLX is arguably the king of 1/8 scale bashers. It’s big, it’s durable, and out of the box, it is capable of 60+ MPH.
But the Kraton is a heavy beast. To get those standing backflips and wheelies on command, the stock electronics need massive amounts of current.
We have tested dozens of packs to find the ones that actually fit the Kraton's 158mm battery tray and deliver the punch you paid for.
What Makes a Good Kraton Battery?
Before we get to the list, here is the criteria:
- Form Factor The Kraton 6S tray is generous (approx. 158x48x70mm), but standard 6S "bricks" fit best. You can run dual 3S packs, but a single 6S block usually offers lower resistance and less wiring clutter.
- Connector The stock ESC comes with an IC5 connector. You want a battery with an EC5 or IC5 to avoid using adapters (which kill performance).
- C-Rating You need real amps. We are looking for reputable brands known for low internal resistance.
1. The "Easy Button": Spektrum Smart G2 5000mAh 100C
If you just want to plug and play without thinking, this is the battery for you.
- It talks to your Arrma ESC to show battery life on your transmitter.
- It "auto-storage" charges itself after 72 hours of inactivity, meaning you rarely have to worry about killing the pack by leaving it full.
- It's expensive.
- The "100C" rating is marketing fluff (it's lower in reality), but it's still plenty for stock gearing.
2. The Budget King: CNHL Black Series 6000mAh 6S
China Hobby Line (CNHL) has disrupted the market by selling high-performance cells at bargain prices. The Black Series is their "basher" line.
- Incredible value. You can often buy two of these for the price of one Spektrum pack.
- The punch is surprisingly good, often exceeding the stock batteries.
- They are heavy and slightly bulky.
- The cables are sometimes short. Quality control can be hit-or-miss compared to premium brands.
3. The Durability Monster: Gens Ace Bashing Pro 5500mAh
Gens Ace designed this specific "Bashing Pro" line for cars like the Kraton.
- The hard case is built like a tank. It is designed to survive 20-foot jumps and bad landings.
- It comes with an EC5 connector pre-soldered.
- It is physically large. It fits the Kraton fine, but might be tight in other 1/8 buggies.
4. The Racer's Secret: SMC True Spec Premium 6S
SMC (Superior Matching Concepts) is a favorite among racers because Danny (the owner) tests his cells rigorously. When SMC says "150 Amps," they mean it.
- Lowest Internal Resistance (IR) on this list.
- This battery will make your Kraton feel like you changed the pinion gear.
- Massive punch and longer runtimes due to high efficiency.
- You usually have to order direct from their website.
- Stock availability fluctuates.
5. The Amazon Special: Zeee 6000mAh 80C 6S
You will see these everywhere on Amazon. Are they good? Actually, yes.
- Extremely accessible (Prime shipping).
- Cheap.
- Decent customer support for a budget brand.
- The "80C" is a lie; treat it like a 30C pack.
- Voltage sag is noticeable near the end of the pack compared to the SMC or Gens Ace.
Summary Comparison
| Battery | Best For | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spektrum Smart G2 | Beginners / Safety | $$$ |
| CNHL Black Series | Budget / Value | $ |
| Gens Ace Bashing Pro | Durability | $$ |
| SMC True Spec | Raw Power / Speed | $$ |
| Zeee 6000mAh | Availability | $ |
Pro Tip: Dual 3S vs Single 6S?
The Kraton can run two 3S batteries in series. This is great if you also own 1/10 scale cars (like a Senton or Granite) because you can share batteries.
However, a single 6S "brick" pack is simpler to charge and has fewer wires to manage.
For a dedicated Kraton, go single 6S.