Overview
Blast beyond routine RC with the ARRMA 1/10 GORGON MEGA 550 2WD Monster Truck, a ready to run RC car that's built the way only ARRMA makes them — tough as nails, full of attitude, and capable of pushing past anything in your path. Whether you're searching for a reliable ready to run RC truck for UK enthusiasts or looking for an affordable entry point into serious RC bashing, the GORGON 2WD delivers factory-built performance straight out of the box. Fully assembled and ready to run, this 1/10 scale brushed RC monster truck is perfect for young, first-time bashers discovering the excitement of RC off-road driving, and it's equally at home as a fun addition to any seasoned hobbyist's fleet of RC vehicles.
It's fun to drive, affordable to own, and remarkably easy to upgrade whenever you're ready to push performance to the next level. With LiPo battery compatibility and a brushless-ready drivetrain already built in, you can evolve your GORGON from a capable beginner's machine into a high-powered RC bashing beast without replacing the entire platform. No additional options are needed for the GORGON to make you the centre of attention from the start. Straight out of the box, its strikingly original looks and fang-tastic factory-finished trim scheme draw a crowd, with the Gun Metal colour option featuring colour-coordinated wheels, shock springs, battery tray, skid plates, and front and rear bumpers that resist impacts whilst protecting those dynamic graphics.
This is authentic RC amplified bashing at its most affordable price point. The GORGON combines durable construction, responsive handling, and impressive styling to create a genuine all-terrain RC experience that won't break the bank. Built with proven ARRMA engineering principles, the composite chassis resists the punishment of rough terrain, jumps, and high-speed crashes that define the RC bashing lifestyle.
Key Features
- Ready-to-Run Out of the Box — The GORGON arrives fully assembled and equipped with all electronics, motors, and transmitter included, so you can begin RC driving within minutes of opening the box without requiring any building skills or technical knowledge.
- Waterproof Spektrum Electronics — The upgraded 40A Spektrum 2-in-1 ESC/receiver unit and high-torque Spektrum S660 waterproof digital steering servo (delivering 84 oz-in of torque at 6V) mean you can blast through wet conditions and muddy terrain without worrying about water damage to critical electronics.
- Affordable Beginners' RC Truck with Safety Features — The included Spektrum SLT2 2-channel 2.4GHz transmitter helps new RC drivers learn control skills safely by limiting maximum speed to 50% or 75% until they're ready to unleash full throttle performance.
- 2S LiPo-Compatible Upgrade Path — The factory-installed Spektrum 2-in-1 40A ESC and receiver are already compatible with 2S LiPo batteries, meaning you can upgrade from the included 8.4V 3300mAh 7-cell NiMH battery to LiPo power whenever you're ready for increased runtime and performance without replacing core components.
- Brushless-Ready Drivetrain — The durable transmission with metal gears and new mesh safe plate for additional gear protection is engineered tough enough to handle brushless motor upgrades, so you can swap the included Mega 550 14T brushed motor for a Spektrum brushless motor to dramatically increase speed and power.
- Intelligent Smart Charging System — The included Spektrum 2S LiPo-ready S120 USB-C Smart Charger features innovative Smart technology that delivers safe, automatic charging with short 2-3 hour charge times, enabling extended bashing sessions with minimal downtime.
- Durable Composite Chassis with Clean Design — The strong spine composite chassis is built with famous ARRMA bash-it-all durability and features a simple spine design that won't collect dirt, rocks, and mud during use, keeping the truck lightweight and maximising available power for acceleration and climbing.
- Independent Suspension with Adjustable Ride Height — The independent suspension paired with oil-filled, coilover composite shocks soaks up bumps and impacts smoothly, whilst adjustable ride height lets you increase ground clearance for uneven surfaces and challenging terrain.
- Colour-Coordinated Styling — The Gun Metal body comes with colour-matched wheels, shock springs, battery tray, and bumpers, creating a cohesive, factory-finished appearance that looks premium straight from ARRMA without requiring any customisation.
- Massive Off-Road Tyres for Unstoppable Traction — Mounted on tough nylon ARRMA wheels, the included dBoots Chevron MT front and rear tyres feature deep tread patterns made from high-quality rubber that deliver dependable traction across all conditions whilst maintaining durability through extended bashing sessions.
- Bottom-Loading Battery Tray for Quick Changes — The innovative bottom-loaded battery design lets you swap batteries in seconds without removing the body, significantly reducing maintenance time and downtime between bashing sessions.
- Cable Tidy Management System — A cable tidy is now included as standard to keep all wiring organised and secure within the chassis, improving durability and making future maintenance or upgrades more straightforward.
- Quick-Release Body Mechanism — A quick-release mechanism on the pre-painted polycarbonate body lets you access the chassis in seconds for super-easy maintenance, repairs, and component upgrades without tools or hassle.
- Full Ball Bearing Construction — The entire drivetrain utilises full ball bearings with rubber-shielded construction rather than plastic or metal bushings, providing smoother rotation, reduced friction, and enhanced durability through extended use.
- Complete RTR Starter Package — Everything needed to begin RC off-road driving is included: truck, transmitter, battery, and charger, eliminating the need to source additional components and making this an ideal gift for aspiring RC enthusiasts.
- Two-Year Limited Warranty — ARRMA backs this RC monster truck with a comprehensive two-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind and protection against manufacturing defects.
Technical Performance
The ARRMA 1/10 GORGON MEGA 550 delivers impressive technical performance wrapped in a durable, beginner-friendly package. At its heart is a Mega 550 14-turn brushed motor rated within the MEGA power system, providing sufficient torque and acceleration for thrilling off-road performance whilst maintaining controllable speed through the Spektrum SLT2 limiter function. Power flows through a 2WD transmission featuring a 13-tooth pinion gear and 61-tooth spur gear (0.8 MOD pitch) with metal gears throughout, ensuring reliability even as you contemplate future brushless upgrades. The brushless-ready construction means the drivetrain can accommodate significantly more power without modification — the same transmission and differential assembly can handle Spektrum's brushless motor options when you're ready to maximise performance.
The 40-amp Spektrum 2-in-1 integrated ESC and receiver represents one of the GORGON's strongest technical features, combining two functions into one compact unit whilst maintaining both waterproof construction and 2S LiPo compatibility. This integrated design reduces weight, simplifies wiring, and ensures seamless communication between receiver and speed controller. The braking function is integrated with the ESC, providing proportional regenerative braking for smooth deceleration and reverse capability. Suspension engineering showcases independent double-A-arm design with oil-filled coilover shocks mounted to the composite chassis, delivering a smooth ride over rough terrain whilst maintaining predictable handling through corners and over jumps. The adjustable ride height feature addresses ground clearance concerns on uneven surfaces.
Measuring 421mm in length, 334mm in width, and 245mm in height with an 11.61-inch (295mm) wheelbase, the GORGON presents a compact yet capable platform. At 2.7kg (5.95 lbs), it's light enough for younger drivers to handle and transport yet heavy enough to feel substantial and maintain stability at speed. The truck is water-resistant, enabling operation in wet conditions and shallow water features, though full submersion should be avoided. The included Spektrum 8.4V 3300mAh 7-cell hump battery provides respectable runtime with standard charge times of 2-3 hours using the included S120 USB-C Smart Charger, though upgrading to 2S LiPo batteries will extend both runtime and peak performance significantly. Top speed reaches 20+ mph with the stock brushed motor, providing thrilling acceleration whilst remaining manageable for developing drivers learning RC control skills.
What's in the Box
- ARRMA GORGON Mega 550 1/10 Scale 2WD Monster Truck RTR (fully assembled and ready to run)
- Spektrum Waterproof SLT 2-in-1 40A ESC and Receiver Unit
- Mega 550 14T Brushed Motor
- Spektrum SLT2 2.4GHz 2-channel Transmitter
- Spektrum S660 Waterproof Digital Steering Servo with 84 oz-in torque at 6V
- Spektrum 8.4V 3300mAh 7-Cell Hump Smart NiMH Battery with IC3 Connector
- Spektrum 2S LiPo Ready S120 USB-C Smart Charger
- 4 x AA Transmitter Batteries
- Molded Hand Tools (2.0mm and 2.5mm)
- Instruction Manual (multilingual)
What You Need to Complete
- USB Power Adaptor with QC2.0/3.0 18W minimum output (for Smart Charger operation)
- Spektrum 65W USB-C GaN Power Supply (SPMX-1027) — recommended for optimal charging performance
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the ARRMA GORGON suitable for complete RC beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The GORGON is specifically designed for first-time RC bashers. It arrives fully assembled and ready to run, requiring no building or technical skills. The included Spektrum SLT2 transmitter includes speed-limiting features that restrict performance to 50% or 75% throttle until you've developed control skills, making it an ideal entry point into RC off-road driving. Many UK RC retailers recommend this model for absolute beginners.
- What battery does the ARRMA GORGON use and how long does it last? — The GORGON includes an 8.4V 3300mAh 7-cell Smart NiMH battery with IC3 connector that provides respectable runtime for recreational bashing. Charge times are typically 2-3 hours using the included Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger. When you're ready for better performance and longer runtime, the truck is fully compatible with 2S LiPo batteries, which charge faster and deliver significantly more power.
- Can I upgrade this to a brushless RC monster truck? — Yes, one of the GORGON's greatest strengths is its upgrade potential. The transmission features metal gears that are tough enough to handle brushless motors, and the 40A ESC is already rated for 2S LiPo batteries. You can upgrade to a Spektrum brushless motor (such as the Spektrum Firm 3660 4000Kv sensorless brushless motor) and maintain the rest of the platform, effectively transforming your beginner truck into a high-performance machine.
- Is the GORGON waterproof? — The GORGON is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. The Spektrum 2-in-1 40A ESC/receiver unit and S660 steering servo are both designated as waterproof, allowing you to drive through wet conditions and muddy terrain confidently. However, full submersion should be avoided to protect other components like the battery connectors and motor contacts. Refer to the instruction manual for specific waterproofing details and limitations.
- What makes the ARRMA GORGON different from other budget RC monster trucks? — The GORGON stands out through ARRMA's proven engineering quality, the included smart charging system, waterproof electronics, and genuine upgrade potential to brushless power. Many budget alternatives lack brushless-ready components or proper waterproofing. The GORGON also includes colour-coordinated styling and a comprehensive warranty, making it a better long-term investment than similarly-priced alternatives.
- How fast does the GORGON go? — With the included Mega 550 14-turn brushed motor, the GORGON reaches top speeds of 20+ mph, which is plenty fast for exciting bashing whilst remaining manageable for developing drivers. If you upgrade to brushless power with a compatible motor like the Spektrum Firm 3660, speeds will increase dramatically, potentially exceeding 40+ mph depending on gearing and battery choice.
- What tools do I need to maintain and upgrade the GORGON? — The kit includes molded hand tools in 2.0mm and 2.5mm sizes, which cover most basic maintenance and adjustments. For more extensive modifications like suspension tuning or motor upgrades, you may wish to invest in a small set of metric hex wrenches and a Phillips screwdriver, though these aren't essential for casual bashing.
- Is the Spektrum SLT2 transmitter compatible with other RC vehicles? — The Spektrum SLT2 operates on the 2.4GHz frequency using Spektrum's SLT protocol, which is proprietary to Spektrum receivers. It will not control other brand RC vehicles, but it will work with any other RC model equipped with a compatible Spektrum receiver, making it a dedicated system for ARRMA and other Spektrum-equipped vehicles.
- How long does assembly take for the GORGON? — The GORGON is classified as Ready-to-Run (RTR), meaning it arrives fully assembled. You'll spend less than one hour unboxing, charging the battery, installing AA batteries in the transmitter, and performing the initial setup before your first drive.
- What is the chassis material and why does it matter? — The GORGON features a composite chassis rather than aluminium or plastic. Composite construction offers an excellent balance between durability and weight — it's tough enough to absorb impacts from crashes and rough terrain whilst remaining lightweight to maximise acceleration and performance. The simple spine design prevents mud and debris from accumulating, maintaining clean operation.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the ARRMA 1/10 GORGON MEGA 550 2WD MT with Battery & Charger Gun Metal C-ARA3230ST3 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
