Intermediate basher build
The buy-once basher is a 3S brushless 4x4 like the Arrma Granite 223S BLX at $339.11 with two 3S 5200mAh packs, an ISDT balance charger, a LiPo bag, drivers and an infrared thermometer, for about $547 all in.
ARRMA 1/10 Granite 4X4 223S BLX BRUSHLESS RC Monster Truck RTR
- 1/10
- 4WD
- Brushless
The 223S BLX system runs on 2S or 3S, so it starts calm and gets much faster with a battery change. 4x4 monster truck geometry handles grass, gravel and jumps.
$339.11 listed price, changes often
Check price on Amazon Full specsWho it is for: Someone who knows they like RC and wants 40 mph-class bashing without buying twice.
Skip this build if: Kids under about 14 without close supervision: a 3S 4x4 is fast and heavy enough to hurt someone.
The complete list, priced
Every item you need to run, grouped by job, with a link on every line and a running total.
| Item | Why this one | Qty | Price | Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The truck | ||||
| ARRMA 1/10 Granite 4X4 223S BLX BRUSHLESS RC Monster Truck RTR Buy on Amazon · compare options |
The 223S BLX system runs on 2S or 3S, so it starts calm and gets much faster with a battery change. 4x4 monster truck geometry handles grass, gravel and jumps. | 1 | $339.11 | $339.11 |
| Power | ||||
| HOOVO 3S 11.1V Lipo Battery 5200mAh 80C HardCase Battery Buy on Amazon · compare options |
3S 5200mAh hard-case packs with EC5 plugs. Two packs mean one is cooling while you run the other. Confirm the plug matches your truck before ordering. | 2 | $32.99 | $65.98 |
| ISDT Lipo Battery Balance Charger 608AC - 8A/200W AC/DC Smart Buy on Amazon · compare options |
A 200 W AC/DC balance charger, enough to charge a 3S 5200mAh pack at 1C in under an hour. Its output is XT60, so you may need the matching charge lead for EC5 packs. | 1 | $64.50 | $64.50 |
| Battery safety | ||||
| Zeee Fireproof Explosionproof Lipo Bag Battery Storage(8.46 x Buy on Amazon · compare options |
Charge and store LiPo packs in a fire-resistant bag, on a non-flammable surface, never unattended. | 1 | $13.49 | $13.49 |
| Aoicrie Lipo Battery Voltage Checker and Alarm Buy on Amazon · compare options |
A cell checker with a low-voltage alarm tells you when a pack is empty or a cell is weak. | 1 | $6.59 | $6.59 |
| Tools and care | ||||
| HobbyPark 6 in 1 RC Hex Driver Screwdriver Set 1.5mm 2.0mm Buy on Amazon · compare options |
Hex and nut drivers in one set, sized for 1/10 hardware. | 1 | $24.97 | $24.97 |
| Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun 774 Buy on Amazon · compare options |
On 3S, motor temperature decides your gearing. An infrared thermometer turns "feels hot" into a number. | 1 | $16.99 | $16.99 |
| Hobbypark Aluminum RC Car Work Stand Repair Workstation 360 Buy on Amazon · compare options |
A rotating stand holds the truck wheels-up for maintenance and pinion swaps. | 1 | $14.97 | $14.97 |
| Total | $546.60 | |||
Get this build list by email
The whole list with current prices, so you can buy it in pieces. One email, no sequence.
What you can skip
- Aluminum upgrade parts before anything breaks.
- A 6S-capable charger: 3S is the ceiling for this truck.
- A GPS speed meter: the calculators get you close enough.
What to upgrade first
- Gearing: one or two pinion teeth down for 3S on grass, checked with the thermometer.
- Tires, if you run on pavement or loose dirt, because stock tires are a compromise.
The other builds in this ladder
Frequently asked questions
What does the intermediate basher build cost in total?
The intermediate basher build on this page totals the figure in the table, built from current listed prices for every item. Prices change often, so check each listing at checkout. Nothing on the list is optional to get running except the items we mark as upgrades; the "what you can skip" section names the things people commonly buy too early.
Do I need a LiPo charger for a basher?
If the car ships with a USB or wall charger, it works, but it is slow: often two to four hours per pack. A balance charger at 1C charges a typical 5000mAh pack in about an hour and lets you run LiPo packs safely. It is the most useful upgrade after a second battery.
Who should not buy the intermediate basher build?
Kids under about 14 without close supervision: a 3S 4x4 is fast and heavy enough to hurt someone.
RCCarCalc is researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures come from published manufacturer specifications, listings and verified owner reports, not hands-on testing. Speeds are theoretical or as listed; real results depend on gearing, battery, tires and terrain. See how we research.