Arrma Typhon 665 Mega 4×4 RTR Review

If you’ve been itching to break into 1/8-scale RC buggies without breaking the bank, the new Arrma Typhon 665 Mega 4×4 is the best budget-friendly ticket in town. As the most affordable way to own a full-fledged 1/8-scale Typhon, this ready-to-run basher packs a surprising amount of performance and rugged features. With a street price over $100 less than its brushless 3S sibling (the Typhon 3S BLX), it may sound like a watered-down version—but Arrma made smart design choices that make this a serious contender for entry-level fun and future upgrades.

Let’s dive into what makes the Typhon 665 Mega a standout value for beginners and a solid platform for those planning to build it up over time.

PRODUCT FEATURED
Arrma Typhon 4×4 665 Mega
By: Horizon Hobby
Type: Ready To Run 4WD Brushed Buggy
Scale: 1/8
Price: $259.99
Buy: https://alnk.to/7BgEvpB
Requires: 2S LiPo Battery and Charger
Visit Arrma: https://alnk.to/3U2JUll
Suggested Battery/ Charger: https://alnk.to/cwTRYiT
SEE ALL ARRMA TYPHONS: https://alnk.to/dptESoo
Watch Our Arrma Typhon 665 Video: https://youtu.be/WtmFWouRZ14

Sleek Body Styling

The low-slung aerodynamic body keeps the classic Typhon look alive with fresh new graphics and comes in three different colorways to suit your style. One of the biggest changes is the clipless body system—a push-button release that makes battery swaps and maintenance a breeze. A large dual-deck rear wing and aggressive finned design complete the race-inspired look, mounted securely to a durable rear wing mount. The front features a stubby bumper while the rear has a robust bash-friendly bumper setup. These small yet clever changes make the Typhon 665’s shell not only stylish but functional for rough play.

Durable Composite Chassis
Beneath the body lies the familiar Typhon platform, also shared with Arrma’s Big Rock and shortened for the Granite. It’s a proven, rigid composite chassis with integrated honeycomb bracing, offering excellent strength and torsional rigidity. The adjustable battery tray allows secure fitting for 2S packs, and the updated side mud guards and taller rear side plates provide extra protection. Arrma clearly knows what works—and has stuck to a reliable formula.

Independent Suspension & Tires
The Typhon 665 sports a fully independent suspension system with oil-filled emulsion-style shocks on all four corners. Though the red caps may suggest otherwise, the shocks are bottom-filled and include tools in the box for easy maintenance. Suspension arms are beefy, and dual-shear points on the steering knuckles and caster blocks boost durability. Protectors at the top of the shock towers help reduce wear from rollovers.

Wheels and tires are another standout. The buggy runs on black dish wheels with mini spokes and 17mm hex hubs, paired with Dboots 2-HO tires. These are a hard compound, ideal for mixed terrain like asphalt and loose dirt, offering long life and decent grip. Plus, serrated wheel nuts ensure everything stays locked in.

Upgraded Drivetrain
Where the 665 truly impresses is in its drivetrain upgrades. It retains sealed, greased planetary gear differentials front and rear, just like high-end buggies, and now includes fluid-filled diffs—a rare find at this price point. Ball bearings throughout the drivetrain ensure smooth power delivery, and a new bearing-supported center driveshaft adds stability.

But the highlight here is the overload coupler, a unique system designed to relieve drivetrain stress. It’s not a slipper clutch—instead, it uses a spring-loaded, splined adapter to absorb shock loads. This design allows the drivetrain to handle more power without the common wear-and-slip issues of traditional setups. In fact, this system is 3S brushless-capable, making future upgrades easier and more affordable.

Electronics Package
The electronics in the Typhon 665 are simple, reliable, and waterproof. A 9kg metal gear steering servo provides respectable torque, even if it’s a step down from what’s in the 3S BLX. Power flows through a Spektrum 40A ESC/receiver combo unit, which is user-friendly and upgradable with a jumper plug if you choose to swap in a separate receiver. The motor is the namesake 14-turn 665 brushed unit, larger than a standard 540, complete with an internal cooling fan, large heatsink, and a 35mm cooling fan mounted on the ESC. This system isn’t blistering fast, but it runs cool and offers a good balance of runtime and speed.

Notables
SLT2 Transmitter included with AA batteries

Comes with preload shock clips, tools, and user guides

Only runs 2S packs due to ESC limits

Minor motor mounting issue fixed with washer swap (see below)

Battery strap repositioning recommended for better fit

Performance Impressions

Testing the Typhon 665 at RC Madness’ bash lot revealed a fun and capable off-road buggy. Top speed hit 21mph on 2S, and the powerband felt smoother and slightly quicker than previous Mega models. The buggy handled both large and small jumps with ease, thanks to its plush suspension and balanced chassis. Cornering grip was excellent, and the wide stance kept it stable even under full throttle turns.

While it’s not a speed monster, this buggy shines in how controlled and durable it feels. It’s an excellent choice for a beginner looking to get airborne, tear around backyard tracks, or just bash without constant repairs. For experienced hobbyists, it’s clear this chassis has room to grow—drop in a 3S brushless system and the drivetrain is already ready to handle the extra punch, thanks to that clever overload coupler.

One small issue did crop up: during testing, the motor moved due to thin, concave shims used as washers. Replacing them with standard M3 washers resolved the issue completely. Another quick fix was reversing the battery straps for better battery retention.

Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔️ Clipless body system
✔️ Tough composite chassis with proven layout
✔️ Oil-filled shocks with included tools
✔️ 3S-capable drivetrain with unique overload coupler
✔️ Great value for entry-level 8th-scale buggy
✔️ Room for upgrades

Cons:
❌ Motor may shift without better washers
❌ Not brushless out of the box
❌ Basic servo (but metal gears are a plus)
❌ Needs strap adjustment for secure 2S fit

Wrap-Up
The Arrma Typhon 665 Mega 4×4 is a rock-solid choice for anyone entering the 1/8-scale buggy scene. It’s packed with thoughtful updates, rugged construction, and future-proof components that make it more than just a budget basher. While it won’t win speed contests out of the box, its fun factor is high—and it’s a platform that grows with your skill level and budget. If you’re looking for reliable performance, easy maintenance, and serious value, this is the buggy to beat in its class.

 

 

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