I was asked whether someone should pick up the Arrma Limitless V1 vs V2, and it’s a great question. The short answer is that the V1 is still relevant today, even after the V2’s release. Both versions of the Limitless serve different roles depending on your setup and goals.
Why the Limitless V1 Still Holds Up
The Arrma Limitless V1 remains an excellent option for road-course driving or general bashing. Its driveline and gearing layout make it easier to run at moderate speeds between 70-120 mph, which is ideal for most RC hobbyists. The center spool spins slightly faster for a given wheel RPM, allowing for better gearing flexibility when you don’t want to chase extreme top speed.
If you’re planning to run your car on a track or with friends on the street, the V1 is better suited for that purpose. It’s also a good fit for builders who prefer the larger dual battery trays (V2) and don’t need massive ESC or motor setups.
The gearing offered on the V1 limitless also makes it easier to handle high RPM output motors. The maximum size spur gear you can fit on this unit comfortably is 46T. Keep this in mind for you gearing calculations! Same limit applies to the V2 below.
Why the V2 Dominates in Top-Speed Builds
If your goal is extreme performance, the Arrma Limitless V2 is built for you. Arrma reworked the driveline with a new differential ratio that lowers RPM at the center spool, reducing vibration at high speeds. This makes it easier to push past 140 mph with better stability and efficiency.
The V2 also improves internal component layout. The new configuration supports larger ESCs, bigger motors, and more flexible mounting positions without needing to remove a battery tray. The ESC space available easily accommodates the Castle XLX2 size/style ESC. The motor length is relatively limited at around 110mm max. Battery length is also restricted in comparison to the longer battery trays you get from the V1 layout. It’s ready for 8S or custom high-voltage builds right out of the box.
In addition, the V2 oddly enough, is actually difficult to setup to drive at top speeds closer to 70mph. This is all to do with the gearing but a huge consideration if you are not after all out speed.
Choosing Between Them
Choosing between the Arrma Limitless V1 vs V2 depends on your driving goals.
- For road-course use, bashing or slower top speeds, the V1 is smoother and easier to manage.
- For speed runs well in excess of 120mph, the V2 delivers superior driveline balance and space for large ESC and motor components.
Both models share Arrma’s tough design and handle high power well — they’re just optimized from a hobbyist point of view for different kinds of fun. Whether it was done that way on purpose, we may never know.
Final Thoughts
If your goal isn’t chasing top speed, stick with the Arrma Limitless V1. It’s still a capable platform, easy to tune, and perfect for road-course driving. But if you’re building a 150+ mph machine, the V2 is the better long-term choice for driveline efficiency and setup flexibility.