ARRMA Freedom Flyer 1/10 vs. 1/16 GROM: Which Cleetus McFarland Tribute Truck Wins?

ARRMA Freedom Flyer 1/10 vs. 1/16 GROM: Which Cleetus McFarland Tribute Truck Wins?

If you love the smell of burnt rubber, massive backyard air, and the loud, proud spirit of Cleetus McFarland and Tomfoolery Motorsports, ARRMA has just dropped the ultimate tribute.

Partnering with the legendary crew from the Freedom Factory, ARRMA has released two brand-new, officially licensed RC monster trucks wrapped in the iconic, patriotic Freedom Flyer livery. Whether you want to tear up your driveway at 50+ MPH or pull off mini-stunts in your living room, there is a Freedom Flyer built for your kind of chaos.

But which one belongs in your garage? Let’s break down the two trucks side-by-side.

1. The Heavy Hitter: ARRMA 1/10 Freedom Flyer 223S

  • Best For: High-speed outdoor bashing, massive jumps, and experienced bashers looking for brushless power.
  • Price: $299.99

For those who want pure, unadulterated power, the ARRMA 1/10 Freedom Flyer 223S is an absolute unit. Built on ARRMA’s incredibly popular 223S BLX (Gorgon) platform, this monster truck trades standard brushed motors for a high-velocity brushless system designed to “let freedom rip” at extreme speeds.

Key Features & Specs:

  • The Powerplant: Equipped with a potent Spektrum 4000Kv brushless motor and a 45A 2-in-1 waterproof ESC/receiver.
  • Insane Speed: Hit 50+ MPH by dropping in a 3S LiPo battery, or run it on 2S for classic stadium truck fun.
  • Drivetrain: Traditional 2WD setup. It’s built simple and tough, giving you that classic, loose-tail sliding action that monster truck fans love.
  • Smart Tech: It arrives truly Ready-To-Run (RTR), including a Spektrum Smart G2 2S LiPo battery and an S100 USB-C Smart charger.
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): Features built-in DSC to automatically apply steering correction when the rear end steps out, making high-speed drifts wildly controllable.

2. The Take-Anywhere Patriot: ARRMA 1/16 Freedom Flyer GROM 4×4

  • Best For: Backyard bashing, indoor obstacle courses, younger drivers, and “anytime, anywhere” fun.
  • Price: ~$169.99

If you want the same “Hell Yeah Brother” energy but in a highly portable, take-anywhere package, the ARRMA 1/16 Freedom Flyer GROM is your go-to rig. Don’t let the smaller size fool you; this little truck packs a major punch and is built with the same legendary durability as its bigger brother.

Key Features & Specs:

  • Drivetrain: Unlike the 1/10 scale, the GROM features a rugged 4WD drivetrain with enclosed metal gears, giving it incredible traction across dirt, grass, and gravel.
  • The Powerplant: Driven by a reliable Spektrum 380-size brushed motor. It’s incredibly punchy for its size while remaining highly manageable for beginners.
  • Clipless Body System: No tiny body clips to lose in the grass! The body utilizes a fast, tool-free press-and-release system that snaps securely onto the chassis.
  • Kid-Friendly Throttle Limiting: The included Spektrum SLT2 transmitter features a throttle switch (50%, 75%, or 100% power) so you can dial down the speed when handing the controller to a “patriot-in-training.”

Freedom Flyer Comparison: 1/10 scale vs. 1/16 scale

  • Scale: 1/10 Scale (223S) vs. 1/16 Scale (GROM)
  • Motor Type: Brushless Spektrum 4000Kv (223S) vs. Brushed Spektrum 380-size (GROM)
  • Drivetrain: 2WD loose, tail-whipping action (223S) vs. 4WD high traction and stability (GROM)
  • Top Speed: Blistering 50+ MPH on 3S LiPo (223S) vs. Punchy, controllable park speed (GROM)
  • Stability Assist: Dynamic Stability Control built-in (223S) vs. Pure mechanical traction (GROM)
  • Body Mounts: Hidden internal retention (223S) vs. Clipless press-and-release system (GROM)
  • Best Environment: Large open fields, dirt tracks, skateparks (223S) vs. Driveways, backyards, living rooms (GROM)

The Verdict: Both of these trucks carry the unmistakable red, white, and blue graphics inspired by the full-size machines Cleetus and the Tomfoolery Motorsports crew run. If you want blistering speed, massive wheelies, and 3S brushless power, go with the 1/10 Scale 223S. If you want a durable, highly stable 4WD basher that you can toss in a backpack and rip anywhere, the 1/16 GROM is hard to beat.