Choosing the right shock shaft matters more than many hobbyists expect — it affects damping smoothness, shaft life, and the quality of your ride. This guide highlights top RC vehicle shock shafts and shock assemblies based on extensive hands-on testing, manufacturer specs, user feedback, and expert opinion to help you pick the right part for your build and budget.
Methodology
- We tested candidate shafts for straightness, surface finish, and fit across common shock bodies. Real-world tests included repeated full-travel cycles, simulated impacts, and salt-spray exposure for corrosion resistance where applicable.
- Performance checks measured friction (subjective damping feel), durability under repeated crashes, and compatibility with popular models. We also aggregated consumer reviews and consulted experienced RC mechanics to weigh reliability and value.
- Rankings account for material/coating, dimensional accuracy, OEM fitment, price, and observed longevity in varied use (bashing, racing, and trail).
Compact Shock Shafts
Affordable 3x60mm replacement shafts designed for ARRMA models. These 2‑piece shafts offer accurate dimensions, a clean finish, and dependable performance for routine maintenance or low-cost repairs — great for hobbyists who need straightforward replacements without premium coatings.
Compact Shock Shafts (3x60mm)
These 3x60mm ARRMA replacement shafts are a solid, no-frills option when you need a quick repair. They’re dimensionally accurate and pair well with stock ARRMA shocks — straightforward steel construction and a polished finish make them reliable for everyday bashing. In testing they showed acceptable straightness and low early wear under light-to-moderate use. Downsides: no special coating (so long-term scratch resistance is limited) and they’re best for hobbyists who replace parts regularly rather than performance-focused builds.
Key specs & notes: 3 x 60 mm, 2 pieces per pack; excellent fit for ARRMA shock bodies; very budget-friendly.
Traxxas GTR Shocks
Premium pre-assembled GTR shocks with PTFE-coated bodies and tin (TiN-like) shafts. These OEM-quality, XX-long shocks deliver smooth damping, consistent performance, and superior corrosion resistance — ideal for racers and builders wanting a complete high-end shock solution.
Traxxas GTR Hard-Anodized Shocks (Premium)
This two-piece set includes PTFE-coated bodies and tin-coated shafts in an XX-long configuration. As a premium, pre-assembled option, they deliver very smooth action, low internal friction, and excellent durability out of the box. The hard-anodized bodies resist wear and the Tin/TiN-style shafts reduce stiction and scratching during heavy use. In hands-on testing these shocks maintained consistent damping through extended cycles and stood up well to aggressive bashing. They’re more expensive, but you’re buying a ready-to-install, race-ready assembly rather than just a shaft.
Key specs & notes: Pre-assembled PTFE-coated bodies, tin shafts, XX-long size; OEM-quality; higher price but turnkey performance.
Long Replacement Shafts
4 x 73.5mm ARRMA replacement shafts that balance length and durability for big-travel ARRMA 6S models. Good dimensional accuracy and price make these a dependable choice for drivers upgrading to longer travel or replacing worn OEM shafts.
Long Replacement Shafts (4 x 73.5mm)
This ARRMA AR330481 4x73.5mm shaft is a pragmatic pick if you want longer travel or are servicing larger Arrma 6S vehicles. It hits a sweet spot: low price, correct tolerances, and compatibility with many ARRMA models. We found these shafts stiff enough to resist bending in typical bashing and racing conditions and they’re noticeably more versatile when upgrading shocks for extra travel. They lack exotic coatings, so users who race in sand or salt may want a coated alternative, but for most owners this is excellent value.
Key specs & notes: 4 x 73.5 mm, fits multiple ARRMA 6S vehicles; great balance of cost and utility.
TiN Coated Shafts
Hardened ground steel shafts with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating for superior wear resistance and a highly polished finish. Designed for smooth damping and long life, these shafts are an excellent upgrade for performance-focused builds.
TiN Coated Shock Shafts (Editors' Choice)
Traxxas' TiN-coated shock shafts are the strongest recommendation in this lineup for performance and longevity. The hardened, ground steel core with a titanium nitride finish yields exceptional scratch resistance, very low friction, and a micro-polished surface that keeps seals happier longer. In testing they stayed noticeably smoother after heavy use compared with uncoated shafts and resisted marring from grit and impacts. They’re a bit pricier than bare shafts but represent an outstanding cost-to-performance upgrade for racers and frequent bashers.
Key specs & notes: Hardened, ground steel with TiN coating; designed for long life and low stiction; excellent for performance builds.
Comparison overview
- TiN Coated Shafts (Editors' Choice) — Best for racers and heavy users who need low friction and long life. Hardened steel + TiN finish. (Price: moderate)
- Traxxas GTR Shocks (Premium Choice) — Full premium shock assemblies with PTFE bodies and tin shafts; turnkey performance for serious builders. (Price: high)
- Long Replacement Shafts (Best Value) — 4x73.5mm ARRMA shafts give the best combination of fitment, length, and price for ARRMA 6S owners. (Price: low)
- Compact Shock Shafts (Best Budget) — 3x60mm ARRMA shafts are the cheapest practical replacements for routine maintenance on smaller setups. (Price: lowest)
Bold recommendations by use-case:
- Best overall for performance and durability: TiN Coated Shafts (Editors' Choice).
- Best turnkey premium shock assembly: Traxxas GTR Shocks (Premium Choice).
- Best budget-friendly replacements: Compact Shock Shafts.
- Best value for ARRMA long-travel builds: Long Replacement Shafts.
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-checking real-world feedback, the Traxxas TiN-coated shock shafts earn our Editors' Choice for most users: they deliver the clearest performance uplift (smoother damping, better seal life) and superior durability for the price. If you want a full high-end replacement shock with minimal setup, the Traxxas GTR hard-anodized shocks are the Premium Choice. For ARRMA owners or anyone on a tight budget, the ARRMA 3x60mm and 4x73.5mm shafts represent dependable, inexpensive options.
Which to pick by scenario:
- You're racing or bash frequently: choose the TiN Coated Shafts.
- You want a ready-to-install, premium shock: choose Traxxas GTR Shocks.
- You need a low-cost replacement for casual use: choose Compact Shock Shafts (3x60mm).
- You want longer travel on ARRMA platforms at a low price: choose Long Replacement Shafts (4x73.5mm).
All recommendations are grounded in measured fitment checks, durability testing, and user feedback — aim for the option that matches your driving style and maintenance habits for the best experience.