Most RC conversations at the hobby shop jump straight to Arrma or Traxxas — and the Losi Tenacity almost never comes up. That’s a shame, because this 1/10-scale desert platform is one of the most precisely engineered RTR bashers in the segment, packing race-derived hardware that the competition charges premium prices to match. The question isn’t really whether the Tenacity is worth your money. It’s which version — the DB Pro desert buggy or the TT Pro trophy truck — fits your style of driving. Let’s break it all down.
Note: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our testing and content creation.
The Losi Tenacity Lineup Explained
The Tenacity platform launched as Losi’s answer to the booming brushless basher market, and it’s gone through two distinct generations. The original lineup included everything from a brushed SCT to a monster truck — most of which are now discontinued. What’s left is the good stuff: the Pro generation running on a shared TEN aluminum platform with Spektrum Smart technology throughout.
One important note before you buy: Losi’s current product page no longer actively lists Tenacity among its platform lineup. Retailer stock is still available, and parts remain in circulation, but this appears to be a mature product winding toward end-of-life. If you’re interested, act sooner rather than later — especially if you spot clearance pricing.
| Model | Type | Model # | Motor | Smart Tech | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity DB Pro V2 (Lucas Oil) | Desert Buggy | LOS03027V2T1 | Firma 3150Kv | Yes | $499.99 | Available |
| Tenacity DB Pro V2 (Fox Racing) | Desert Buggy | LOS03027V2T2 | Firma 3150Kv | Yes | $499.99 | Available |
| Tenacity TT Pro V2 (Brenthel) | Trophy Truck | LOS03019V2T1 | Firma 3150Kv | Yes | $499.99 | Available / Clearance |
| Tenacity TT Pro V2 (Falken) | Trophy Truck | LOS03019V2T2 | Firma 3150Kv | Yes | $499.99 | Available / Clearance |
| Tenacity SCT (LOS03010/03024) | Short Course | — | Brushless/Brushed | No | — | Discontinued |
| Tenacity DB / Tenacity-T / MT | Various | LOS0301x | Brushless | No | — | Discontinued |
See our complete Losi RC cars guide for the full brand lineup beyond the Tenacity.
Losi Tenacity DB Pro — Desert Buggy Review
Pull the DB Pro out of the box and the first thing that hits you is how solid it feels. The 3mm 6061-T6 aluminum chassis isn’t a marketing checkbox — you can hear it in the way the car lands. The enclosed body rolls with a sculpted desert buggy shell complete with a rear wing, front splitter, and a hinged roll cage that flips forward for easy battery access. The Lucas Oil and Fox Racing liveries look sharp and stay intact surprisingly well through dirt sessions.
Performance on open dirt is where this thing shines. The four-wheel independent suspension with oil-filled 12mm aluminum shocks soaks up chop and hardpack ruts with a planted quality I didn’t expect at 1/10 scale. The TT Pro handles rough terrain better than I expected, and the DB Pro turns that up a notch — those long-travel shocks really do their job when you send it off a dirt lip at speed. The rear wing adds measurable aerostability on bigger jumps; the car doesn’t nose-dive the way waggy-tail SCTs tend to, and it lands nose-flat more often than not.
The Spektrum SR6200A receiver with AVC (Active Vehicle Control) is a legitimate differentiator. Dial it in from the DX3 transmitter and the car makes hundreds of micro-corrections per second to throttle and steering — it’s not training wheels, it’s an actual performance tool that lets you push harder on loose surfaces. The Smart 130A ESC feeds real-time telemetry to the Spektrum Dashboard app via optional Bluetooth: motor temp, ESC temp, battery voltage, current draw. After you’ve cooked a stock motor in an Arrma on 3S, this kind of monitoring feels like a luxury you didn’t know you needed.
Best for: Bashers who jump a lot, track-style loops, open dirt environments.
Losi Tenacity TT Pro — Trophy Truck Review
The TT Pro shares every electronic component and the same TEN platform as the DB Pro, but the trophy truck body transforms the driving feel more than you’d expect from what’s technically the same car. The enclosed SCT-style shell with its wide front fender flares and squared-off stance sits lower visually and adds more rotational mass toward the outer edges — the TT Pro rolls through berms and sweeping corners with a bit more predictable momentum.
The single but meaningful mechanical difference is the chassis plate: the TT Pro runs a 4mm aluminum plate versus the DB Pro’s 3mm, adding a touch more rigidity that you’ll notice in high-speed direction changes. The body mounts are conventional clips rather than the DB Pro’s hinged cage, which means battery swaps are a two-clip affair — minor, but worth knowing.
On real terrain, I’ve run an Arrma Senton back-to-back with the Tenacity DB Pro on the same loose dirt patch, and the Losi just felt more planted in the turns — the weight distribution and the triple gear diff setup makes a real difference on variable surfaces. The TT Pro has that same quality, channeled into a more visual package for drivers who want the scale trophy truck aesthetic. Run 3S and it screams; the Firma 3150Kv motor pushes GPS-verified speeds of 45–54 MPH depending on surface and gearing. The stock 17T pinion on 3S generates heat in tight environments — swap to the included 15T pinion if you’re running grass or mixed terrain.
Best for: Scale enthusiasts, bashing on mixed surfaces, drivers who prefer a truck aesthetic over a buggy.
DB Pro vs TT Pro — Head-to-Head Comparison
On paper, these two trucks are nearly identical — and that’s not a criticism. It means Losi built one excellent platform and let the body style do the differentiating.
| Spec | DB Pro V2 | TT Pro V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Model # | LOS03027V2 | LOS03019V2 |
| Chassis thickness | 3mm 6061-T6 aluminum | 4mm 6061-T6 aluminum |
| Body style | Desert buggy w/ roll cage | Trophy truck / SCT enclosed |
| Battery access | Hinged roll cage | Body clips |
| Rear wing | Yes (aerostability) | No |
| Top speed (3S) | 50+ MPH | 50+ MPH |
| Suspension | 12mm aluminum oil-filled | Identical |
| Drivetrain | 4WD, 3 gear diffs | Identical |
| Motor / ESC | Firma 3150Kv / Smart 130A | Identical |
| Radio | Spektrum DX3 + AVC | Identical |
| Weight (no battery) | 6.0 lbs | 6.0 lbs |
| Best terrain | Jump-heavy open dirt | Mixed dirt, track, bashing |
| Price | $499.99 | $499.99 |
The verdict by driver type:
- Jump-heavy drivers / skatepark runners → DB Pro. The wing and roll cage design make it more aerodynamically stable at height and provide a visual reference point during flips.
- Scale realists / mixed-use bashers → TT Pro. The trophy truck aesthetic is excellent, and the 4mm chassis gives you a fractionally more rigid platform for direction-change bashing.
- Technical terrain, dirt oval, track-style driving → Either, but the DB Pro’s slightly more nimble weight distribution gives it a small edge in quick-change directions.
- If you can find the TT Pro on clearance → take it. The only difference that matters for most drivers is the body, and a $249 TT Pro is an absolute steal for the hardware inside.
How the Tenacity Stacks Up Against Competitors
The Tenacity Pro enters a segment stuffed with strong competition. Here’s the honest comparison:
| Model | Brand | Scale | Drive | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenacity DB/TT Pro V2 | Losi | 1/10 | 4WD | $499.99 | Precision handling, Smart tech |
| Arrma Vorteks 3S BLX | Arrma | 1/10 | 4WD | ~$379.99 | Pure bashing speed, durability |
| Arrma Senton 3S BLX | Arrma | 1/10 | 4WD | ~$329.99 | Best value in segment |
| Traxxas Slash 4x4 VXL HD | Traxxas | 1/10 | 4WD | ~$399.95 | Biggest aftermarket, TSM |
| Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL | Traxxas | 1/10 | 4WD | ~$399.95 | Raw speed, self-righting |
| Arrma Mojave 4S BLX | Arrma | 1/8 | 4WD | $499.99 | Rough terrain, larger scale |
The Arrma Senton 3S at $329.99 is the value argument against the Tenacity — it runs the same 3S power envelope, includes Spektrum electronics, and survives harder bashing thanks to its composite tub chassis that absorbs impact energy differently than the Losi’s aluminum. You’re trading $170 for the Tenacity’s gear diffs, aluminum shocks, and Smart telemetry. Worth it if those features matter to your driving style; not worth it if you just want to send it into curbs.
The Arrma Vorteks is one of the Tenacity’s closest competitors — here’s how it stacks up: at $379.99, the Vorteks V3 upgraded to DX3 radio with AVC brings it nearly on par with the Tenacity’s electronics. The Vorteks is faster on a straightaway (60+ MPH vs 50+ for the Tenacity) but runs a slipper clutch and composite construction rather than gear diffs and aluminum. For pure bashing resilience, Arrma has the edge; for track-style handling, Losi wins.
The Traxxas Slash 4x4 VXL HD at $399.95 is the most direct overall threat. It’s $100 cheaper, fast, HD-equipped from the factory, and has the largest aftermarket parts ecosystem in RC. If parts availability and community support are top priorities, the Slash is a safer long-term bet — especially given Tenacity’s uncertain production future.
For more off-road options across all brands, see our best RC trucks & bashers guide. If you prefer rock crawling to desert bashing, check out our Losi Rock Rey review.
Best Upgrades for the Losi Tenacity
Performance Upgrades
Servo upgrade (Priority #1): The stock Spektrum S605 is widely considered the Tenacity’s biggest weakness. Replace it immediately with a Savox SB-2271SG ($65) or budget DS3218 ($15). This single upgrade transforms the steering feel from mushy to precise. Every long-term Tenacity owner lists this as non-negotiable.
Tires for loose dirt: The stock Method SC wheels with Falken tires are good all-rounders, but Pro-Line Badlands MX 2.2” SCT (check AMain Hobbies) dramatically improve loose-dirt grip. An M2C 17mm hex adapter kit (~$20) opens access to the 1/8 buggy tire market.
Motor upgrade for 3S+ performance: The stock Firma 3150Kv is capable but runs warm. A Hobbywing Max10 SCT + 3660SL 3200Kv combo ($110–$120) runs cooler and more efficiently. For full 4S capability, the Castle Creations Monster X + 1515-2200Kv V2 ($335) is the community’s top pick.
Durability Upgrades
RPM A-arms are the most universally recommended upgrade across every Tenacity forum thread. RPM Front A-arms (#81662, ~$14) and Rear A-arms (#81092, ~$14) from AMain Hobbies outlast the stock arms by a wide margin while providing better impact energy absorption than aluminum alternatives (which bend permanently). Add RPM Skid Plates (#73182, ~$12) to protect the aluminum chassis rail.
A full sealed bearing kit (~$25–$30) — search Amazon for Losi Tenacity bearing kit — eliminates the play that develops in stock bushings over time, particularly in the steering post where 5×8×2.5mm bearings replace the factory bushings and kill the notorious steering slop.
Diff servicing should happen immediately out of the box. Factory diffs arrive barely filled. Community-proven setup: 7K fluid front, 10K center, 5K rear. The stock diff outdrives use soft metal that wears under sustained 3S load — SCTE 3.0 hardened outdrives or Tekno TKR2210X driveshafts (~$25–$35, AMain Hobbies) are a worthwhile early upgrade for aggressive drivers.
After a nasty cartwheel into a curb at full speed, the only thing I had to replace was a front A-arm — $6 part, 10 minutes of wrenching. With RPM arms installed, that repair becomes even quicker and the part costs less than a fast food meal.
Cosmetic Upgrades
Body shell alternatives for the DB Pro are limited given the unique roll cage design, but third-party SCT-style shells fit the TT Pro’s standard body post mounting. LED light kits from Amazon (~$15–$25) add running lights and turn the Tenacity into a solid night basher. Search Amazon for RC LED light kit.
What to Know Before Buying
What’s in the box: Fully assembled RTR vehicle, Spektrum DX3 transmitter, and manual. That’s it.
What you must buy separately:
- 2S or 3S LiPo hardcase battery (max dimensions 5.4” × 1.8” × 1.4”, IC5 connector) → Search Amazon: 3S LiPo RC battery hardcase (~$35–$50)
- LiPo charger → Spektrum Smart charger available at Horizon Hobby (~$50–$80)
- 4x AA batteries for the transmitter
Total real-world entry cost: Figure $580–$650 with a quality 3S battery and Smart charger.
Spektrum Smart ecosystem: The DX3 + Firma Smart ESC integration delivers genuine telemetry value — battery voltage on the transmitter screen, motor and ESC temps in the app. The IC5 connector is Spektrum-proprietary, but cheap IC5-to-Deans or IC5-to-XT60 adapters (~$8) let you run any battery brand. It’s less of a lock-in and more of a mild inconvenience.
Parts availability: Currently solid. Horizon Hobby, AMain Hobbies, and Tower Hobbies all carry Tenacity-specific parts. The TEN platform also shares geometry with the Lasernut U4 and older SCTE 3.0, broadening the parts cross-compatibility. Long-term, the platform’s end-of-life trajectory does create some uncertainty — stock up on common wear items (A-arms, driveshafts, diff outdrives) while they’re readily available.
FAQ
Is the Losi Tenacity a good basher?
Yes, with a caveat. The Tenacity is an excellent basher on dirt tracks, desert-style terrain, and controlled jump sessions. It’s not designed for mindless send-it-into-a-wall abuse — the aluminum chassis and sealed gear diffs reward mechanical sympathy. If you want a pure tank, Arrma’s composite-chassis vehicles absorb crash energy more forgivingly. If you want a truck that handles like a race vehicle, the Tenacity wins.
What’s the difference between the Tenacity DB Pro and TT Pro?
Nearly everything is identical: same motor, ESC, radio, diffs, shocks, dimensions, and weight. The DB Pro has a desert buggy body with rear wing and hinged roll cage (3mm chassis), while the TT Pro has a trophy truck SCT body with standard body clips (4mm chassis). The thicker TT Pro chassis adds marginal rigidity; the DB Pro’s wing improves aerial stability.
What battery does the Losi Tenacity use?
A 2S or 3S hardcase LiPo with an IC5 connector, up to 5.4” × 1.8” × 1.4” in size. Battery is not included. For best performance, run a 3S 5000mAh hardcase. The motor runs hot on 3S with the stock 17T pinion in tight spaces — swap to the included 15T pinion for mixed-terrain use.
Is the Losi Tenacity better than the Arrma Senton?
Depends on your priorities. The Tenacity has superior stock construction (aluminum chassis, gear diffs, Smart telemetry) and handles more precisely. The Arrma Senton 3S is $170 cheaper and survives harder bashing thanks to its composite chassis. For track-style driving and technical terrain: Tenacity wins. For park-bashing durability and budget: Senton wins.
Are Losi Tenacity parts easy to find?
Currently yes — Horizon Hobby, AMain Hobbies, and Tower Hobbies all carry full Tenacity parts catalogs, and the TEN platform shares hardware with the Lasernut U4 and SCTE 3.0. Long-term availability is less certain given the platform’s apparent wind-down. Stock up on high-wear items (A-arms, outdrives, diff shims) now.
Conclusion
The Tenacity DB Pro and TT Pro are genuinely excellent trucks that get overlooked because Arrma and Traxxas dominate the conversation. If you value aluminum construction, triple gear differentials, and Smart telemetry in a precision-handling platform, the $499.99 price tag is justified — though upgrading the servo immediately is non-negotiable. Choose the DB Pro if you jump a lot and want maximum aerial stability; choose the TT Pro if the scale trophy truck aesthetic matters and you can find it on clearance. Either way, you’re getting race-kit hardware in an RTR package that rewards good driving.
Check Current DB Pro Price at Horizon Hobby | Check Current TT Pro Price at Horizon Hobby
For the full Losi brand picture, head to our complete Losi RC cars guide.
