Hello, I have quick question since I am new to brushless systems. I've been out of the hobby for 10 years so I feel like a noob again.

When it comes to brushless systems, I get the feeling it's not ok to mix and match between sensored and sensoredless motors & ESCs. Meaning if you have a sensored motor, you shouldn't use a sensoredless ESC and vice-versa.


My question is this - can you mix and match a sensored motor and sensored ESC of two different brands and not cause any issues. Example, can I run a Novak sensored ESC and a Team Orion sensored motor? Or am I limited to the brand of ESC I use - example - if I have a Novak ESC - I have to use a Novak Motor.

Thanks everyone.

You can mix and match brands no problem just watch the limits of the esc to motor size just like the old brushed esc's they have a current limit before they get damaged.

You mention a Novak ESC, there is at least one exception for sensored systems. I think it was the first Havok ESC that required a temp signal from the motor. Which many motors did not have. I believe that changed to be more compatitable with later Havok and other Novak models. Novak guys please correct if I have anything wrong.

The ESC I am of thinking of going with is the Novak Crusher for my Yeti.

Other than the Havoc ESC issue with regard to the temp sensor, you don't have to use a Novak motor with a Novak ESC. But since Novak ESCs are sensored only, you can't use a sensorless motor with a Novak ESC.

You can use a sensorless motor with a sensored ESC that can also run sensorless, like a Tekin or Castle (the Mamba Max Pro and Monster X have sensor ports for sensored motors).

With some limitations having to do with gear ratio, you can run a sensored motor on a sensorless ESC. A very high turn sensored motor (like a 17.5) will not usually work well with a sensorless ESC because of the gearing usually used with the high turn motors, but I have run a Novak 8.5 with a Castle sensorless ESC and it ran very well.