Just was wondering if you guys have any opinions on 17.5 motors. I hear some motors are kind of like a light switch, on off power, while others are much smoother on power out of corners and such. ( or maybe just esc adjustments) Opinions? Thanks

Most name brand motors are going to be comparable, at least those in the $150+ range. For stock racing I run Trinity motors. The smoothness will be more noticeable with the quality of the ESC more than anything, I have grown to rely on HobbyWing myself, but any name brand $100+ will also perform well, the amount of money you spend will be based on what features a brand is offering, not that a particular brand is better, but if you want a current limiter, data logger, etc, then you'll have to pay more.

If you’ve been testing motors in other peoples cars, you are likely feeling the difference in ESC settings.

The main settings that will effect smoothness in 17.5 are punch/torque, throttle frequency (higher is smoother), brake frequency, brake strength.

If you’ve been testing with all those settings equal, maybe a high rpm motor (rather than high torque) will give a less aggressive feel?

all of those are great answers. better than mine from a “do the right thing” perspective. smooth is usually associated with acceleration. or limited acceleration. if acceleration control is within the range of the esc use it. however there are a few other tricks.

if the drive train is heavy it will smooth out acceleration (including wheel weight)
if the motor rotor is light it will smooth out acceleration
if your motor can tolerate the heat gearing a high rpm motor for low rpm will smooth out the car


if you increase the mass that is being rotated it only takes a little to make a big difference. it also applies in a very linear way across all rpms of acceleration. so it doesnt add much mass to the chassis but relatively allot smoothing acceleration. but remember that if you do something like this it will also smooth breaking deceleration.

the reedy type-s is pretty smooth.