Double check that your sensor cable is properly installed too. If you have turbo set on the ESC, the easiest way to see if the cable is connected is that you get turbo. If the cable is not installed correctly, you might get a chunky throttle response. And a loose cable would mean it cuts in and out at low speeds.
Hope you find your issue. Hobby wing for me has been a great ESC.
Your dolphin comment had me smiling haha.