Originally Posted by 47yok

I bought the xr8, based on recommendation here. Didn't realize it wasn't waterproof.
My xr8 came with a 42×74 2250kv motor. Torque is excellent.
If you decide on hw, get the max8 and 42×74 motor.
Tires make the biggest difference in backflips.
You WILL NEED to program the esc. Mine came programmed with forward and brake only. Had to change it for reverse. Then set lvc. Hw does lvc in total. Meaning, I set at 3.5 per cell. But it's toal voltage. Means 3.5 per cell times 4 for me. I run 4s. That's 14 volts for me. So far it seems to be ok.
Now I have a xxl2e also. Which is castle. The programming is far better.
I like it better anyway.
The castle programmer is cheaper and you have more and better options, I think. Lvc is set per cell first off. Then you have throttle and brake curves on a graph you can change.

If I had to do over, I'd look at castle more closely. Just for the programming options and ease.
Just my .02 from a newbie.