the ESC does have a 50% power profile. im running a maxamps 5000mAh 11.1V lipo pack and it is insane. it doesnt just spin. but you have to have crazy smooth throttle. if you jump just a little bit you will pull the wheels up. just run smooth and you got yourself a crazy fast truck that makes nitro guys feel bad. hell it makes guys in corvettes feel bad. i found that out myself. hahaha. and as for a backyard basher. it might be too much. but trust me when you see the power it has you will take it into the street and will be taking it 60mph. its irresistable. and the 5000 gives me roughly 25 minute run times. charges in about an hour. but one is enough. after driving this thing for 25 minutes your glad when the battery dies.