Hi all have a quick question. I'm looking at maybe getting a brushless setup and I could use a little help. I've always run regular ESC/brushed setups before and I've been thinking I'd like to give BL a shot. Unfortunately I'm not sure which one to get. I've always run Novak race controllers (with Epic stockers) and have always been happy with that, what would be an equivalent system? I would like to have the option to go faster later so it would be nice to get a controller that doesn't have a "sport" motor limit. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

You could get a Novak Havoc Pro or a Novak GTB (both list a 3.5T limit, but I've never seen a motor less than that). The main difference seems to be the GTB has more profiles to choose from. Couple one of those with a Novak Ballistic motor and you'd have a quick setup.

If you want to delve into the world of tunable ESC's you could pick up a Tekin RS or RS pro (5.5T limit vs. no limit). These will allow you to setup adjustable timing to get even more speed out of your rig. I would still go with the Ballistic motor even if you get the Tekin ESC.

You could run a BL combo form HobbyKing with their Lipos.
Very cheap, comparing with US lipo and brushledd systems prices.
They work very well.

BL combos:
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10438&Product_Name=Brush less_Car_Power_System_3600kv/35A&aff=143061

hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10330&Product_Name=Brush less_Car_Power_System_5200Kv/100A&aff=143061

I would grab a mamba max pro, or sidewinder and a tacon motor from hobbypartz.com. the motors are cheap $ wise but run smooth and cool. go with a 3500kv and gear up or go up in voltage for more speed.

Good stuff, thanks guys. Man those Tacons are cheap. How many Kv is equivalent to a 27 turn stocker for reference?

not sure but they will have tons more power. check out the thread on tacom motors in this section. Its why I bought one when my neu quit.

Will the Tacon motors work with the Novak sensored controller?

No, the Tacon motors are sensorless, and the Novak controller needs sensor feedback to run at all. If you must use your Novak controller, the Novak motors are your best choice.

The Tacon 3650 2230KV would be the closest in speed to a 27T brushed, but would give you insane runtime and probably last forever if you don't abuse it.

Before I make my recommendation I would like to ask what you plan to do with the car: What kind of RC do you have? Do you race, or just play? If you play, or "bash", what kinds of surfaces are you running on?

Yeah that's what I gathered from further research. I used to race a lot in the mid to late 90's, but now I work a messed up schedule so I never get to an organized race. I love racing actually and every piece of gear I own is race oriented. One of the BL controllers having reverse will be the first time I've had reverse since 1994 lol. So to answer your question mostly bashing, with the hope that I will get to race eventually. I suppose I will put whatever I buy in my XX. I was considering getting something stupid fast just to have and then get a slower tacon for messing around/maybe racing. I've narrowed it down to a Novak Havok Pro ballistic setup or a Mamba Max Pro + motor. I immediately decided to get the 9000Kv setup but I don't know if my XX tranny can handle it or not. I mostly run on a gravel driveway, and the asphalt street in front of my house.

I will warn you of the super high Kv motors. If you are not after strict top speed passes then it will be useless to you. Even in its intended application, the Castle 9000Kv is for short bursts only. Even the 7700Kv is way too fast for most 4wd racers, but at least you can run it for more than one or two passes before needing to let it cool down. The 5700Kv is more than fast enough for anyone who actually drives their cars.

I have had bad luck with Novak brushless systems, so you wont hear that recommendation from me. I loved them back in the brushed days, but too many BL ESCs from Novak have fried on me. Some other guys have had good luck with them.
The Mamba Max Pro is the Ultimate ESC in my opinion. Not only is it super amazingly robust, it can handle more power than any 10th scale chassis can. Plus, you will not be limited in motor choices. It will run just about any motor you can find.

I would recommend the MMPro, with one of the popular sensored 10.5 motors. Here I dont mind recommending Novak, because the motors have always lasted me. But most of the top companies motors are very similar.
The 10.5 would be faster than a 27T brushed motor, but still easy to drive, and give extended runtimes.
Then I would get a Tacon motor in high Kv for showing off or parking lot bashing. The 4420Kv or 5900Kv would be very fast, but it shouldnt kill your gears.

there is only one system on the market today that beats the others in race and price and thats hobbywing see link http://www.rcmart.com/catalog/hobbyw...FQhBlAodFW5I-A

Thanks, I was kinda already leaning towards the MM Pro cause I'd like to have a couple of cheap motors on hand, and I figured I'd be stuck with Novak motors only if I bought the Novak controller. I'll keep it under the 6000Kv range too. Gotta do something quick cause the old brushed mod motors in my XX aren't running so hot.

Some of these other guys are recommending the Hobbywing systems. I didnt think to recommend them because you mentioned that you like racing bred equipment. But, if you are looking to save money I would recommend these to anyone for a high performance, low cost system that is proven to be durable. I have a few of the cheaper Hobbywing systems and they are just as nice as Novak or Castle, but the Hobbywing is made in China and does not have a racing pedigree like the others. Hobbypartz.com has good deals on combos if you are interested.

If you're looking for after sales support and want another option, Venom has the rebadged Hobbywing systems. Currently with the new Hobbywing software their sensored systems are running very competitively with the Tekins...

Then there are the Speed Passions which are rebadged Hobbywings.

Thanks for all the input guys. I ordered the MM pro with the 4600Kv motor, can't wait to try it out!