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I have been on the fence between both of these systems for about a month. I plan on putting in my FT B4 and also upgrading to lipo. It looks like when it is all said and done the Sidewinder is a little more expensive due to the USB programming cable.

Does anyone have any strong feelings for or against either of these combos?

I plan on using for bashing and maybe some racing this year and possible more next year.

Thank you for your time, I look forward to learning from your experiences.

don't buy a castle system, or any other non sensored system, you will be unhappy, too much lag and cogging.
- havocs are ok, they get hot and thermal unless you keep it cool they definitely need a fan.
-lrp systems don't have a true cut off for lipo...

-i would recommend a tekin sensored system, i know their a bit pricey, but they are the best.

+1 for a sensored system. I fought with one in my B4 and really missed the smoothness of sensored operation. I think the Havoc is probably the best bet for you at that price point.

If you decide to spend more $$, then you'll get equal numbers of everyone supporting their favorite brand. All the current high end speedos are great. I personally prefer Speed Passion, and use the GT2.0 LPF for off-road racing.

+1 for not getting a Castle Creations, or any other sensorless system.

My Havoc 3S has a problem cutting-out from time-to-time, and thus far this hasn't been resolved by Novak yet, so my recommendation is the Tekin RS or RS Pro.

I have/had many BL systems over the past 5-6 years and the two brands that I found to be the most reliable are Novak and Castle. I use Novak systems for serious racing and Castle systems for playing around and club level racing. In the beginning Castle systems did cog somewhat, as of their last update cogging issues are virtually non-existent so I wouldn't hesitate buying a Sidewinder if that's what you want. Not saying the other major manufacturers of brushless systems aren't good just stating the facts of my personal experience with them.

Thanks so much everyone for you input. I originally was going to get the Novak, but then I was concerned with the ease of adjustment that the USB offered.

Now, I highly intrigued by the Novak.

Thank you again.

Group B wrote:+1 for not getting a Castle Creations, or any other sensorless system.

My Havoc 3S has a problem cutting-out from time-to-time, and thus far this hasn't been resolved by Novak yet, so my recommendation is the Tekin RS or RS Pro.

A racer using the Havoc system with the high speed JR servo at my local track had a similar issue. It was resolved by adding a capacitor. Evidently the power draw of the servo was pulling voltage away from the BEC causing a temporary cut in power. An inelegant solution to the problem but it got the job done.

http://www.shopatron.com/product/product_id=NOV5626/135.0

If you are having problems with sensorless then you're doing something wrong. The only time a sensorless will cog is if you're running 17.5t or more turns and obviously that isn't the case here.

I run Mamba Max's and Hobbywing Ezrun's in all my cars and they run great with any sensorless or sensored mod motor.

Novaks are great if you like random smoke shows..
I've seen alot of DNF's due to broken sensor cables too

I just bot a Novak Havoc 8.5 Combo w/ a Team Orion Lipo 3400 mAH 25C. It should be in sometime next week.

This is my first move to Lipo and brushless from Nicd and brushes.

I can't wait to see the results.

Thanks for all the advice.