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In my build process, I now have 2 different ESCs. One is a novak 410-m5 and the other is a Traxxus xl-5 which is the yellow one. I know that the Novak has been around for a while, and that the Traxxus has several programmable modes.

Is there a preference between the two or are they basically the same? I'm not trying to win a race or anything, but I want to use the best parts that I have on hand.

Novak for sure is the better unit. The xl-5 will work too but I'd pick a Novak over an xl-5 anyday. Don't know which Novak you have but if its without reverse and you want reverse you'll need to go the xl-5 instead.
Todd

Well it's the story of my life. I put the XL5 in the car and it was stuttering/ cogging really bad. It would fairly well with the 50% power programming but still stuttered. I added a capacitor to the RX radio and it did the same. Swapped in the Novak and it runs great. The only problem is the the Novak is forward only.

I talked to Traxxus and for $25.00 I can get a new ESC. Is there anything else that I might be able to try with it first? I'm $120 into this darn thing already and it was given to me as a project. At this rate, I could have bought a new car that was RTR.

depends also on what motor you are running. I don't know specs right off the top of my head for any of these but for instance if you are trying to run a 12 turn motor with a esc rated down to 17 turns its gonna be a problem. Need more pictures or info to get you going down the right road...
Todd

Todd- if I knew what I had, I would certainly be much better off. The best I can find is a marking on the motor that says ROAR 91.

I'm running an 1800 NiCad battery.

can we see pics of the motor. Ive had a rc10 that I tried a Novak esc and a Traxxas esc (not sure if it was XL5), and the car went faster with the Novak right off the bat with no other mods except the esc swap. It just depends whats more important to you- having reverse or having all out impressive speed.

Check out the Novak 410-m5 manual online (it has no motor limit)...
http://www.teamnovak.com/download/instructions/index.html

k9medic wrote:Todd- if I knew what I had, I would certainly be much better off. The best I can find is a marking on the motor that says ROAR 91.

should be a 27t stock motor.