Help Me get back into the game

[Lemonlegs28]

Hey guys, i've been away for a while. I havent touched my crawler since spring 2012. I'm going through some relationship troubles, and I think I'm gonna get back into crawling because of it. I have still got the stock ESC and servo, and I have a 75$ budget. I might be getting an XL-5 waterproof because I have a burnt out XL-10 and my LHS said they could send it in and get me an XL-5 waterproof for it. So I guess the question is what ESC is the new norm for waterproof, low price.

[Shinjari]

Waterproofing is very nice however I've never been fond on the XL-5 as a crawler esc.

I'd opt for the castle creations sidewinder v3

Castle Creations 1/10 SV3 Sidewinder 12V ESC Waterproof

Sure they are sold out at RPP but you can find them elsewhere for under $75. Its waterproof, has tons of adjust-ability and is pretty much one of the most popular crawler esc's out there. If I didnt have HH BRXL's already (which replaced my sidewinders because I run 4s and I like the beefy internal BEC) I'd run Sidewinders still =)

[rgf27]

Unless your planning on just submerging your crawler underwater I don't really see the need for a "waterproof" esc. I run a mamba max pro I got off eBay for $80 and I take my truck through mud and water that's over the 2.2 swampers all the time. Of course placement of the esc is important but I've had it for 2 years now without any trouble, and you can use up to 6s, which I never go over 4s, and unlimited programming options. Just a suggestion though.