MM or Sidewinder or Rooster or FXR ?

[MikeSSS]

2.2 crawler, 65T or 55T. Use is for trail driving and for crawling.

6 cell NiMh or 2S or 3S LiPo.

Wants: good smooth low speed for the climbing and lots of drag braking on the descent. Enough wheel speed for scrambling when finesse isn't enough. Long run time, this is important but so is slow, in control descending.

Radio will probably be DX3e or 3PM-X. The 3PM-X is more likely.

Servo will likely be HS 645 MG or 5645 MG.

Dig servo will be used eventually.

Trail driving: I walk about 1 mph on the trails (hobble is more like it).

Crawling: steep slick rock, steep loose dirt and leaf trails, steep ledge and rock trails also some mini boulder fields and forest floor.

Recommendations? Comments? Advice? Experiences? Other ESC? Is separate BEC needed?

Thanks and apologies for being away for so long.

PS, I've read as much as I can digest from all sources. There is so much conflicting information that I'm sort of puzzled.

[xxgg]

For similar prices to those you have listed....

I would rather get this...
http://www.holmeshobbies.com/product.php?productid=274

[Harley]

The holmes ESC will keep you from needing a BEC. It would be my suggestion. Second suggestion would be the Mamba Max.

[Failedabortion]

X3 holmes esc sounds perfect for what you need

[Grizzly4x4]

The only ones tha will not need an external BEC are the Novak Rooster and the Holmes Torquemaster so keep that in mind with your pricing.

The Rooster is not rated for 3S and only has a LiPo cutoff for 2S.

If you choose to buy the Castle Link the Torquemaster has adjustable drag brake and an adjustable hold brake. The Rooster has a strong hold brake but it's not a drag brake.

I have personally used the Rooster, MM, Sidewinder, and Torquemaster. I think the Torquemaster is the best of them and I would highly recommend it.
Plus you can get the Torquemaster in a waterproof version.