4pl vs 3pmx

[Spence700]

Ive been into racing for a while, now im just getting into crawling, and really taking a liking to it. I recently bought myself a mrc pro and just got a tekin fxr to go into it. I run tekin rs in my sc10 race truck. Im having a hard time deciding which controller to go with. Ive searched on here for a while now, but havent really seen the comparison. I will also be using this for my sc10. I also know i will be buying a 1/10 crawler in the next couple months, and would like to run a dig and possibly 4 wheel steer. i really like the 3pmx and can get a deal on one from a friend. the 3pmx also runs the fasst system which would help for the racing side of things, but is there alot more options and adjustability on the 4pl to make it a better option? Is it worth the extra money to get the 4pl?

[Charlie-III]

I run a 3PM-x, my son runs a 4PL.

Upfront costs on the 3PM-x are lower, but the RX's are cheaper on the 4PL if you have multiple rigs.

The display on the 4PL is better.

The 4PL handles things like dual ESC's, winches, etc better. The 3PM-x can do dual ESC's, but you need a WantAmix (which is what I use for a dual ESC 2.2 Bully).

Those are the biggest differences that I see.

[C*H*U*D]

I have a 3PM-X and 4PL and prefer the 4PL for most of the reasons Charlie gives. Since you are talking about multiple rigs, the 4PL will save you money with receivers and it can do that dig/4-wheel steer project you mentioned...the 3PM-X can only do one of those for you.

If you can swing the upfront cost, go with the 4PL.

[Spence700]

Ok thanks guys, that's what I was leaning towards. I can get a 3pmx for $110 with reciever, but don't want to regret it a year from now. And I know a 4pl will do all I want. But that $140 difference is what I'm contemplating.

[alexchen86]

4PL all the way! For the price you can't beat it. 3 position switch as well as 4 channels...great for scalers and comp rigs. Read Harley's Guide on the 4PL. He's got several YouTube videos as well.

I'm running my 4PL on my RC8Be FT and my DF-03Ra go fast rigs. The thing I don't like about the 4PL is the RX that comes with it is quite big. But there's a new FHSS RX coming out soon from Futaba for the 4PL/3PL/2PL that is a lot smaller so squeezing it into a scale rig would be much easier.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by Spence700

Ok thanks guys, that's what I was leaning towards. I can get a 3pmx for $110 with reciever, but don't want to regret it a year from now.

When I bought my 3PM-x (summer of 2010) I was not into crawlers, I was into 12th & 10th pan cars as well as off-road buggies. My feeling was, "I only need 2 channels, I will get 3 to be safe" as well as going from FM to 2.4ghz and being able to save multiple models on 1 TX.

Fast forward ~7 months, my son builds me a 2.2 Bully MOA.........now I NEED 3 good channels.....


As stated, I use a WantAmix to run dual ESC's on my rig.

I'm a Futaba fan, so I am biased, but the 4PL IS a nice radio.

[Atchley]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

I have a 3PM-X and 4PL and prefer the 4PL for most of the reasons Charlie gives. Since you are talking about multiple rigs, the 4PL will save you money with receivers and it can do that dig/4-wheel steer project you mentioned...the 3PM-X can only do one of those for you.

If you can swing the upfront cost, go with the 4PL.

Let me make sure I understand what you said correctly. You can't do dig and 4ws at the same time or just control both at the same time on the 3pmx? I know the 3pmx has 4ws mixing. I just want to make sure before I buy one.

[mindless]

You can set the 3pmx to do 4ws or 3 pos dig just not both at once its a one or the other kinda thing.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by mindless

You can set the 3pmx to do 4ws or 3 pos dig just not both at once its a one or the other kinda thing.

Exactly. You need a 4 channel for both at the same time and the 3PMX is only a 3 channel radio. The 3PMX is still a great radio, but the 4PL is better in every way.

[Atchley]

Originally Posted by mindless

You can set the 3pmx to do 4ws or 3 pos dig just not both at once its a one or the other kinda thing.

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

Exactly. You need a 4 channel for both at the same time and the 3PMX is only a 3 channel radio. The 3PMX is still a great radio, but the 4PL is better in every way.

Thanks! Just wanted to make sure I had it clear.