XL-5 HV ESC vs HW 1080. Why should I upgrade?

[KingRaptor]

I know it's been discussed many times, but I still can't get a definitive answer why the HW 1080 is better. I am considering upgrading my stock TRX4 ESC, because I can, why not. But as the saying goes, "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

I'm trying to go through reasons why I should or shouldn't upgrade. What are the benefits?

Yes, I get that the 1080 has "a million" programming combinations. Great, but the Xl-5 already does and handles everything I want on crawler mode. (instant reverse, 100% drag brake, 3s and 2s no programming needed, JST plug for my lights)

Yes, I get the 1080 has great low speed control (whatever that means) but I can control my stock XL-5 pretty good with my GT5 set to almost 100% expo on throttle channel. However, I see that most people that say this also upgrade their motor which can help with slow speed control (more torque, 5 slot, 3 slot skewed, higher turn)...

Yes, the BEC is supposed to be better on the 1080. XL-5 HV "1amp" vs 1080 3amp, except the XL-5 has been shown in testing (rc review testing on youtube) to handle up to 3.5a just fine, traxxas is probably just trying to save their asses by underselling the specs. Also, my high voltage servo runs off a separate BEC direct from battery plug...

XL-5 100a rated, 1080 80a.

Both waterproof.

1080 has less noise with the higher PWM settings. Ok, but I'm not going to buy an ESC based on what noise it makes.

Am I missing something why I must have this HW 1080? I feel like people have been praising this like it can make a 8t 3 slot motor crawl like a tank up a 90 degree wall at a steady 0.000000000000001 mph. Thanks.

[Jboucher]

Seems like you don't want to upgrade, your choice.

The RTR electronics (servo / motor / ESC) have a tendency to be hit or miss. Either they burn within 2-3 packs or they last a while.
You seem to have a good ESC, enjoy it.

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[Lashlee]

In your case with a BEC already installed, you don't need to swap. I'll agree that driveability (low speed control) can be something that is highly subjective. I don't have own Traxxas products but have worked on my fair share. In my opinion, the programming options of the 1080 are worth it, but that's only my opinion.

[KingRaptor]

Fair enough, I suppose I did get lucky. I just wasn't sure if I was missing a feature that was a must-have. From what I see I can just wait until the stock esc burns out before I go to 1080.

[meatmonkey]

For some, myself included, the xl5 has been unreliable on 3s input voltage.

The 1080 has far more throttle "steps" to allow more precise low speed control. You also gain more precise control of the drag brake, rather than 50 or 100 percent.

The stock 21t motor is the only decent piece of electronics that Traxxas makes IMO. Run it till it dies, which will be a while if you keep it out of the mud. Then pick up a Holmes 21T 550 and keep on trucking.

[Phildirt]

I ‘upgrade’ when things break or don’t do what I expect them to, never just because there’s a better one. There’s always a better one.

[rag6]

I own both. I personally don't see much difference between the performance of the 2 on the trail. Ive not competed with my trucks, I'm assuming the hw would be better for comps when looking for a slight performance edge, but for the average guy, I don't see any kind large performance edge.

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[Greatscott]

I have both, run both, and like both.

Setting aside it's 1A BEC, the XL5-HV is a good ESC. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but unless you are a tweaker comp guy, you really don't need them. The BEC is, of course the big issue with the XL5, and has proven to be its Achilles heel, even with its stock servo. If you keep running the XL5, highly recommend upgrading to either the Traxxas BEC (3A), which is plug-n-play, or going with a Castle waterproof BEC. While there are videos showing people peaking the XL5's BEC beyond 1A, there are too many failures (for me) to ignore the issue, even with the stock servo.

The HW1080 has A LOT of bang for the buck. Even through it has lots of tuning options, you only need to set a small handful to be off and running with a smile on your face; plus, it comes with the programming module that is very easy to use. If you get the itch to tweak more, the options are there. The 3A BEC will handle any servo < 400oz. Also, the HW1080 is about the same price as Traxxas' BEC upgrade or the Castle 2.0WP BEC, and comparatively, the installation is cleaner with the 1080.

[twade984]

I have both. In your case, I don't think you will gain much. Maybe slightly better low speed control, and a few more tuning options, but you seem to have that dialed in to your satisfaction. If the xl5 craps out, sure I would replace with a 1080.

I would explore gearing /motor/tire/foam upgrades before replacing a working xl5.