Which one would you prefer? Mamba X vs. AXE ?

[Veteran]

I'm considering which motor-esc combo would be perfect for SCX10 iii coming to me next week.

Two candidates are
1) Mamba X combo
2) AXE combo (e.g., 550 can with 2700kv)

Which one would you prefer?

I would like hear about what you think and need some of wise advices from the masters of crawling.

 

[MeanTT]

I'm considering which motor-esc combo would be perfect for SCX10 iii coming to me next week.

Two candidates are
1) Mamba X combo
2) AXE combo (e.g., 550 can with 2700kv)

Which one would you prefer?

I would like hear about what you think and need some of wise advices from the masters of crawling.

I have both, in the following set ups. I have 6 mamba X setups:

Mamba X 3800 (slate and normal)
Mamba X 2850 (TRX4 stock gearing)
AXE 3300 (Element stock gearing)

The AXE system is significantly down on punch as compared to the Mamba X and the castle motors. I would say it seems about 1/2 as powerful. Even with the punch turned all the way up, the power to the motor seems to be feathered in through a ramp up. On the castle, you get power RIGHT NOW.

I use the AXE system which is my Element. It is amazing for technical crawling and very realistic crawling. For technical crawls I drive it using a trim knob with great success.

However, the AXE system doesn't have the short of driving experience that I like for trail rigs. Trail rigs are a little too fast for scale and at full speed I like them to be a little out of control. I also like the ability to spin the tires, kick up small roosts, etc. For that reason, I much prefer the Mamba X system with a exponential throttle curve programmed through the ESC where you have about 20 of the power at 50% of the trigger. That way when you gun it, you GET it.

The 2850 motor is really good at slow speeds and provides decent wheel speed. The 3800 can be used to good effect as well, but you do lose some feel at slow speeds.

In my opinion, if you do crawling on technical rocks and slow speed the AXE system is best. If you like random power exhibitions or trailing at walking speeds the Mamba X is the better choice, likely with the 2850 on 2S or 3S.

 

[Traulus]

For my 10.3 I will got with the AXE 550 can, 3300kv, just because this is a truck that i will go as scale as posible so I think the AXE gives me a nice smooth throtle

 

[QuesoDelDiablo]

Mamba X all day long. I strongly dislike (I'm trying not to use the word hate) the FOC on the Axe system. And I also think it's ridiculous that it's a proprietary system - I want to be able run motors from of manufacturers, that point alone is almost a deal breaker for me.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I'm a HobbyWing fan. Their 1080 is the great, the 1060 is good and some of their brushless ESC's I've used have been great as well. I've never used the AXE system. I had one pre-ordered, but I cancelled it as soon as the reviews started pouring in. The way it controls the motor just doesn't make sense to me.

I used to adamantly hate Castle products. Then the X series came out and I've been hooked ever since I first tried that line of ESC's. I don't use anything else for brushless.

 

[$uicide $hift]

The AXE system is significantly down on punch as compared to the Mamba X and the castle motors. I would say it seems about 1/2 as powerful. Even with the punch turned all the way up, the power to the motor seems to be feathered in through a ramp up. On the castle, you get power RIGHT NOW.

I have seen this mentioned before. You have the Mamba X to compare with which I do not. I also run the Axe 550 3300 and I can hit the throttle and the front end will come up until the rear bumper hits. I know you cannot adjust the throttle curve with the Axe but I do so in my controller. I usually dial in about 50 to 75% expo and it does not wheelie any longer. If I take out all expo it does.

For the OP I will say if you ever think you may end up in water or soupy mud the Axe system is sealed really really well! Just know that you will not be able to use the faux motor cover and pulley with the SCX10.3. The wires are soldered internally and come out the side of the end of the motor. The sensor wire is also bulky. I could not get the covers to fit without modifying them to the point that they look like crap. If that scale motor is something you really want installed you may want to go a different route.

 

[MeanTT]

I have seen this mentioned before. You have the Mamba X to compare with which I do not. I also run the Axe 550 3300 and I can hit the throttle and the front end will come up until the rear bumper hits. I know you cannot adjust the throttle curve with the Axe but I do so in my controller. I usually dial in about 50 to 75% expo and it does not wheelie any longer. If I take out all expo it does.

For the OP I will say if you ever think you may end up in water or soupy mud the Axe system is sealed really really well! Just know that you will not be able to use the faux motor cover and pulley with the SCX10.3. The wires are soldered internally and come out the side of the end of the motor. The sensor wire is also bulky. I could not get the covers to fit without modifying them to the point that they look like crap. If that scale motor is something you really want installed you may want to go a different route.

I have not set up a logarithmic curve in the transmitter for the AXE, perhaps that may be a fix. But when I drive the AXE it is as if the ESC has a pre-programmed feathering approach to power. Like power X1, hold for .02 seconds, then power X2, hold for .02, then power X3, hold for .02, etc. I don't think it is an issue of the strength of the motor, I think it is a delay in the ESC. IT does make higher speed takeoffs look and feel more realistic.
Whatever it is, the Castle doesn't have that feel. I prefer the castle feel for 80% of what I do FWIW.

 

[$uicide $hift]

I have not set up a logarithmic curve in the transmitter for the AXE, perhaps that may be a fix. But when I drive the AXE it is as if the ESC has a pre-programmed feathering approach to power. Like power X1, hold for .02 seconds, then power X2, hold for .02, then power X3, hold for .02, etc. I don't think it is an issue of the strength of the motor, I think it is a delay in the ESC. IT does make higher speed takeoffs look and feel more realistic.
Whatever it is, the Castle doesn't have that feel. I prefer the castle feel for 80% of what I do FWIW.

Just out of curiosity, have you tried the different settings for RPM/motor matching? I have not made changes to this setting to test if it feels different from take off. I have run the different settings and just observed how it drives / crawls.

 

[crazee horse]

I'm a HobbyWing fan. Their 1080 is the great, the 1060 is good and some of their brushless ESC's I've used have been great as well. I've never used the AXE system. I had one pre-ordered, but I cancelled it as soon as the reviews started pouring in. The way it controls the motor just doesn't make sense to me.

I used to adamantly hate Castle products. Then the X series came out and I've been hooked ever since I first tried that line of ESC's. I don't use anything else for brushless.

I've got both, seriously though you gotta give the axe a try, it really ain't bad at all, I love my 1080 but the drag brake ain't all that which is a tiny gripe considering. If I had the choice between the 2 I'd probably say 1080 but for the very clever torque of the axe where you can turn up the trim and it will adjust torque for every obstacle, and the ridiculous drag brake which would probably stop a real truck, I'd still go for the 1080 and a decent can. And some beer, probably a kfc bargain bucket and still have change for whiskey.

 

[FlatLander72]

Castle Creations...period...End of discussion. Great, reliable, reasonably priced products. With good customer service. 8)

I just wish they were a bit more forth coming with the specifications. I would like to see current ratings, maximum power output and such. maximum weight and cell ratings doesn't tell you much.

The only product I have managed to blow up was a Sidewinder running 12 volts in a 9 pound Bomber. :shock: The ESC did not like the tires being full of water and the spurs being taken to it. But that was my fault. The Mamba X that replaced it has taken everything in stride. On top of the rig growing to over ten pounds.

My $.02,

FlatLander

 

[Traulus]

In our trail group we have all kind of electronics, from brushed to brushless, tekin, castle and hobbywing. The most smoothest is the AXE, not so powerfull as the others, but then, it's a not a speed race. I love the way it handles when you go off the throtle, downhill and drag brake. Altough I love tekin, hobbywing will be a good for 10.3 for me

 

[TK421]

I’m looking at the micro x crawler and an HH stubby 2200. Castle is the bees knees for pretty much everything but drones. Any input on this would be appreciated. I know the 10.3 is prolly right on the edge of the weight limit for the micro x...

Lou

 

[ScottyPotty]

I have both systems....here is some of the combos I've played with...

Mamba X HH Puller Pro V2 2200 in the capra
Mamba x castle 3800kv in capra
HW 1080/Tekin 45T
Axe 2300kv

Trx4 Sport and Trx4 Blazer
Mamba X and castle 2280kv
Mamba x and castle 3800kv
Axe 2300kv
Axe 3300kv



I like both systems a lot....I kept the axe 3300 in my blazer and it crawls so slow and smooth, it just awesome. Lots of power and I can fling mud dirt etc all day. The rpm matching keeps the rpm/drag brake matched so no flipping over when you let go during wide open throttle, and it will stop on a hill while crawling. The bluetooth is great and easy to adjust in the field. Simple to operate, simple to use. I do agree that the power out of castle motors are stronger, but these axe systems are not slow or lacking.


I didn't really like the mamba x much at first. Its noisy compared to the axe, harder to setup needs a special link and a laptop to program. What really changed things for me was that I got a radio that I could use the white wire. I also began playing with things to finally get that curve to work with my style of control. I like being able to control the amount of drag brake from my remote with a turn of a dial. But to be fair, the axe you don't really need to do anything, it just works.

I'm used to the mamba x and I think I prefer it as I can use HH motors which are awesome. I like the adjustability and the options it provides. For someone who wants to set it and forget it, the axe is the way to go. If you like to customize every part of your esc, you like the most power, the most options and have a radio to take advantage of it, than the mamba X is most likely for you.

Thats been my experiance anyway.

 

[SteveB1]

All of these options make my head hurt.



I'm stuck between these two setups:


HH 540 Crawlmaster Pro with their ESC and accessories.


HY 540 AXE system.


CC something?







Few things:


Cost doesn't really matter.



For the life of me I can't get HH to take my money. 5 emails deep and I can't get this ordered. I can't add the motor to my cart, but it says it takes 2 to 3 weeks to build, so how do I get the order laced to build the motor.?? I still have no idea how to get this accomplished. I'm in manufacturing precision widgets and sales from Germany, and this completely blows my mind.



I would have the AXE 540 on the way, but I keep seeing notes that it's under-powered, and I can't fit the 550 can in my 2.2 Wraith Spawn without major surgery on the link connection to the skid plate ( if this can be fit, please let me know how..) My spawn sits at 8.4 lbs.



Or should I just chase down Castle and get everything from them??


I'm only for crawling. I don't compete, and I have other platforms that handle my speed needs. But we have massive rocks out here and a climb to the top can easily be 40' or more. I need massive torque and control, and for temps to be under control.



Also will be running the system on 3s, but no more than that.



I'm leaning toward just getting the AXE 540 and be done with it. I wish the 550 would fit. I don't like tinkering with electronics; I hate electronics. I'm all about plug n' play.



s

 

[TK421]

I didn’t think the HH brushless esc’s were available?

Lou

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I've got both, seriously though you gotta give the axe a try, it really ain't bad at all, I love my 1080 but the drag brake ain't all that which is a tiny gripe considering. If I had the choice between the 2 I'd probably say 1080 but for the very clever torque of the axe where you can turn up the trim and it will adjust torque for every obstacle, and the ridiculous drag brake which would probably stop a real truck, I'd still go for the 1080 and a decent can. And some beer, probably a kfc bargain bucket and still have change for whiskey.

Maybe one day.

I didn’t think the HH brushless esc’s were available?

Lou

His site appears to be sold out of them. He's probably experiencing the same supply chain issues that every other company that sources components from China is facing.

 

[TK421]

Yeah, I didn’t even see them on there.

Lou

 

[TK421]

So this arrived today...