Hobbywing just released the Axe R3

[BA0701]

It is way too big for the Capra, it is a really large motor, but it is now compatible with up to 6S. One big take away, for me, is that the ESC is compatible with the R2 motors. But the biggest news of the day, for me, regarding Hobbywing is they now have a 2300KV motor in the Axe R2. The previous max of 2100KV, and the internal ESC were the reasons I was considering the Fusion Pro. But, they now offer the Axe R2 in a 2300KV, and since I can now pair it with the new ESC, I do believe that is the direction I will be going, coupled with the capability of 8.4V on the new BEC, that is a big deal for me, as I can now have the modulation I wanted, coupled with the ability to configure it through the app. So glad I hadn't ordered the Fusion yet. If I wanted to use the R2 ESC, they have a special going on right now, for $200, but I think I will go with this new ESC, so I won't be able to use that deal.

 

[Ramp addict]

Something new to catch on fire from Hobbywing.

It's destiny for every 6s Hobbywing ESC to catch on fire while sitting in your truck, maybe not today but someday.

 

[BA0701]

Something new to catch on fire from Hobbywing.

It's destiny for every 6s Hobbywing ESC to catch on fire while sitting in your truck, maybe not today but someday.

Did you see the videos, awhile back, when Talbot's rig caught on fire like 3 times? I really felt bad for him when that happened, because I could imagine how badly it would suck!

Actually, just went back and rewatched that old video, and it was a, in Kev's words, "Castle Cremations" ESC. But, he did have a Max6 and then a Max5 ESC in the same car before that.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I've killed more than my share of esc's over the years but the only one that actually flamed up was a 6S spektrum.

 

[BA0701]

I've killed more than my share of esc's over the years but the only one that actually flamed up was a 6S spektrum.

I have had two ESCs fail, both Traxxas ESCs, but nothing went up in flames, thank goodness. That would be so very expensive!

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I have had two ESCs fail, both Traxxas ESCs, but nothing went up in flames, thank goodness. That would be so very expensive!

I got lucky. Mine was an arrma infraction and horizon warrantied it.

 

[BA0701]

Whew, you certainly dodged a bullet there.

 

[Ramp addict]

Did you see the videos, awhile back, when Talbot's rig caught on fire like 3 times? I really felt bad for him when that happened, because I could imagine how badly it would suck!

Actually, just went back and rewatched that old video, and it was a, in Kev's words, "Castle Cremations" ESC. But, he did have a Max6 and then a Max5 ESC in the same car before that.

I base my comments on the four Hobbywings I've killed recently. I still have two Max6s in service. The one in my Outcast is on the way out. It won't run censored anymore, just sits there and cogs. I've been slowly replacing all my stuff with Castle.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I base my comments on the four Hobbywings I've killed recently. I still have two Max6s in service. The one in my Outcast is on the way out. It won't run censored anymore, just sits there and cogs. I've been slowly replacing all my stuff with Castle6

What scale outcast?

I definately have more bashers running Castle stuff than Hobbywing. Hard-core bashing is pretty hard on the electronics. I've broke as many Castle esc's as I have Hobbywing. I prefer Castle because they're main headquarters is close to me so warranty is easy and going there is fun. They have lots of cool custom RC's on display and the staff is super friendly.

 

[BA0701]

I base my comments on the four Hobbywings I've killed recently. I still have two Max6s in service. The one in my Outcast is on the way out. It won't run censored anymore, just sits there and cogs. I've been slowly replacing all my stuff with Castle.

Only HW setup I have is the Gen8 Axe, which never gets driven, it was my wife's favorite rig, she loved that she would crush the TRX4 in races, so it defacto became her rig.

Honestly, when it comes to bashers, I only have an Xmaxx, and it is still, surprisingly, stock. Surprisingly, because I have beaten that truck so much, and other than the body it still runs and looks brand new. If anything happened to the stock motor/esc, I would only replace them with the same things, because of how rock solid this truck has been. Besides, as it is, it is plenty fast and peppy for me, that thing is a beast!

 

[sylentk]

Yeah. For me, some of these machines are fast enough. Like do you really need to go 40mph? There's a thing called "controlled". How controlled do you think you are at that MPH?

I have kids. And neighborhood kids. Borderline risky/unsafe.

Except for my racer, (which is set up for a super tight, tech course which doesn't go 40mph) it's minis and brushed motors. We really don't need to go faster. It's about control, maintainability. Hand/eye coordination. Engineering of the kit. Learning electronics, suspension, architecture. That's the key for me.

Do you hear that RC industry?

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

Yeah. For me, some of these machines are fast enough. Like do you really need to go 40mph? There's a thing called "controlled". How controlled do you think you are at that MPH?

I have kids. And neighborhood kids. Borderline risky/unsafe.

Except for my racer, (which is set up for a super tight, tech course which doesn't go 40mph) it's minis and brushed motors. We really don't need to go faster. It's about control, maintainability. Hand/eye coordination. Engineering of the kit. Learning electronics, suspension, architecture. That's the key for me.

Do you hear that RC industry?

Fast enough? What's that? I've never had an RTR that was 'fast enough'. Maybe slow and low is what it's all about for you, definately not for me and I'm sure there are others that would agree.

Heck, I had a crawler that would do 40.

 

[BA0701]

I ordered the 2300kv R2 Axe motor, and the R3 ESC. The motor shipped today, the ESC will ship the moment they get their shipment in, hopefully soon.

 

[sylentk]

Fast enough? What's that? I've never had an RTR that was 'fast enough'. Maybe slow and low is what it's all about for you, definately not for me and I'm sure there are others that would agree.

Heck, I had a crawler that would do 40.

I would love to see this crawler. Based on what you said, sounds like you can actually drive and don't worry about kids. Good on ya!

If all you're trying to do is break the sound barrier, sure, Nothing is going to be fast enough. I prefer control and concise and safety (and speed, but, again, my tracks are tight and techy, so 40 doesn't make sense). But that's my jam. You do yours.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I can understand not having the room to run stuff that's big and fast. I have acreage so it's not a problem for me.

And it's not really about speed per say, but air. The faster I can go, the more air I can get. Now that I think about it, maybe I should just switch to planes...

I ordered the 2300kv R2 Axe motor, and the R3 ESC. The motor shipped today, the ESC will ship the moment they get their shipment in, hopefully soon.

I have one of the older axe systems in a TRX4 and I really like it. I look forward to hearing your opinion on this new stuff.

 

[BA0701]

I can understand not having the room to run stuff that's big and fast. I have acreage so it's not a problem for me.

And it's not really about speed per say, but air. The faster I can go, the more air I can get. Now that I think about it, maybe I should just switch to planes...


I have one of the older axe systems in a TRX4 and I really like it. I look forward to hearing your opinion on this new stuff.

I'm very much looking forward to it. I had decided to go with the Fusion Pro initially, after some waffling between the Fusion Pro and the Axe R2. But, at the time HW only listed the R2 Axe in 2100 and 2800KV, whereas the Fusion Pro fell right in at the sweet spot of 2300. Now, while looking at the specs on the new system, I see they have a 2300KV Axe R2 listed. The KV and the internal ESC were the reasons for my choosing the Fusion Pro, but I would need a BEC for the dig and new steering servos I plan on getting. But, the new R3 does 8.4V with the internal BEC, exactly where I need to be, so I am gaining an external ESC, which actually makes me more comfortable (easier to replace if the ESC goes out, and we've all had the happen), losing the need for the BEC, and gaining the use of the app instead of the programmer card.

I have an Axe in the Gen8 Axe, and absolutely love that rig. The only other rig I have that matches, or maybe even better the Axe modulation in the Gen8, is the Cayman Pro RTR, both have incredible control and torque at ultra low speeds.

 

[Ramp addict]

What scale outcast?

I definately have more bashers running Castle stuff than Hobbywing. Hard-core bashing is pretty hard on the electronics. I've broke as many Castle esc's as I have Hobbywing. I prefer Castle because they're main headquarters is close to me so warranty is easy and going there is fun. They have lots of cool custom RC's on display and the staff is super friendly.

All my stuff is 6s, 1/8.

I've killed a few Castles too but I've never had one catch on fire while sitting in my truck.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

Have you noticed that burnt hobbywing smells different than burnt castle?

 

[BA0701]

Just a heads up to anyone thinking about ordering an R3, either the full system or just the ESC. I contacted Hobbywing, to ascertain approximately how long it may be, before they begin shipping them. I am not impatient, just trying to figure out if it will be worth my while to continue with the 1080 in the Capra, or just wait. She said my wait was expected to be 1-3 weeks, but her other statement is what I wanted to report here. Apparently they are selling like mad, as this is what she said:

Due to a high pre-order volume, we are experiencing longer lead times than usual.

 

[BA0701]

I received an email today, the same day I took the 1080 to HabbyTown to get that cable soldered, and was notified that the R3 ESC has shipped already, via UPS. Given I was just told on Thursday that my order was 1-3 weeks from shipping, it came sooner than I was expecting.

HobbyTown said they could not open the 1080, and told me the only thing they could do with that ESC was solder extensions onto it. I brought up that someone here had told me you shouldn't do that, and the guy said it was safe to do so, and actually suggested I do that over using the extension I had purchased. In fact, he used that very extension to solder into the existing cable.

So, I plan on loosely connecting things, so I can work on getting my radio setup, and verify functionality with it, fingers crossed, while I await the arrival of the R3 ESC, the motor was actually delivered today..

I forgot to mention here a new thing on my HobbyWing order for the R3, that I had personally not seen before. They asked for a tip for their warehouse people to be added to the total. This is bothersome for a number of reasons, but first and foremost it is bothersome because there is no way of verifying that money actually makes it to the warehouse people. On top of that, it is bothersome because it makes one feel as if your order may not get the same expeditious care, if you fail to pay said tip. Everyone asking for tips, for just doing their jobs is bothersome for a whole host of other reasons as well. The industries where tips are more than acceptable, are ares like the restaurant industry, where waiters and waitresses typically make less than minimum wage, making up the difference in with the tips they receive, or even delivery drivers, where the same thing applies. But tipping someone for simply doing their job, a job in which they are compensated to do just doesn't sit well, especially when, like in this case, there is no guarantee that money is going to make it to the people working in the warehouse, as the request for said tips states.

Sorry, off my soapbox now, but that really kind of bothered me.