Castle Cobra 8 ESC Is A MONSTER In the Kraton EXB V2! | Full Review!

Let's review the new Castle Cobra 8. Is it the best 6s 1/8 Scale basher ESC? Is it better than the Hobbywing Max8 G2 or Max6? Should you buy the MMX8S instead?

[@AVERAGEJOERC]

With all the new hobbywing and even the rocket v2 escs out there i couldn't do this price point.. seems they are pretty out of touch with the new market

[@DoRC]

Yeah I think they're doing the best they can but it's a lot more expensive to make things in smaller amounts here in the United States than it is by the thousand in China. I don't really mind that they're charging a premium over the competition it's just very odd that this is only a few dollars less than an MMX 8S. It's got a few fancy new features but not anything that most people are going to care about and unless you have packaging problems and need that extra a little bit of room it's a tough one to recommend.

[@BeautyBeastRC]

@@DoRC Definitely crazy to pick this over an mmx8s or even a max 6 g2.

[@rinzlerprime3372]

Also castle likes to blame their customers if you have a problem with your esc or motor and do not replace under warranty, castle is dead

[@RoostedFilms]

I like that you do the speed runs off road, Just seems more real word to me. The Arrma 6S line is outstanding, tough and easy to work on. Thing looks like a real beast now ! I completely agree about the price point & also the size comparison to the MMX. If at all possible or I'll always go with the 8S even if I'm only running 6s

[@DoRC]

Yeah I try to make my testing as real world as possible. I just don't see the point in doing something that the vast majority of people won't be doing. Glad you enjoy :-)

[@jaybomb5022]

I agree with everything here minus tough. I've never owned a reliable ARRMA outside of the Granite 😂

[@DoRC]

@jaybomb5022 everybody's experience is going to be different which is what leads to a lot of different and often strong opinions about various brands but I will say that I think for the most part arrma vehicles are as durable as any others. They have stronger ones and weaker ones and they all have their strong points and weak points but they're certainly not a weak brand overall.

[@rawrc]

Another great vid👍

[@DoRC]

Thanks. Make sure you check out my latest update though.

[@rogueFactor]

"full servo stall" would be a nice short episode topic.

[@DoRC]

Not a bad idea!

[@Vojtii81]

I would like to use it in arrma infraction 6s ,just what the best motor would be good to run 2200kv or 1650 both castle ,what would you consider, Thanks

[@DoRC]

I think it just depends on what your goals are. If you're just going to be doing normal bombing around and roasting tires the smaller motor should be fine. If you're trying to go as fast as possible put the biggest motor you can possibly fit in there.

[@dondavis9249]

What do u think about the new hw 150amp g2 combo for the kraton 6s exb?

[@DoRC]

For the price it's hard to beat. I'm not sure you're going to see much of an improvement over the stock system though. They're pretty similar.

[@Ytytfytfujbyddutrxrt]

The main improvement seems to be: "32-Bit Processing power for smoother motor control and improved response time". I wonder if this would improve low speed control with a sensorless motor? I doubt you'd notice any difference with a sensored motor though.

[@DoRC]

I suppose it's possible but I'm not sure I'm 100% buying that it'll actually make a noticeable difference. It doesn't really take a ton of processing horsepower to keep track of the rotor position of a motor. That being said I don't know the subtle details of how it works so while I didn't notice any difference I certainly could be wrong.

[@cornfed2.0t99]

RPM just released vehicle specific mounts for this esc.

[@DoRC]

Nice! It is a bummer that they didn't just make the hole pattern the same as hobbywing though. It would have fit.

[@shader7248]

Do you think the 32 bit processing power helps the motors run a little cooler, as the esc can communicate more effectively? It would be interesting to see if there are any escs that actually make a difference in motor temps!

[@DoRC]

It's possible though I'm not convinced that the processing overhead is really that significant for running the motor. I suspect the 32-bit processor was more designed for advanced logging, the accelerometer and future advanced features.

[@KiloWattRC]

​@DoRC the faster CPU bitrate has alot to do with running the motor now that the CPU can think and react faster when commanding driverboard and reading EMF data. Castle is late to the party with 32bit processing hobbywing and MGM been using this bitrate for years

[@DoRC]

@KiloWattRC The 32-bit processor certainly will run faster because they typically are faster processors but the processor they were using before probably ran at several megahertz. The motor is spinning at a maximum of around 55,000 RPM. That's only 900 revolutions per second or so. Multiply that by 3 for the three phases and you're at around 2700 events per second. Obviously it needs to keep track of more than just those 2700 events but even a rudimentary modern 8-bit processor is more than capable of dealing with that sort of overhead. I'm not saying a 32-bit processor won't be better I just don't think that most people are going to notice any difference. The Cobra 8 certainly doesn't feel any more responsive than the MMX8S does.

[@KiloWattRC]

@DoRC it's not about noticing a difference it's about esc failure, 16bit processor in previous gen could not keep up with the advantage cryo drive board system castle patented. This new CPU is actually fast enough to monitor phase currents and limit them to potentially save the drive board catastrophic failure. But racers will notice a difference with the new sensor turbo boost options because of this new CPU.

[@DoRC]

I see. Well good info.

[@edwinlomonaco6754]

I'd agree. It seems like that esc would be more for people who race. Where data is important. The Hobbywing esc you reviewed a little while ago for 130 bux works just fine. I don't have a reason to go that crazy with it. And as you stared for the price I'd just get the Hobbywing 8S combo. Like I have in my Fireteam.

[@DoRC]

Yeah the 8BL150 G2 is hard to beat for value! Thanks for watching :-)

[@IsaacSchultz-lz8jc]

I’ve always wondered if they make tape that is thermally conductive for aluminum mounts.

[@DoRC]

You can get thermal adhesives and thermal tape but in my experience neither one of them are super strong. I have my doubts as to whether or not they would be able to hold an ESC through some serious bashing.

[@IsaacSchultz-lz8jc]

Maybe you can try a aluminum screw mount and have thermal pads and see if the temps get better.

[@DoRC]

@@IsaacSchultz-lz8jc Yeah probably would help. Thermal compound would actually be even better though that tends to make a bit of a mess. That being said given that the board is epoxied into the case I'm not sure how much thermal conductivity you would get between the electronics and the case bottom. Would be an interesting experiment though

[@IsaacSchultz-lz8jc]

Probably would only work with aluminum esc cases tho.

[@DoRC]

@IsaacSchultz-lz8jc for sure

[@cjchannel12RC]

Awesome ESC man, I hope Castle comes out with a new Mamba Monster X 8s equivalent with the same 32-bit processor cause i would love to put a few of them into my 8s cars and trucks like my XO-1, my possible future X-Maxx Ultimate or my current X-Maxx and my Arrma Felony or Limitless V2.

[@DoRC]

Yeah they probably will update them but I'm not sure you're going to see a huge difference in performance. It really doesn't take a ton of processing horsepower to make a motor run and I believe most of the benefit is going to be seen in logging, accelerometers and other advanced features that a lot of us might not even be interested in.

[@cjchannel12RC]

@@DoRC I get where you're coming from i never have bothered with data logging since most the ESC i have owned so far are Hobbywings. I bought a Castle Copperhead for my Hoss a couple of years ago and i liked it way better than stock even though the stock VXL-3s and 540XL weren't bad i'm just not a big fan of Traxxas electronics.

[@DoRC]

@@cjchannel12RC I think Castle makes the best electronics in the hobby. It's just hard to justify the extra cost sometimes for a little extra performance.

[@cjchannel12RC]

@@DoRC I think so too although Hobbywing is slowly creeping up there but Castle gives you better performance for what you get. And there's a reason why people in the speedrun world use Castle esc's like the MMX8s and XLX2. And why Traxxas' XO-1 uses a modified MM2 esc as it is a purpose built speedrun car from stock but my car has a Max 6 G1 combo cus i was cheap at the time.

[@onemansvideos2134]

So the dongle is included now instead of requesting one

[@DoRC]

For the time being yes.

[@tooleyzrc1973]

Gonna stick with my Max8

[@DoRC]

Definitely a good ESC.

[@RCvapor]

Nice ESC 👌 agree though qay over priced say compared to the max 8g2 or even the new quicrun 6bl160 g2 when it arrives 🤔

[@DoRC]

Yeah I think if they can bring the price down to maybe 160 or 170 it would make a lot more sense.

[@damaylaphoenix1155]

where can i find real 3m vhb tape?

[@DoRC]

I usually just buy small rolls that are well reviewed on Amazon. Not 100% guaranteed that it's real but I haven't had any issues with them. If you really want to be sure you can get it in bulk added industrial supply place like Granger but you're going to spend quite a bit of money up front. It would probably be cheaper in the long run than just buying the small rolls but it is a bit of an investment to begin with.

[@tooleyzrc1973]

Fan boys gonna buy

[@DoRC]

I bought one :-)

[@geodude3966]

Castle was the king about 15 years ago, there really wasn't much competition back then. I remember buying an MMX with a 2650kv combo for $300. Nowadays you can get a Hobbywing 150 ESC and 2000kv combo for $125. Castle is way behind these days.

[@DoRC]

They definitely are more expensive but they do generally make good product.

[@ruuster83]

Castle is great but prices push me away. HW came in with the max6 sensored 8s combo with a 4990 for only $240, only $30 more than Castle's 6s ESC. Data logging is neat but not worth the $100+ increase over HW

[@DoRC]

Especially since hobbywing has data logging too with the Mac G2. And you can access it via Bluetooth.

[@buysncharge]

Castle might aswell not even exist. I know HW always beats whatever they're selling. If they offered me a free one for a video. It's a no from me Dawg.

[@GreatLakesRC]

That’s pretty expensive 😱 I am not interested in any more castle products until they fix that crap switch. Hopefully they fixed the bullets from pulling out of the board on this new one. My MMX8S pulled the bullet out, and it’s pretty much game over after that

[@DoRC]

Mine at least are pretty durable. I had a bullet that was pretty hard stuck in there and had to use pliers to pull it out. The connector stayed on the board :-)

[@mikellewis2346]

Wait its not 8s capable?? I thought it was supposed to be 8s. 😢 thats crazy expensive for 6s.

[@DoRC]

No 6s only and really the platform can't handle more than 6s. It already does not handle very well.

[@Shellzwick]

For me double sided tape usually get warm from the esc and unbond

[@DoRC]

VHB is good up to 300° f. If it's applied properly and given time to reach maximum adhesion it's not going to come off. Most people who have failures with double-sided tape are either using cheap double-sided tape or they aren't prepping properly or giving enough time for it to reach maximum adhesion before using.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

I prep with alcohol then I warm my double-sided tape with a blow dryer. It softens the glue and makes the tape conform to to any surface (even with the cheap stuff). I also use the blow dryer to remove it. Same idea, softens the glue making it easier to remove and comes off in one piece 👍

[@DoRC]

@jerryvolpini7987 not a bad plan but I still recommend using the good stuff. You're going to spend maybe 10 extra dollars for an entire roll of VHB which will last you for at least a dozen installs. Doesn't take very many wires pulled out of an ESC to equal the extra cost.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

@@DoRC I use the good stuff but the prep/heat is still a great way of ensuring it doesn't come unglued. And, heat when removing it, is still a good idea - makes it simple and easy to remove.

[@DoRC]

@jerryvolpini7987 makes a lot of sense!

[@Leverposteilover]

can you please4 make a new videop o the hpi savage xs flux

[@DoRC]

Done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKHQY3-urJybjKM

[@gilvasquez1317]

I think they are pricing these esc's like that because a castle 12s esc is on the way. The mmx8s will be phased out. . .

[@DoRC]

Maybe though I think they would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn't have an 8S option

[@Desauce512]

I know it's a 1/8 scale esc but is it possible to make it fit on my arrma granite? a 1/10 scale.... im also new to this hobby.

[@DoRC]

Yes I believe it would fit on top of the receiver box. There are 3D printed adapter plates you can buy online that allow you to double side tape ESCs. That being said you would probably be better off with a hobby wing 10bl120 or 8 BL 150. Either one of those is going to be more than enough power for the granite on 4S.

[@Desauce512]

@@DoRC Thanks for the info!! I wanted to see if I could do more than 4s on a granite with it. I know it might sound like a waste of money bc I can just buy a bigger rc that is more than capable of doing more than 4s.

[@DoRC]

@Desauce512 The 8bl 150 from hobby wing would definitely do the trick for 6S on that truck. You will be almost certainly destroying the stock plastic axles and probably the stock differentials as well with that much power though. That being said go for it it's fun to experiment!

[@Desauce512]

@@DoRC I will def look into it I have fully maxed out my car everything on it metal except like the arms etc. Im def going to give that a try!

[@DoRC]

@@Desauce512 gotcha! Let me know how it goes :-)

[@RcSpeedFreak-kk8wj]

I don’t think the 8 amps is an issue as all you really need to run is a servo and esc 30mm fan those 40mm fans should really be run of a battery. I think if they brought to price down to 170 or so it would be an acceptable price expensive but a decent price now it’s really high imo. When you can buy the mmx8s for 4 dollars more and a max6 G2 for 60 dollars less it’s not a good deal

[@DoRC]

Yeah it does seem okay. My biggest concern was that a lot of times manufacturers exaggerate their BECs and I was worried that 8 amps wasn't actually going to be 8 amps. I see your point with the fans though I have been running these 40 mm server style fans off of the BEC for years now with no ill effect. And yeah the pricing is a bit of a head scratcher. The only thing I can think is that this is just what it costs them to make it and they didn't have any choice but the price it like that.

[@RcSpeedFreak-kk8wj]

Idk the mmx6s if I remember correctly the same price? Idk if that is correct but if they can make a 8s esc with bigger capacitors a bigger fan and a overall bigger aluminum case it doesn’t seem to add up that they would have to price it like that although it is a possibility but imo not likely.

[@DoRC]

@@RcSpeedFreak-kk8wj I don't remember what the MMX 8S cost originally though I think it was higher. The fancy processor might also have increased the cost of this one. Honestly I'm not sure what their reasoning is though I have to imagine they've got some good reasoning given that they did it. I'm sure they're aware of how much the MMX8S costs.

[@RcSpeedFreak-kk8wj]

I was referring to the mamba monster x but I just looked and it’s only 172. Yeah the new processing would have put the price up but these companies are getting it for a whole sale prices. And if they put the price down they would sell more. but idk

[@DoRC]

@@RcSpeedFreak-kk8wj ah ok. Yeah I think this is definitely more stout than that and certainly more efficient but still not convinced it's worth the extra money. Drop the price to 175 and I think a lot more people will be interested.

[@allyoucando8486]

I check the price, and I think what you can be true. Why, Hobbywing lunch a couple of months ago, G2 6s even in combo is more cheap. For me, I always say Castles is a company is more for competition and Hobbywing for bash around for less. I will say this Cibra 8 will be good for those who are in events and need that extra power. Still Hobbywing will give a hard time and is because of the price, 209.95 for the Cobra 8 is too much

[@DoRC]

I agree. Especially given that their own MMX 8S is only a few dollars more.

[@BeautyBeastRC]

I can't believe they're charging so much and still using that shit switch. I think it's hard to choose this over a max 6 g2 and I say that as someone who has like 28 castle esc's to 6 hobbywing

[@DoRC]

There are some head scratchers on this one. I think at maybe $160 it would be a more intriguing option but at only a few dollars less than the MMX 8S it's hard to recommend unless you physically don't have the space for the MMX8S.

[@AndrewSury]

Not really seeing where this thing has a market. I have Castle Link on all my Castles and really don't see a huge advantage over an XL8S.

[@DoRC]

If it was priced at 165 or maybe $175 I can see people buying it who don't need 8S but at this price I agree. You can either spend a tiny bit more and get The MMX 8S or spend a whole lot less and get a hobbywing.

[@colerippeon3903]

A standing backflip in the grass is impressive. My max8 g2 in my kraton will not do that

[@DoRC]

Yeah especially with that small motor I was using to begin with. If I had gearing for the bigger motor I was running at the end I bet I could do doubles. It's a pretty powerful ESC.

[@jagergerg9771]

I was expecting easy double back flips. Not a bad esc just way over priced compared to the 8S

[@DoRC]

I think with a big enough motor and proper gearing you could do that. The larger motor I put in was very low KV and I didn't actually have high enough gearing to get the wheel speed up with it.

[@STRAIGHT_PIPED_RACING]

First

[@DoRC]

Indeed!

[@gillyboyNY]

I’ll stick with hw

[@DoRC]

I don't blame you. They represent excellent value for money. I think the castle stuff is better but it certainly is more expensive. It's nice that it's made in the US but still that bottom dollar is the most important thing to many people.

[@gillyboyNY]

@@DoRCI like castle but they’re expensive and their interface is clunky. HW is simpler in execution and design. Programming via Bluetooth is built in the max6, and the new program card looks super easy to have the most updated software. Instead of the castle Bluetooth dongle which is quite a pain to use. While it can be used for multiple cars, it’s really designed to stay in. Pros and cons with that. I think castle should have built in the Bluetooth into the cobra since they’re charging so much. It would give it more value.

[@DoRC]

@@gillyboyNY that definitely would have been nice. It's a pain having to disconnect the ESC from the receiver every time you want to access the settings or data.

[@rogueFactor]

aww man fail on the mount pattern

[@DoRC]

Yeah it's a bit of a bummer though I've heard that RPM already has mounts available.

[@rogueFactor]

@DoRC some of RPM's stuff just makes sense - other stuff not so much. i really need to get my 3D printer dusted off.

[@DoRC]

@rogueFactor absolutely. 3d printing is awesome in this hobby.

[@ValRC1]

Why is it $200 💀

[@DoRC]

You'd have to ask Castle that one. I suspect it's because it costs them that much to make them. They're small batch manufacturing in the United States so it's going to inherently be significantly more expensive than it would be if it was being made by the thousands in China but it still tough to justify when the MMX 8S is $5 more.

[@itzjoeylo4501]

Should have been called the Cobra 6…

[@DoRC]

Yeah I think they are referring to 1/8 scale but it is a little inconsistent.

[@itzjoeylo4501]

@@DoRC I’ve got the 1/6 scale SCX6, and considering this new ESC. But NaH, I’ll go with the 8s Monster… Scale, what scale… lol 😂

[@DoRC]

@@itzjoeylo4501 For a few bucks more I don't see why not.

[@itzjoeylo4501]

@@DoRC Ha 6th scale Jeep with XmaXX power Ha lol 😂 😆 😝 I think I’ll upgrade to over driven diffs

[@DoRC]

@itzjoeylo4501 :)

[@zmrockon]

whats funny is the people at castle will tell you to just cut off the switch and solder the wires because it is known to break. quality. the new hobbywing g2's come with bluetooth. so no need to buy the castle link. almost no reason to buy castle really since hobbywing has sensored motors too. also that 2200kv is going to overheat before a battery runs out in that car.

[@DoRC]

Yeah I've heard that from Castle before. Would be nice if they just updated the switch. As far as the motor overheating I think it depends on your cooling, gearing and the weight of the car. There are a lot of 1/8 scale vehicles out there with very similar motors that do just fine.

[@zmrockon]

@@DoRC yea with a fan the motor might be ok. every single time i ran my talion off road, using 6s, 2200kv castle sensored motor, mamba monster x, it would make it about half way through a 5200mah battery before it hit thermal limits. just make sure you have a thermal limit set up. i sent in my first mamba monster x under warranty when it died after one battery, i sent them the sensor wire by mistake. while i was waiting for them to send it, i was running it sensorless, so it didnt have temperature monitoring. killed that motor. idk it could be my driving, but if i have to baby my rc car with that setup, then i dont want it. especially when the hobbywing alternatives are cheaper and more robust. oh as far as gearing, i used everything from 23 tooth down to 13 tooth. on backflip 4s tires.

[@DoRC]

@@zmrockon oh yeah you definitely need a fan. I run fans on pretty much everything but I also live in Florida so I'm often bashing and pretty extreme temperatures.

[@dylanwhite6539]

Definitely overpriced as hell. Max6 combos are cheaper. Hell, max5 g2 with the 5690 is in the Same price bracket. Typical castle

[@DoRC]

Yeah it's a lot of money especially given that their own MMX 8S is almost the same price.

[@AnthraxxRc]

100% overpriced I’ll stick with my mmx8s all day like you said more power and better cooling

[@DoRC]

Given that the MMX 8S is only a few dollars more it's kind of hard to justify this unless you need the smaller size.

[@AnthraxxRc]

@@DoRC exactly my thoughts

[@DoRC]

@@AnthraxxRc seems reasonable. I would imagine they will either lower the price of this or more likely raise the price of the other ESCs. We will see.

[@AnthraxxRc]

@@DoRC hopefully they lower it lol

[@Mrrootsfull]

Castle Cremations....not my brand.

[@DoRC]

In general I don't think they catch fire anymore than other brands but they certainly do cost a lot.