Compact Power Combo! Spektrum Firma 2-In-1 Crawler Brushless System Test | RC Driver

There are certainly a lot of motor and ESC options available for crawlers and there are many things to consider when selecting a system. But if you are looking for ease of use or a system that will save space, your search may have just gotten a little easier. On the RC Driver workbench is the new Spektrum Firma 2-In-1 Crawler Brushless System. This system integrates the ESC into the motor can so you save on space. But that’s not all, it’s a sensored system that provides precision control as well. In this video Greg goes over the combo’s features, installs it and takes it out for a drive.
PRODUCT FEATURED
Spektrum Firma 2-in-1 Crawler Brushless Motor & ESC
Distributed By: Horizon Hobby
Type: Sensored Brushless System
Part Number: 1400KV SPMXSEM1040A, 2300KV SPMXSEM1040B
Price: $149.99
Buy: snp.link/27693811
Visit: www.horizonhobby.com/
OPTIONS USED
Spektrum V2 Program Card: snp.link/0cb071f7
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[@jeremymiller2340]

The axial bronco has got to be one of the sharpest crawlers on the market, if I hadn't dumped a small fortune into my trx4, which I am glad I did, that axial is so sharp!

[@kevin0007]

This is the kind of vid I need - thorough and informative. I'm a newbie, and this was excessively helpful! Thanks!

[@DozerBoyRc]

Glad this video popped up. What kind of sorcery is this Greg!!! Lol Sold me on both items. Great space saver and weight. Has me taking a real look into getting a crawler. Awesome video and keep them coming!!

[@donaldfite]

Amazing system but it is a tad longer than a normal Brushed / brushless motor. I put it in my Capra and had to order the Vader Products flat skid to make it work. Worth the extra money. So smooth and the drag brake is a life saver. A+

[@jettthomas9453]

Awesome I'm going to try this and the fusion in my next to crawler builds........I love it!

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

It looks very very smooth!

[@TruSwagTv2]

Nice and clean love your videos brother 💯🤝👊

[@cjv29er]

Love how that Axial Early Bronco looks just parked there on the work bench.

[@TheHobbyistRc]

I agree, it looks amazing.

[@derricksazrc3411]

I love these 2 in 1 options. That’s awesomeness that it’s sensored and bec’ed

[@TheHobbyistRc]

My dad rocks the hobbywing fusion in his gatekeeper, I wonder how this compares.

[@nj2033]

It'll just be faster. This is a Hobbywing Fusion but with a faster 2300kv motor and Spektrum branding in it, just comes without the program card that Hobbywing Fusions come with

[@AdrenalineAshRC]

Nice bro thanks for the update 😎👍

[@visionary_rc7987]

Man, that FOC is impressive!

[@SpektrumRCvideos]

Thanks for the review Greg! Great video, well done :)

[@KalsRcAdventures]

Hey we need a spectrum version of the hobbywing max5 call it spectrum firma 200

[@SpektrumRCvideos]

@@KalsRcAdventures Indeed! ;)

[@mickd8188]

@@SpektrumRCvideos good call on the faster kV speed👍

[@jaredsay3331]

I own a spectrum DX6R and dx5c so can I program with remote

[@alexrex20]

that lurch is the gear lash preloading on the opposite side of the gear. the truck effectively transitions from gas to break (downhill off a rock) so it takes a split second for the motor to take up the lash after losing it in the transition

[@joeygodoy509]

Great video by the way.

[@nate9392]

That sold me am gonna order those for my new Capra

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

Great review per usual for an old pro. I’m sure that many viewers feel like I do when I say that you always provide a very thorough and honest review each and every time. You are very much appreciated, thank you Greg!

[@RCKickschannel]

I loved the Hobbywing fusion so it's great to see another option. I need to get one for a crawler I have.

[@y2shanon]

I love the hobby wing fusion but always wanted a higher kv option, I NEED THIS ONE👌😁

[@danytremblay6168]

I like all your videos nice reviews! I did not thought about the spektrum before I bought a HW fusion 1800kv for my white bronco, I removed the motor cover to prevent from over heating and had to use my dremel to remove a little plastic stud to make it straight in line with the spur gear because the combo is longer then the 540 35t that was there and before finding this I scratched my head for a while ;)

[@visionary_rc7987]

“Ice cream proof”! Got me on that one 😁

[@gatorrcgames]

Just seen that you made this video, and I just dropped in spectrum 2-1 and the other spectrum crawler systems into my 2 vanquish vs4-10 phoenix. I went with the 2300kvs. They do actually really well. Good slow crawl and good speed for trail running/bashing.

[@Jbzy3000]

Moving all my cars to the Spektrum ecosystem. I have a couple of the smart esc. I think I like this for a go to for my crawlers.

[@rcflashcars]

cool vid! big like! 👍👍👍

[@dutchloveRC]

nice info : )

[@ericviger4984]

It's funny you mentioned the Gatekeeper. I've been thinking about this setup for my girlfriends Gatekeeper. Very limited on space and this would be perfect for it.

[@RyanZiegler]

My dad told me about it this morning!

[@offmymeds9621]

It’s the exact same unit as the Hobbywing fusion and it is made by Hobbywing so you might as well just buy the Hobbywing plus the Hobbywing includes the program card!!!

[@leereed219]

Hobbywing doesn't offer a 2300 kv though

[@jcchaconjr]

@@leereed219 Yep - I gotta say that offering alternate KV options to the Fusions was a good Marketing move.

[@thomasvanderpool4735]

My thought exactly, I was planned on buying the fusion 1800 kv but wanted a higher kv motor. Just might have to try the 2300 kv combo. If they didn't have a different KV, I definitely would've just bought the hobbywing system.

[@XBTUKN19S]

I have two of the HW Fusion 1800’s great in my TRX4 but it has two speeds. But in my new VS4-10 Phoenix with just the single speed, I’d like a little more top speed so I’m looking at this, I wanted to know how quiet it is cause the Fusion is crazy quiet in it compared to the TRX4 and it’s not that loud. It will fit in the VS4-10 with no modifications where I had to take the end cap off the Fusion which is no big deal it’s all epoxy sealed underneath.

[@offmymeds9621]

@@XBTUKN19S it’s as loud as the fusion almost no noise at all. I picked one up just to see the difference. Good choice with the single speed transmission 👍

[@andrewrichey7374]

Super cool, question well that program card work with the stock system in the bronco

[@johngantner9314]

might have to try this after the stock motor and esc give out in my trx sport. Had it for 3 yrs. been driving it in a creek fully submerged twice a year apart. sucker wont die. Lol

[@user-ek1rp8zd9u]

That stutter might have been slack in the driveline. It looks like a good system. Thank you for the video.

[@RC_Trailblazers]

I figured out with the rocking over obstacles. The drag brake is set pretty high out of the box if you drop it down to 20% or lower the sensored esc doesn't brake as hard causing that jitter. It's basically braking hard enough to stop it but the esc has to realize it's still trying to speed match so it continues. Causing the rocking. I dropped mine to 20% and I have no jitters at all and it's really good. You need Spektrums programming card their V2 card. No other card will work.

[@MRPB54]

So spectrum went ahead and improved the hobbywing fusion nice 👍

[@Jimmy2Horses]

Those are re-branded HW from what I've read.

[@MRPB54]

@@Jimmy2Horses they be but hobbywing doesnt have 1400kv and 2300kv plus the fusions BEC amps is just 4 this one upped it to 6amps

[@jcchaconjr]

It’s cool that they brought a a Fusion-like 2-in-1 setup, but like you mentioned, I’m kind of surprised and slightly disappointed that they didn’t try to work the SMART technology into it. Perhaps it was too small a space to cram the components required in there with the ESC board, but it would have been nice to either have the SMART option, or at least include the Program Card with the motor like Hobbywing does.

[@619MotoXXX]

I need help please. I have this unit in 2 rigs of mine. But the drag brake locks up solid as soon as I let up on the throttle. Setting is at only 3. Does yours do this ? Isn't it supposed to roll slightly after letting off throttle? Can someone please help?

[@RC4X4]

Do these allow forward, brake then reverse or does it just go from forward right into reverse.

[@918DEATH]

Hello im putting together the same Mustang kit you did. and im a big fan of Spektrum. Witch Motor combo can i use with a 1/10 car drift car? is the 50A will be ok? Thanks

[@JesseFlannery]

How do you mount a new motor? If you wanna change to something like this, and your car has a diff brand?

[@pinoyadventure4469]

hows in low throttle ?is it glitching?

[@lifeisgood7377]

How will this work with the 1/8 scale Double E E101-003 crawler?

[@bighossgaminghd8473]

I have the first spektrum programming card will that work or do I have to go spend even more money on one

[@runnerbaba]

Pros: Punch Setting is new. 2300kv is new. Cons: Still no RPM Throttle Matching Medium Mode, still no Drag Breake Rate Auto Mode. Connector is not xt60.

[@jaredsay3331]

How well would that work on a trx4 blazer

[@muddydude8497]

So I'm running the 2300kv spektrum firma 2 in 1 and I'm having an issue with low voltage cut off it's saying my battery is dead then when I charge it I'm only using half the capacity of the battery my rig is a redcat gen 8 v2 lmk plz

[@zonegamma8197]

first ? ever ? nice video...simplicity is an advantage

[@jamiehackney8309]

I was thinking of getting one for my mini b, do you need a computer for anything because at the moment I only have iPad pro and iPhone 14 no desktop at this time and also will this be good for a buggy like mini b

[@philster3451]

Hi Gregg, great video, this looks like an interesting option, does it have the app for phones to set parameters like some of the HW products and also did you have to trim any of the internals for it to fit being 550 sized can? Thanks in advance, Phil.

[@runnerbaba]

No app. Just box. It is looong! Will not fit every crawler.

[@scottbarger9438]

I have a question which one would be better for a basher

[@sebbbou5455]

Do you recommend this 2 in 1 systeme in an Axial SCX10?

[@brianargo9306]

That bumpbur talking about makes it more realistic it's like the old Granny 4 speeds

[@jonthomas8487]

I wonder is a Hobbywing program card would work?

[@notyou4872]

Will it fit in a axial capra ?

[@samuelwilmouth9343]

Bonjour pour faire du Crawler lequel est plus judicieux entre le 1400 kv et le 2300kv !? Merci

[@martinvavra9671]

58mm won't fit into an Axial Capra. I installed the 57,8mm 2100kv Firma sensored brushless into my Capra and had to Dremel a lot off of my skid plate.

[@StudQBeefpile]

This is what I came here to ask about. Thank you!

[@martinvavra9671]

@@StudQBeefpile It is possible. The original skid plate will come out a little bit weaker after the dremel job but still intact, the aluminium one you can get online for like 17€ is nice for precision milling and looks good but won't flex like the original one. I'm still experimenting. I raised the motor/gear/microservo module feet a bit with 4 metal spacers around 3mm so you don't have to take away so much material off of the skidplate to make the motor fit. Aftermarket skidplate with slightly different geometry will be hopefully available some day. All in all no problem stabilitywise since the Capra is no Basher nor a Bouncer. Have Fun!

[@floppyprops4472]

Is it worth the extra money to buy the separate version of this

[@Rc-Adventurers]

Will this 2&1 2300kv work in the vs4-10 Phoenix?? Will it give me some good wheel speed??

[@Just_Another_Ghost4-2]

Because I'm extra and ask questions that no one cares to ask, but could I put this into a rwd tt02 and drift with it?

[@kravenkrawlhobby5438]

Well Greg I tried to pre-order the 2300kv and for some reason it wouldn’t let me pre-order it. I usually wait till new parts are out but I know that 2300 is gonna be hard to get ahold for the first few minutes of it’s release. I need that motor for a build and they are so convenient and simple for a guy like me I think this is the ticket

[@whistlinlipo]

The more options the better in my opinion

[@rueagonvyceratops2879]

depending on prices of them i mite get the 2300 kv for my trx 4 sport .

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Good info Greg!!! Something to think about for the TRX4 Sport Kit build my son and I are doing. Compatibility with Traxxas electronics? Again, something to mull over. As always, thanks man!!!

[@runnerbaba]

Yes. With 6volt!

[@sabresswords]

Will this motor fit in a capra?

[@jakedavid8187]

What type speeds would the 2300 make a 2wd slash? I have an ancient one that is still brushed and id like a little faster with 3s option also

[@thomasvanderpool4735]

This is for a crawler. Wouldn't work well at all with the slash. The stock brushed motor would be much faster.

[@Apasash]

😉👍

[@tobydyes]

As you watch videos you seem catch on fire

[@nj2033]

Being as this is definitely a Hobbywing Fusion, I hope Spektrum haven't locked in the 2300kv to them. I've been waiting for Hobbywing to bring a 2300kv Fusion out. Fusions come with a programing card... None of the Spektrum nonsense

[@Luke-en2tk]

They don't just work closely with Hobbywing they are manufactured by them to Horizon's specifications. Best just to stick to the original in my opinion. Cool video though

[@joeygodoy509]

How about a hobby wing vs spectrum

[@johnbarnicoat9423]

After buying this, not happy. The Punch and Max Forward Force options don't show in the Spektrum app or card. They do show in the instructions. Feeling ripped off.

[@bneil4059]

Thanks for the info. I bought one of these assuming it would be SMART compatible. For the same price I can get the HobbyWing which is 60A instead of 40A. I don’t understand their logic; if I’m going to lose the battery telemetry why would I get this over the HobbyWing 2 in 1 at the same price, but higher amp output and I don’t have to buy another programming card. I’m sure I’m missing something here….

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

No, you’re all over it. I didn’t realize I needed that card and it just cost $40 which puts me at $200, not a bargain for sure.

[@djwalker6593]

I have a wraight spawn that I'm looking to go brushless with. I have a 2 speed transmission ready to go, so should I get a 2300kv or 1400kv? I mainly crawl, but still want to be able to wick the tires and have wheel speed for mud and sand

[@thomasvanderpool4735]

Definitely the 2300kv if you want decent wheel speed

[@djwalker6593]

@@thomasvanderpool4735 ended up just going with the 1800 fusion from hobbywing

[@fencer39]

That Bronco needs a driver figure !

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

I'll just stick with hobbywing since that's who is manufacturing these anyways lol. I tried to get in board with the spektrum crap and just couldn't. I bought a smart 85amp combo and then got the program card. Tried to go online using it with my laptop and it never would do anything but demo mode using hobbywings software. Everything about spektrum seems to be complicated. Need 6000 dollars worth of stuff just to have a system it's ridiculous. Their smart Transmitters, than recievers, than lipos than esc and motors and blah blah blah buy hobbywing

[@scottmichael7178]

absolutely, i love my fusion . works great

[@bneil4059]

On top of it, this isn’t even SMART compatible, wft.

[@hondafreak8613]

Hobbywing Fusion 2in1 version comes with a programming card for same price.

[@NCMOUNTAINSbackyardRC]

O yea I won't one too 👌☺

[@Nickwillfixit]

I love Spektrum as a company I got onboard when they released their 2.4ghz system and have tried others now and then ABSIMA's touch screen and telemetry was great but the receivers were only good for six volts, I have the DX6R, DX4R Pro, DX4S the only none Spektrum is the TRAXXAS iQ with my UDR I would swap but I would have to start again as nothing TRAXXAS makes can be used with anything else as I have all the telemetry the GPS and the lights I would have to replace it all. My main gripe cost I have the FIRMA gen 1 batteries and then Gen 2 came out I would love to have their complete range but the cost is prohibitive, shame I like their ESC's and Motors and would go to the complete range if I could.

[@reidisaacson9623]

Why would you have to replace it all if you switched receivers? Stuff is interchangeable

[@Nickwillfixit]

@@reidisaacson9623 The receivers will only work with the same manufacturers transmitters, and the reason I have upgraded all my receivers is I wanted the latest DSMR set up so I can have more channels, telemetry and their AVC and only the latest have the capability of both function's and also have up to six channels as I run lights and on my fifth scale gas I run a good quality engine kill switch as I use the DX6R it is one of if not the most advanced transmitter on the market, plus I run two other Spektrum transmitters the DX4S and DX4R Pro. I could run them on my DX6R but if a friend comes over I can let them use one of my other vehicles at the same time as I use my DX6R, my TRAXXAS UDR is on theie TQi transmitter because of me using their light module and telemetry on Bluetooth to my mobile, and the telemetry and light controller only work with their receiver. Hope this helps.

[@reidisaacson9623]

@@Nickwillfixit Ahh I thought you meant if you switch to Spektrum motor/esc you'd for some reason have to switch receiver/transmitter and I was wondering why

[@michaelchoate2810]

Im putting this in my base camp.lucikly i can just flip the gears in my portals if it spins wrong

[@FredPilarczyk]

When do we get the ice cream test then? :P

[@rcdriver]

Problem is I’d eat it before I’d get to the testing! 🤣 Mint Chocolate Chip FTW

[@TheSkinon]

That jerk was probably the driveline lash..

[@stogierc1277]

They should add a receiver to the pinion gear

[@carvidz7504]

Good idea and put a servo in the tires

[@juliosantiago7735]

🙋🏻‍♂️🇵🇷💪🏼😃👍🏻

[@anythingcars1389]

This looks just like the hobbywing fusion

[@jeffbrundt7740]

That's what i was gonna say...

[@nate0765]

Hobbywing manufactures them for spectrum.

[@KalsRcAdventures]

Oh hobbywing fusion 🤣🤣

[@joeygodoy509]

I dont think that stutter is the motor. I think its your remote receiver

[@seth8005]

I can't find any difference between hobbywing fusion and this besides the looks...

[@robbryan3044]

Probably because it IS the Hobbywing Fusion, just with a Spektrum Firma-colored can, and maybe a few Spektrum-requested software 'tweaks'.

[@runnerbaba]

Connector. Amp bec. Price. Punch mode can be adjusted. Different kv. No programming box included....

[@robbryan3044]

@@runnerbaba Connector type, price, and lack of including a programming Card are not truly "difference". Off the top of my head, I don't know the BEC specs, but both do include BECs, so that's also not really a difference...unless the BECs are drastically different. While the kV thing might be considered a "difference" by some, it's equally possible that certain kvs were prepared to be sold only under the hubby wing name, while other kvs were prepared to be sold only under the spectrum name. Manufacturers in multiple industries do that all the time, so I don't consider that a real "difference". Now, as for the punch mode, that is, possibly, a difference...but, at the same time, didn't hobbywing enable adjustability of that on the Fusion in more recent firmware updates? (honestly, I'm blinking right the second on weather, or not, they did...that's why I formed that last point as a question)

[@mickd8188]

@@robbryan3044 I think someone said the bec was 6amp on spectrum instead of 4amp on the fusion but I haven't researched.. Cheers

[@Shkieletor]

I guess the motor is running with set speed and it is not sensor problem, Just show us how bad is transmission slope in that not the greatest SCX10III transmission

[@jaredsay3331]

So it doesn't have smart technology of Spectrum

[@robbryan3044]

Why no video showing a steep assent & decent, including coming to a complete stop on both? Why no video showing super-slow highly-technical stuff (ie. comp level technical terrain)? Could it be because this is really nothing more than a different colored Hobbywing Fusion (since everyone already knows the Fusion has "problems" with these things). When I first started watching this video, I thought things could be a great replacement for the ESC & motor in my Class 3 (and, maybe, even my Class 2) rig(s)...especially considering the probable weight savings. But, after watching the video, I'm thinking sticking with the Castle Mamba X ESC, & Homes Hobbies motors, is probably the better (and smarter) choice.

[@mikej8832]

Well I've never seen him do any technical comp crawling that I recall. He drove it like he does in all his videos. Biggest question is what did they design these for? Trail and light crawling or the super competitive comp crawler. Things aren't going to be for everyone but some folks just want simple.

[@thomasvanderpool4735]

The hobbywing fusions drag brake does work well and will hold pretty much any grade. I know plenty of people that use them for comps. Not saying the castle and Holmes hobbies aren't better but the fusion does work well in my opinion. Definitely the cheaper and lighter option.

[@dwbv00]

Doesn't include the program card? Sorry.... HW Fusion is the better bang for the money.

[@tobydyes]

I rather buy Castle spectrum products is expensive

[@allyoucando8486]

for what i can hear from you the Hobbywing will be much better option, no programing card and the price the same, Hobbywing have the program card included, and best thing same price, i will be honest i will never buy that garbage from Firma

[@RegularGuy76]

Jesus these things are getting complicated...

[@khrisyeet8022]

Spectrum firma? Yeah I think I'll pass. My Infraction has ate two of them, and my Mojave has ate one. They are garbage. I'm staying with Hobby Wing or Castle

[@thatmarred_mustang]

Castle is garbage 🗑, I'd rather have my firma

[@khrisyeet8022]

@@thatmarred_mustang Shhh kid. Adults are talking.

[@thatmarred_mustang]

@@khrisyeet8022 nah, I work at a hobbyshop and see castle systems come back all the time. And have had 2 of them exploded on my personally. But for spektrum, never had a problem. I know how to program them with ease, never had one of their systems give me problems.

[@khrisyeet8022]

@@thatmarred_mustang I would never take the advice of most Local Hobby Shop worker. Those people barely make minimum wage, have zero mechanical ability, and talk on things they have no knowledge of. How can you advise me on a system when you can't afford it? Can you really afford an Infraction with Reefs servo, XLX 2 esc, TP motor, or a Posiden motor? You see them, but you will never own one. Speak on what you know. Traxxas Stampede and Rustlers. Once again Shhh adults are talking.

[@TheLilhulk1111]

These are garbage stick with the hobbywing fusion even the SE is better (GARBGE)