Is The NEW ZTW Beast G2 ESC Better Than Castle & Hobbywing? Let's See!

Can the new ZTW Beast G2 ESC beat Castle and Hobbywing at their own game? Let's take a look at the 6s 150A version and find out. Is this a good choice for your Arrma, Traxxas, Redcat or Team Corally?

[@DoRC]

Looks like I accidentally included the wrong thermal camera video. The ESC was around 130° in the actual video for this vehicle. Sorry about that!

[@dylanwhite6539]

I was about to say that esc was glowing.

[@JFlyer1973]

So strange to hear “since 2007 so they have a lot of experience…” I’m old. Lol

[@DoRC]

Yeah I understand that.

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

For sure I feel this

[@captaincouldverc]

Really enjoying all these quality inexpensive 6s esc's coming to market. Now if some manufactures would bring some 8s budget ones, that would be epic!

[@DoRC]

Yeah I'm surprised there aren't more options.

[@GarcBomber]

Nobody can compete with the premium features and power per dollar of a Max6G2 combo, and you definitely don't want to go budget electronics 🔥 in a $1000+ RC.

[@FlailinMonkey]

Great review! Based on your excellent review of the QUICRUN WP 8BL150 G2 I bought one and put in my Maxx.

[@DoRC]

That's definitely a good ESC and a safer bet than something like this.

[@RtH4rbr3cht]

Good vid, good review, good editing and commentating.

[@DoRC]

Thanks Glad you enjoyed!

[@brothertax]

Love the format of this video. More of it!

[@DoRC]

Glad you enjoyed more to come!

[@ThisisTyy]

That’s awesome I was just looking for a new 6s budget esc to test out an it’s hard to find any worth purchase but I’ll be getting this one now that I know this 🤘🏽

[@DoRC]

Let me know how it goes :-)

[@needlejuse1113]

Love what your doing in videos ❤

[@DoRC]

Glad you're enjoying and glad you're here!

[@kimmern999]

Never heard of the brand. Thanks for introducing me to it. 🙂

[@DoRC]

They've been around a long time and they've been making ESCs for a while but up until recently they really haven't had anything that was a serious ESC for bashing.

[@AsurasWrath164]

​@@DoRCa lot of ppl used ztw for 8s 1:5th scale applications

[@M14armorer]

I’ve had great experiences with ZTWs, the older Beast Pros had some issues but the new G2s are great.

[@DoRC]

Yeah overall I've been pretty happy with this one. The low voltage cut off quirk is annoying but that's something that could easily be fixed in firmware.

[@jamesbrown7758]

Cool video! I recently purchased the 120 amp version with a brushless motor and programming card to put into my Arrma Gorgon. It is running fantastic! Very happy with it thus far! Well worth the $100!

[@DoRC]

Any issues with the LVC?

[@jamesbrown7758]

@@DoRC So far, so good. Not sure if it’s because it’s an esc/motor combo with a programmer or not. This was my first experience with a programmer. Took me a minute to figure it out, but feel like I got it pretty dialed in.

[@DoRC]

@@jamesbrown7758 nice! This is the only version of the series I have experience with so the other ESCs may not have the problem. It also probably just depends on your bashing style.

[@JustFun-ho6qy]

I also have ztw g2 120a combo in my car. No real issues there either. I did have to turn up the starting speed setting all the way up with the program card to get rid of cogging, though. The Team Magic E5 ARR is a rather heavy 1:10 vehicle, so maybe that's why. Not a big fan of the Ztw 3660 3500 kv motor, though. Runs fairly hot and doesn't seem as powerful as it oughta be. I replaced it with a 3660 3600kv Hypersonic Rocket V2 and it feels like I put an extra S in the car.

[@EinfachSimon0815]

The temprature Camara video is Not the esc testet in this Video, ITS a hobbywing quicrun esc in a Traxxas maxx,but why???

[@DoRC]

Good catch. I grabbed what looked like the latest video from the folder that The recordings are in and apparently got the wrong one.

[@Blimpus]

Great review on this one , I'm always looking to save a buck for sure and this seems like it would hold up

[@DoRC]

Yeah the LVC thing is a problem but I was able to work around it.

[@tonycoffee7335]

I bought a surpass motor and esc combo 120 amp for 80 bucks. I run 3s. I have no complaints. Came with program card.Got my 1/10 scale to 57mph. I have been into RC since 2002. I don't think I'll be busy any expensive stuff anymore... Great videos.

[@DoRC]

Good to hear. The higher end ESC's do tend to have fewer problems and the LVC issue on this is something to keep in mind but you could definitely save some money.

[@daddysullivan87]

Rocket Esc's will burn up, motors are solid

[@DoRC]

@daddysullivan87 in my experience the new V2 rocket ESC's aren't the fire hazards that the v1s were

[@tonycoffee7335]

@@DoRC I saw something on that. Turns out the esc could handle 6S not the motor. So when people tried to run 6s the motor would pull a weird amperage or the KV was off idk...

[@DoRC]

Interesting.

[@blakamin]

I've got one of these in a combo with a 2150Kv motor and it absolutely rips. I used it to convert an old hobao hyper 7 nitro to electric. The only issue I have is the cable length. I wish they put bullets on the actual ESC, because the motor cables are the same length as the ESC cables, and that's a lot of cable when they're hooked up.

[@DoRC]

Yeah though I do kind of like not having the bullets on the board because it makes it less likely to end up ripping a bullet off and destroying the ESC.

[@blakamin]

Any way I can send you some pics? This is a POS. Fan stopped working, so I pulled it apart as it's the only way to release the fan. It was totally full of dirt and stones, all the way to the bottom, and the silicone they use to "splash proof" had all fallen off. Really disappointed now

[@WildBoyRC]

I’m a cool kid woo! As for video ideas: I’d like to see some more 8s stuff like the arrma kraton and outcast! And upgrades with those rigs! What size are those 2 motor bolts do you use on that kraton? Great video Kenny

[@DoRC]

I'm not sure what size they are but the stock bolts from the new EXB work really well

[@theunknownone5663]

I like using double sided foam tape just because i can double or triple it up to absorb the shock of a hard landing.

[@DoRC]

Seems reasonable

[@ruuster83]

Looks just like the 120a 2-4s $25 Banggood ESCs, its next size up obvsiously but its funny i have 2 of the 4s and one works well the other cogs badly. Great price and all but id rather spend $15 -20 more and have a HW

[@DoRC]

I did some research before making the video and it's not quite the same as those and doesn't seem to be from the same factory. ZTW has been making their own stuff for quite a while now and I believe even though it looks similar it's not the same.

[@coreyfuchs730]

Great video..Interesting content..

[@DoRC]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@sammyboswelldirtybrc7580]

Look’s awesome and for the price I would try one out🔥🔥🔥😎👍

[@DoRC]

Yeah if you're looking for a basic reliable ESC going with a hobby wing is probably the best bet but if you want to try something different this is definitely worth a look

[@badd_jrc9769]

It looks decent..but I’ll probably spend the extra $10 on a 8BL150

[@DoRC]

It's definitely the safe bet!

[@toolbaggers]

You know all the tips and tricks. 👍

[@DoRC]

Some for aure:)

[@ragercrepair9301]

Seems to be a decent esc. Good review video!

[@DoRC]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@ragercrepair9301]

@@DoRC you're welcome

[@joeymendoza3859]

I didn't even realize that ZTW was still out there. I have a 10.5t sensored setup from them as well as using a 45a esc in my Merv

[@DoRC]

Yep. Still making new stuff!

[@joeymendoza3859]

@@DoRC that is great to hear! They were one of my favorite budget brands!

[@DoRC]

@@joeymendoza3859 Yeah I wish the LVC issue didn't exist on this one but it does seem fairly easy to work around in most cases

[@itzjoeylo4501]

Takes up to 6s, looks like a great alternative for a blown ESC. I’m thinking about running 4s in my Vendetta, probably will run cooler.

[@DoRC]

Should be good on a vendetta!

[@scaleworksRC]

It's attractive, and the new one has the data feature you can run on your phone. But, for a similar price and availability I'll probably end up buying the Hobbywing 150.

[@DoRC]

It's definitely the safe bet

[@jonthomas8487]

I wonder if this is the OEM for the Hobbystar ESC’s? The manual and case looks very similar.

[@DoRC]

Surpass makes the hobbystar ESCs. The rocket V2 is identical other than color.

[@dylanwhite6539]

I’ve had the D shape pinions hold onto the shaft without a grub screw at all.

[@DoRC]

Technically it will temporarily but it'll be loose and will teear things up eventually

[@craigjones2015]

Tip for the tape. Hit the tape with a lighter and 🥵 heat it up it sticks better.. but a pain to get off lol

[@DoRC]

Good tip!

[@samintrepid]

Very great esc for the price but for 10$ difference I will keep the BL150 from Hobbywing because he have already the 6mm bullet from factory. The dance music during the bashing was great :)

[@DoRC]

Glad you enjoyed:)

[@Macgyver46]

Think I'll stick with hobbywing. Was very tempted until the power spike.

[@DoRC]

Yeah it is an unfortunate drawback to an otherwise really solid ESC. You can work around it but I don't see why you should have to.

[@magnusstone]

I like it! Do you ever experience issues hosing down your rigs like that? It scares me 😂

[@DoRC]

The only issue I really ever have is with the heads of screws rusting. I always hose the vehicles down then blow them off with compressed air and put in front of a fan to finish drying.

[@fatjoecanadian81]

I have the 8bl150 and it's been 2.5 feet under water and still works great ps I didn't disconnect the fan just grease out the connection

[@DoRC]

Yeah The hobby Wing ESCs are very waterproof

[@Heizekel77]

Wow, seems promising!

[@DoRC]

Yeah the LVC thing is annoying but it's good other than that.

[@EL_FEDERAL_252]

Not to be confused with the Beast PRO G2 series, wich have a lot more tuning features and is bluethooth capable.

[@DoRC]

Correct. They are also not waterproof at all.

[@FatherandSon_RC]

I think I would stick with the hobbywing. The LVC would just be a pain, and it probably means the capacitors are not sufficient. I think they have some work to do.

[@DoRC]

I think the lvc is just too sensitive. It is definitely something to keep in mind though.

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

Do they offer any sensored variations? Id definitely check out a sensored setup if it was a good price. Its just hard to beat Hobbywings prices these days. The price on this isnt too bad but id say most would still spend the few extra dollars and get a hobbywing sensorless system. Only becsuse you're not only buying a product, but youre also buying customer service, warranty and convenience. I can pick up just about any hobbywing system i want from LHS. But, if they offered say a 120amp sensored esc and motor combo for $100 or so, id check it out 😂

[@DoRC]

I think their pro ones are sensored but I don't believe they are waterproof

[@G35Jeesh]

Do you have any thoughts on what they're doing with the traxxas bandit? rustler n bandit out of stock for months lol

[@DoRC]

I don't have any actual information on them but it's at least reasonably likely that they're just being discontinued. They might have some new two-wheel drive budget thing coming to compete with a gorgon that will replace them but that's just a guess

[@seanconnolly2179]

Fact is you’re the cool kid 👍👍

[@DoRC]

We are all cool kids!

[@davidsearfoss2479]

I would definitely race it

[@DoRC]

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be racable

[@T0x1c0v3r]

Maybe you should try to soder on a cap pack to help those current spikes causing LVC

[@DoRC]

It's possible it would help but capacitors really only smooth out power delivery on a millisecond time scale. They don't really do much to reduce actual voltage sag

[@T0x1c0v3r]

@@DoRC depends on the capacity ) A friend of mine once made cap so big, that a max8 could almost initialize with the battery disconnected ) twas about 8000mF. But generally, of course you're right

[@DoRC]

@@T0x1c0v3r Even that would still not provide very much energy under actual load. The ESC probably only pulls a few milliamps to initialize. Under the heaviest load it's probably hundreds of amps. Of course you could make a capacitor pack big enough but I don't think it would be practical :-)

[@jaymitchrc]

Do you have a link on where to purchase one?

[@DoRC]

Got mine on ali Express. I'd recommend. Googling and just looking for the best price as the links are always changing.

[@FEboats]

I’ve been using ztw boat esc’s since they came out. They aren’t as good as castles but they’re cheaper for sure.

[@DoRC]

Overall I was pretty impressed with this. The weird low voltage cut off thing is a bit annoying but not the end of the world.

[@FEboats]

@@DoRC I’ll have to pick one up for one of my trucks.

[@DoRC]

@@FEboats Yeah give it a try. I don't think they'll be for everyone but they're inexpensive enough that it's worth a go.

[@FEboats]

@@DoRC I will, thanks for the video.

[@dylanwhite6539]

IMO arrma/spektrum is kinda crazy for running 4mm bullets on a 6s motor. Basically everyone else does 6.5, even traxxas.

[@DoRC]

Yeah. They definitely got hot with the esc

[@666cemetaryslut]

Their stuff is reliable but pretty underpowered

[@flubbertrip]

LVC can be changed by programming card, but a factory settings it's way to sensitive.

[@DoRC]

Based on the instructions it seemed like the LVC could only be on or off. I didn't see where you could adjust it but I'll have to look again

[@AllInRc1971]

The cool kids wear New Balance sneakers and have AOL email addresses..

[@DoRC]

Yes we do :-)

[@Danielxperez14]

Are the surpass escs any good? Was thinking about the 120a one for my Omni terminator in order to run 4s

[@DoRC]

The newer G2 stuff is okay but if you want reliable I would recommend hobbywing or castle.

[@Danielxperez14]

@@DoRC okay yea I’ll do some research, I just don’t want to spend too much

[@DoRC]

The 10 BL120 is pretty affordable and is a nice reliable ESC

[@Danielxperez14]

@@DoRC do they sell it on Amazon? Prime day is coming up might wait to see a sale, do I have to program it with a card?

[@Danielxperez14]

@@DoRCfor motors what’s the difference between two 3660 motors if one says it’s 4s capable and the other doesn’t but they’re same size and kv

[@johnsorensen5758]

Somebody needs to make a esc that can hold up to bashing I have gone through 4 hobbywing in last 2 months and tekin can't hold up either maybe have to give this a try 🤔

[@DoRC]

Hobbywing ESEs are typically very durable. What exactly is happening to yours?

[@johnsorensen5758]

@@DoRC they just stop working and then won't read programming card anymore

[@dylanwhite6539]

For the life of me I cannot get double sized tape to hold my esc in my rustler 4x4. I’m mounting to a 0.030 lexan so I’m wondering if that’s just too flexible

[@lylevalentine5902]

You are probably right! Lexan is also smooth so try sanding it to rough it up and clean the surface with alcohol. I tried Lexan for this on a stampede a longtime ago and the ESC wouldn't stick for me either.

[@PonkyKong]

I crazy glue a plastic tab to the back that I can drill a hole into. Then I can install them with hardware. Like the tab that comes with a new pair of socks or most types of clothing tag. ESCs should have mounting holes. Tape is silly.

[@DoRC]

It's possible. What tape are you using and are you prepping the surfaces?

[@DoRC]

That can help!

[@DoRC]

Good tip

[@ukr-109]

so how does it compare to Castle and Hobbywing?

[@DoRC]

Overall I'd say it compares pretty favorably to the budget offerings from hobby Wing but it does feel rough around the edges compared to both Castle and hobbywing. I'm not sure I would recommend it as an ESC that you needed to have work like on your only basher or something like that but it is an interesting alternative to try if you want to experiment.

[@fgarcia2277]

I would like to see more than one video or single use on these types of escs. A lot of things will do well 1 or 2 times. The test is in durability. I saw that another esc you tested caught fire on another person's video.

[@DoRC]

I do have several packs through it but I am only one person and there's just so much I can do for a video. Keep in mind though that literally every ESC out there has caught fire on someone.

[@fgarcia2277]

@@DoRC I understand that and respect your time. The esc I'm that I'm thinking about the previous gen was known to catch fire is all and from your responses you seem to have gotten rid of it quickly. You asked what we wanted to see, that's why I wrote what I did. You could do a short or esc shootout or something like that. I think that would add a lot of value to these types of videos.

[@scaleworksRC]

Brian's RC Stuff has done some testing with it, that's where I heard about this ESC

[@Nolewayout33]

Yay, I am cool!!!

[@DoRC]

Nice!

[@RC4us]

IT LOOKS LIKE A QUICRUN

[@RockyMtBashers]

Yea it’s does 🤔

[@RC4us]

@@RockyMtBashers i see some differences but a lot of similarities as well

[@DoRC]

Close but not quite.

[@DoRC]

Yeah it's definitely different

[@RC4us]

@@DoRC I watched the hole thing looks ok but at 1st glance it sure does look familiar

[@AaronBittenbender]

I gotta say I never even heard of them. lol.

[@DoRC]

They've been pretty well known in the speed running sector for a long time but not really much for bashers

[@alantaylor353]

Hobbywing every time.!!

[@DoRC]

They are generally pretty reliable!

[@alantaylor353]

Hey, I'm a cool kid.!! COOL.!!😉 😉 👍 👍 👍

[@DoRC]

Nice! Thanks for being a cool kid :-)

[@SDkarma4]

Cool kid here…

[@DoRC]

Nice!

[@nitroman365]

Love a cheap ESC. Surpass hobby is another good, cheap esc.

[@AsurasWrath164]

Nah, absolutely not. Their motors are okay but especially their escs are mostly garbage.

[@DoRC]

The lastest V2 ESCs are of but they are kinda quirky.

[@DoRC]

Agreed.

[@RcSpeedFreak-kk8wj]

I don’t see much of a reason to buy this esc. With Hobbywing and castle to compete with. Also 5mm bullets 🤮 what is the point of that at least put something standard on it. It also just looks cheap plastic fantastic

[@DoRC]

Yeah the non-standard bullets are definitely weird.

[@oriongamingtv1401]

I mean I think at $70, I’d rather spend $80 on a hobby wing 8bl150

[@DoRC]

Yeah like I said at the end of the video if you're just looking for a reliable known quantity the hobbywing ESCs are the way to go. This is more for if you want to just try something different and experiment to see what's out there.

[@oriongamingtv1401]

@@DoRC I agree, I just wish there was a more budget option for achieving 6s, a lot of the Chinese companies are pricing theirs the same as known brands like hobby wing, I know the 8bl150 has come down in price a bit tho but still,

[@DoRC]

@oriongamingtv1401 Yeah the 8BL 150 is pretty cheap for 6S though. It wasn't long ago that you would spend quite a bit more than that

[@Lexicoyote]

Castle any day over the hobby wing …

[@DoRC]

They do make some premium stuff!

[@dylanwhite6539]

$69 *nice*

[@DoRC]

:)

[@jiroup7390]

it looks like those crap GoolRC escs oh god even the text is exactly the same, RUN PEOPLE RUN

[@DoRC]

The text is put on there with a laser which is why it looks similar but these are definitely not made in the same factory as the goolrc ones

[@jiroup7390]

​@@DoRC upon further watchinf of the video, it does seem to be quite decent this might be too overkill for my Slash, but hey, better to be safe than sorry right?

[@skyhawk21]

Looks cheap vs heavy duty castle

[@DoRC]

Well it is cheap. It's less than half the cost of a comparable castle ESC.

[@XBB_very_good]

中特威ESC，cheap but easy to burn……

[@DoRC]

How many of these have you had burn?

[@XBB_very_good]

@@DoRC 1, compared to 0 of hobbywing

[@rockisback833]

I Don‘t thing so thats ESC better then Castle and Hobbywing. Castle and Hobbywing is best

[@DoRC]

It is at a pretty compelling price point though.

[@rockisback833]

Carefully Bro 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@BASSstarlet]

First :P

[@AllCoolThingsStoneMountain]

Nope. @JFlyer1973 beat you to it, and without bragging. ;)

[@DoRC]

Welcome to the video :-)