Professional Engineer Explains why the Castle XLX 2 is so Good!

[@rcbustanut2057]

570A here on the XLX2 on my Limitless GT build, 1721 2400kv castle motor, 140mph, on 6S. That ESC is a monster!! Hoping to hit 150mph this season fingers crossed 🤞

[@RCexplained]

Sounds good!

[@h3llfir3rc]

I’ve seen data logs over 600A with XLX2. While not proven, I’m of the opinion that the XLX2 has a limited number of pulls in which over 600A can be pulled. With each subsequent pull, the ESC will just not be as powerful. This is also a big reason why a lot of guys (myself included) have started running dual motor/XLX2 set ups… it allows much more speed and puts far less strain (wear & tear, temp spikes, amp draw, etc…) on the system as a whole. For single motor XLX2 set ups, I switch out the 8AWG wire with 7AWG wire. In drag set ups, the ESC doesn’t clip as easily with the larger diameter wire. I also direct solder my motor phase wires to the three output bullet cups on the XLX2. This prevents the motor phase wires from “popping” out of the 8mm output bullet cups. I have used cappacks that I made myself to help feed the motor when the FETs are in the ON position but I have noticed that it also shortens the lifespan of the ESC… it’s a cost/benefit modification with the cappacks… I seem to get much more punch in the upper RPM band range, where the RC would normally plateau in speed. For non-speed/drag use, nothing extra is required. These ESCs are so powerful but they are delicate, which is why I do not ever recommend them for bashing in a 1/5 scale… a lot like “Mike Tyson with a glass jaw”. Vibrational wear & tear really beats up on the XLX2, so I generally reserve the XLX2 for high speed applications only. It’s baby brother, the MMx8S is actually preferred for 8S drag in a 1/7 with a cappack. If you take a look at a MMX8S, they use traditional capacitors, whereas the XLX2 uses nano capacitors, which is why a cappack doesn’t necessarily translate into a 1:1 benefit like it does for ESCs that use traditional internal capacitors (think Hobbywing style ESCs). Again, this is all personal observation from years of using these ESCs.

[@miguelmingau7405]

Yes the XLX2 stronger / can handle more VS the MMX8s But Why is it ..the XLX2 slower than the MMx8s on launch/ drag application Also it would clic on launch pad bit tight

[@charlesmoradi4057]

I think it’s the internal failsafe protocol in the xlx2 that is different. Xlx2 does better at building pass through current than mmx8S but mmx8S seems to be able to handle more load upfront and I really think it has to do with the fact that it’s using traditional internal capacitors unlike the xlx2, which uses nano capacitors (which is why you don’t see them when you remove the fan cover). In short, mmx8s has better buffering to handle the load from drag vs xlx2.

[@user-rs8zg8ey2b]

You mention fragile, thats exactly what we seen running oval on-road, they were called CastleCreamations for a reason, seemed at least one a week were going up in smoke, I hated them and refuse to use their overpriced unreliable trash.

[@h3llfir3rc]

@@user-rs8zg8ey2b- I can definitely understand the frustration with the XLX2 ESC, but it does very well with very specific applications like speed running where jumps and hard landings are not really part of the gig. I think the ESC would do better if they offered it hardwired to the pcb like the old XLX but that would remove the water resistant label. I wouldn’t call it trash but think the MMX8S is a better made speed control and more versatile for sure. I run a dual motor 1/5 Kraton using two MMX8S bc the dual XLX2 just had a lot of start up problems.

[@markkumollari43]

I have 4 XLX2 escs in combination with 2028 800kv 1100kv and 1721 1260kv. In Losi MTXL, Rovan F5 and 2 Traxxas X-Maxxs. One for speed running and the other for bashing. Usually pull around 400-500 amps. Keep the videos coming. Cheers. 👍🇨🇦🤠

[@RCexplained]

Thanks for sharing, sounds like a great setuo

[@patriotcontainers4349]

Nice to hear because im building a cf gt infraction with xlx2 and tp power 4070cm 2350kv Almost ready to go just getting it dialed in for summer before testing

[@RCexplained]

Nice xlx2 is a good choice

[@palehorse7377]

also seen XLX2 melt at 350A speed run in a zippkits JAE outrigger. Guy named Sam Halstrom did it, he has a youtube channel.

[@curtisknudson8966]

I have one in my SCX6. It's handling a 3 Brothers 6s outrunner. It is MEGA capable!!!

[@RCexplained]

That sounds really neat!

[@owen8538]

Hi so tp got a small 3660 motor 3s pulls 210a max will 150a esc 6s handle that or 4s model pulls 175a max

[@sergtemnov4738]

They have marine version of this - hydra xlx2. Got two in my zonda setup.

[@RCexplained]

That must rip!

[@mp-rcspeedrun2759]

I have pulled 720a on the XLx2 on 2s in a 1/8 scale buggy at 107 mph

[@RCexplained]

That's nuts, wow!

[@nikosyoutsos]

Hello my friend, I want your help if you know.. In an excavator I want the right and left rotation to be the same, can the ESC give the same forward and backward speed? what exactly does force reverse do? if not how can i achieve it? If you can answer me please, Thanks

[@RCexplained]

Yes it can if I understand your question correctly. You can program the eac to have 100% speed forward and in reverse. Make certain the esc you choose has this capability.

[@nikosyoutsos]

@@RCexplained Does this happen with force reverse? in the factory setting it is at 25%

[@User3eighty4]

Mines in my Scx24 it works great but my CG is a little high.

[@RCexplained]

Very nice

[@encompassrc]

🤣

[@johntazwilliams3315]

Can This ESC handle a 5870 1350 kv motor

[@RCexplained]

I have not personally found the limit of this motor. When geared appropriately this ESC handles a very wide range of motors including a TP5870 series. Keep your eye on it, as this motor is an absolute monster.

[@kaiarneberg9203]

450A in my kraton 8S. Gearing 39/39 800kv.

[@RCexplained]

Very nice

[@terryporch5332]

Kraton 8s can you tell me how to know if you have a bad esc

[@RCexplained]

It's a bit broad of a question. A burning smell coming from the esc is a sign of a problem.

[@terryporch5332]

Can you help me I have a xlx2 1100kv castle maba I got turning but don't have throttle I try calibrating it but no throttle

[@RCexplained]

@@terryporch5332 your radio throttle needs to be calibrated to the esc. Does the esc know the calibration points? Neutral, full trigger, full reverse?

[@terryporch5332]

What my be my next move I tried everything still won't work, should I try another esc or send it to castle,

[@RCexplained]

You should try the esc with a known operating receiver. I don't think the issue is with the esc but with the wsc knowing the trigger point on your radio.

[@kaiarneberg9203]

I've seen over 720A on a datalog. Not mine.

[@RCexplained]

Wow that's a lot.

[@palehorse7377]

dont look at peak amps, thats irrelevant. look at average sustained amps. I have it in a blazer marine whiplash - 356A for 2 laps/20 seconds. 275A for 50-60 seconds.

[@RCexplained]

Average sustained Amps makes excellent sense for running a boat for 1-3 minutes continuously.

[@Tejaye777]

I don't have much confidence in Castle Creations ESCs. I've had two ESCs Mamba Monster 2 and Mamba Monster x stop working within a month. I wanted to buy the XLX2 but my prior experiences I was very hesitant and waiting to hear reviews on it. I was hearing so much incidents of it just burning up or stop working for no reason, so I decided not to take the chance and get something that maybe stops working in no time at all. Castle Creations make good "Performance" ESCs but they are not very reliable at all.

[@RCexplained]

Very interesting. I only use Castle ESC's for nearly 20 years now as they are the most reliable I've found. Because of this, I've not tried their customer service, but imagine you did?

[@Tejaye777]

@@RCexplained Ok. No I just left it alone because I thought the ESCs were pretty much cooked and didn't worry about it after that.

[@RCexplained]

@Tejaye777 that's unfortunate. Apparently their warranty would replace defective ESC's. What do you use as an xlx2 substitute?

[@Tejaye777]

@@RCexplained I use the Hobbywing Max 5 and a Castle 2028 1700kv motor in Limitless v2. The issue was in about 2019 though so about 5 years ago.

[@RCexplained]

@@Tejaye777 nice!

[@user-rs8zg8ey2b]

They were called CastleCreamations for a reason, seemed at least one a week were going up in smoke, I hated them and refuse to use their overpriced unreliable trash.

[@emiller233]

You said it correctly… "were". Other manufacturer, they fixed the issue

[@miguelmingau7405]

Yes the XLX2 stronger / can handle more VS the MMX8s But Why is it ..the XLX2 slower than the MMx8s on launch

[@RCexplained]

I don't notice this with mine. How are you able to record to difference. Drag times?

[@sheriffamigo4453]

You appear to be a smart guy, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. You provide useful information and cut to the chase. Constructive feedback time: Labeling this video "Professional Engineer Explains..." comes off as pretentious. Additionally, please consider removing the ",PE" from your work email signature. Thank you for the content, I look forward to your next video.

[@RCexplained]

Thank you

[@KiloWattRC]

650 amps for 25 horsepower on 8s in Traxxax XRT for 117mph kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3u4qmyYbtZsic0

[@RCexplained]

That is a lot of power! Well done

[@wildiehillman7042]

Xlx2 is not that great mine stopped working not even being used

[@RCexplained]

What did you do with it?

[@savagerc5752]

You mean Castle cremations? These things are absolute trash. What did you do? Get paid to shill?

[@rcbustanut2057]

Not sure what castle products you have owned & used, but I've been running the same castle motors & ESC's for years now & they're still going strong. So I'm truly curious about what was your experience. I have beat these things hard since I mostly do speedruns & speed bashing. Tons of hits in the 450-570A range. The only castle product I had an issue was with the MMX8S ESC. And Castle replaced it quickly. I then upgraded it to the XLX2 since I needed more power. I now have a pair of them & they are still solid after years of abuse.

[@savagerc5752]

@@rcbustanut2057 the xlx2 are notorious for catching up in flames. Probably the worst ESC you could ever buy

[@RCexplained]

No I don't get paid. What's the failure rate on these ESCs?

[@fishtailfistscale8362]

🫡 I highly appreciate the the quality and technical proficiency delivered in your content. Always very well Explained RC specs. ✨🏆🎥🏆✨

[@RCexplained]

Much appreciated! Thank you for the comment