BRAND NEW ** Castle Power System ** Traxxas Slash 4x4 “ULTIMATE BASHER BUILD”

[@MikeKirchner-zf7zm]

I got the Castle Sidewinder esc and 1410 sensored combo. My local hobby shop sold me that after asking if I planned on running 3S, and of course I said yes 😆. Only problem, that esc may be 3S capable, but not for the weight of rhe 4X4 Slash. So not even 3 minutes running 3S it overheated and shut down..... So I got on Amazon and ended up ordering this same Copperhead esc and haven't had a single problem since. I also made a mounting plate the bolts up where the stock esc did, then zip tied the Copperhead to that and it's been solid even when jumping it. Started with the BL-2S 4X4 Slash, which comes stock with the HD suspension and drivetrain components out of the box which is awesome since I did a monster Slash Conversion, running 2.8 Proline Trenchers. Then made my own body lift for the clipless body mounts, since I wasn't able to find one aftermarket.

[@RCKnockout]

@@MikeKirchner-zf7zm yeah the sidewinder probably isn’t rated for the weight of a Slash 4x4 to be running 3s especially if it’s a monster slash…but I’m glad you got it all sorted out 👍😉 I’ve been happy with my Copperhead esc too!

[@MikeKirchner-zf7zm]

Me too. The guys at the hobby shop, which happens to be the only one, seem to be experienced amateurs rather then experts 😆, not to be an A$$h01e, they are good guys, but I wasted a good amount of time and money on that first esc, and quite a few other things as well. I had been out of the RC scene for over 25 years so I had alot to catch up on. 😆 It's been just over a year now since I started this, so now I'm experienced enough to find what I need and whatnot myself. I also ditched the TQ transmitter and receiver for the Radiomaster MT12 and 5 channel receiver. Range is insane and best part, internal ceramic antenna so no wire or antenna tubee anymore. Made a skid plate to go under the steering, rocks jamming up the steering and getting in the hole for the center driveshaft were a big problem. Actually cut the center shaft off at the slipper clutch, put an aluminum shaft in too, and a Reefs RC high torque servo and it's been a huge help.

[@RCKnockout]

@ yeah there’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to modern RC and what’s the best electronics to use

[@MikeKirchner-zf7zm]

@@RCKnockout Oh yeah, if only I knew then what I know now 😆

[@RCKnockout]

@ it’s definitely a learning process

[@clayd9477]

I blew up my esc on my speed run slash 4x4 last week, went to the hobby shop and the guy recommended the copperhead combo, havnt been convinced to buy it yet this review just made up my mind

[@RCKnockout]

That’s a bummer man…..keep in mind I haven’t released a test video yet….hopefully it’ll all work out

[@MikeKirchner-zf7zm]

Last November I bought the BL-2S Slash 4x4, drove it stock for barley a week and went back to the hobby shop to get a better esc/motor combo, it was just too slow. They sold me the Castle Sidewinder SCT and 1410 3800kv combo. I had come into a good amount of money at the time so I told the kid working there I wanted to get top of the line parts for everything I planned on doing to make it as bulletproof and reliable as I could while I had the money. He asked if I planned on running 3S, I said hell yeah, which is why he got the Sidewinder esc for me. First time I ran a 3S battery, I only took about 3 minutes for it to overheat and shut down, then the fan on the esc guit working, I got a new one, it lasted about a week and died too. After all the messing around with that thing, I started looking into that esc myself and was reading that it was recommended for either a 2WD Slash or anything that weighed about 4.5 lbs at most, which the 4X4 is alot heavier then that, especially since i also was doing a monster conversion..... So I got on Amazon looking for a better esc and came across the Copperhead. 4S capable, 6 amp bec, and I ordered a double ball bearing high speed fan for it too. Haven't had a single problem since. There were also other parts they sold me that just weren't at all holding up or they were just plain wrong for the Slash..... Wasted alot of time and money with them and there lack of expertise, even though they claim to be very knowledgeable in the rc world. Since I had been out of the rc scene for a good 25 years at least, I figured they would have better experience then I did, but I learned the hard and expensive way that was not the case. Now I do all my own research and parts ordering myself. Have had much better results that way.

[@FAST_RC]

Thanks for this video!!! This answered a very specific question for me with using the SW4 mount on the Copperhead. Super helpful.

[@RCKnockout]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@mikehagquist5198]

I have the 2400 kv mamba max sct pro set. My esc finally went. They were bad in snow /wet. 11 years strong. Motor still good.

[@RCKnockout]

That’s super impressive! 😎

[@logiqalone8249]

You did the right thing by getting rid of the cage. I’ve been tinkering with RCs for a long time and whenever you’re modifying things, you’ll run into these types of problems… you just have to get creative which you did. Dremels come in handy.

[@RCKnockout]

You’re right….it seems pretty often that upgrade parts don’t work with one another…it’s just one of those things you have to deal with when upgrading…..dremels definitely come in handy lol 😂

[@FredrikOlesen]

I use Extra Strong Burr Tape… It is What they use in High-speed RC… Easy install and easy Swap around with systems…. And IT WILL NOT FALL OFF WITH BIG JUMPS😃👌🏾

[@RCKnockout]

@@FredrikOlesen good to know, thanks!

[@bguy86]

just want to say thank you. not many people are showing themselves installing parts anymore or the problems they come across while doing so. great video! i enjoy seeing the work being put into modifying the Rc Vehicle. Keep the vehicles coming in gained my sub.

[@RCKnockout]

Appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kimmern999]

This is cool.😎 I've just bought a motor/esc-combo from Hobbywing to fit in my stock 4x4 Slash myself.

[@RCKnockout]

Nice! I’ve had good luck with the Hobbywing power systems

[@tysemilicia3931]

Just got my slash 4x4 and was going easy on it by just ripping it sound my yard and on the street, no jumps or anything, and a driveshaft just snapped from driving it, traxxas really needs to improve these

[@RCKnockout]

Yeah the driveshafts are definitely a weak point….you could loosen the slipper a little bit….I like to have mine 1/2 to 3/4 turn out from fully tight

[@jeffwhitelock1013]

Tip!! If you have to use double side sticky tape don't use foam . Use the clear stuff clean with alcohol an wont come off In mud an water. If you buy in store instead of hobby shop it's called vhb tape. It's the same as hobby shop except you get a whole roll instead of 1/4 roll for same price. Great video

[@RCKnockout]

Glad you liked the video! Thanks for the tip 👍😉

[@cjchannel12RC]

Cool, I'm now planning on buying the Mamba X with 1412 3200KV 5mm shaft combo for my LCG Ultimate Slash 4x4 build and also converting it into a current ultimate edition Slash. I also have the copperhead 10 esc with a 1415 2400KV motor combo in my Hoss and it does long wheelies on demand.

[@RCKnockout]

That’s Awesome man!

[@beng.6417]

Nice. Was looking at that same motor for mine. I still don't like that double sided tape though but it works. That's all that matters.

[@RCKnockout]

True….I recommend buying the 5mm shaft motor…..I broke the smaller bore motor shaft

[@robertruiz5417]

Excellent video

[@RCKnockout]

Thank you very much!

[@juvaknin]

Nice. Yes sometimes its pain to fit other electronics😬😎 good job.

[@RCKnockout]

Thanks! Yeah this one was definitely a pain lol

[@thomasdowneyjr.4162]

Nice i made mine 6s years ago just need a bandit receiver box you can move it by the front body mounts...

[@RCKnockout]

So you mounted the esc where the receiver was?

[@thomasdowneyjr.4162]

@@RCKnockout yes i did

[@RCKnockout]

@@thomasdowneyjr.4162 did you mount it on some sort of platform?

[@thomasdowneyjr.4162]

The bandit box just screws on the front on the screw holes by the front body mounts

[@RCKnockout]

@@thomasdowneyjr.4162 Sorry…..I meant the esc?

[@swololikesolo1625]

Great choice on the sensored combo! I've wanted to see how this system works out in a slash for a while now, this should be the coverage I'm looking for. Thanks!

[@RCKnockout]

No problem…..hopefully you’ll find it helpful

[@justinvess9667]

How do you think a slate 2850kv system would work

[@RCKnockout]

@@justinvess9667 not sure…never had any experience with that system

[@justinvess9667]

@@RCKnockout ok thanks I have it on my crawler thought about swapping it over lol

[@RCKnockout]

@@justinvess9667 oh gotcha….if it’s for a crawler it’s probably not gonna work great for a short course truck….I could be wrong though

[@meirdeaph]

Awesome channel

[@marloborlo254]

you did good bro.

[@RCKnockout]

Thanks!

[@jeremyhayes1756]

I ended up mounting the esc where the on board audio was mounted on the front because of that sensor wire. Same exact setup same exact problem in 2025. Mine is the lcg that's the only difference

[@collinruess7250]

I love the vids where you do cool upgrades

[@RCKnockout]

Appreciate it man!

[@RonAdams777]

I noticed your still running the Hcg chassis when you installed this. I believe the cage only works on the lcg chassis.

[@shenanigan3083]

You can move reciever box to the front above dif.

[@RCKnockout]

That’s true

[@CraigHerbig]

I just ordered the copperhead 1406 -4600 kv motor but I’m just getting into the hobby what’s the difference in kv will this be to much for my 2wd slash

[@RCKnockout]

Higher the KV….the higher the RPM….so if the KV is higher you’ll wanna run a smaller pinion….Lower the KV the bigger pinion you’ll wanna run to get the same performance….you’ll wanna run a small pinion with that KV though

[@ParadiseBubba]

Theres a reducer sleeve 5mm to 3mm fir the pinion gear.

[@RCKnockout]

Yeah I used one of those…but I ended up breaking the motor shaft….I recommend the 5mm shaft motor to start with

[@Oscarin1467]

Liking your videos bro...new sub.👍🏼

[@RCKnockout]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jeremiahramos4212]

Wish you showed the wiring not sure where to plug in the fan for the esc

[@joshmcbride7188]

And there are aftermarket sleeves that fit inside the 5mm CB pinions to reduce.it.to 3.75 !! 😉

[@RCKnockout]

Yeah I’ve used the sleeves before

[@Iinustechtips]

what do you think is the best basher for 400$ ? it will be mostly on road and on grass. maybe some gravel.

[@RCKnockout]

The Traxxas Slash 4x4 would definitely be one to look at in that price range

[@isaacdearcos1019]

So a I noticed the shaft from the castle motor is shorter than the traxxas motor, and the castle motor didn’t come with a spur gear. So I went to put mine on and it sits too far back and doesn’t mesh completely with the slipper clutch gear. Do I need a different style spur gear or a thinner motor plate? Because it seems like the castle motor need to sit further back.

[@RCKnockout]

Can you flip the pinion around?

[@isaacdearcos1019]

Did that already:/

[@isaacdearcos1019]

I did order a spur gear that looked a lot like yours so I’ll see if that works and give you some more feedback, thanks for responding man much appreciated 🇺🇸

[@RCKnockout]

@@isaacdearcos1019 no problem…hopefully that’ll solve your issue 🤞

[@likeasoldier]

Don’t know if you will see this comment but I’m trying to get in to the hobby and build a slash on the motor I seen there is a 5mm and 1/8” is there a big difference ?

[@RCKnockout]

Yeah there is a pretty big difference….1/8 is a 3.175mm compared to a 5mm….I’d definitely go with the 5mm shaft….I broke the smaller shaft already

[@rueagonvyceratops2879]

the esc is good . im using this setup on my trx4 and i love the smart sense crawl . but i do not like the motor is not water proof . i took mine threw some water , and the sensing system in the motor started acting up . after driving it for a bit , it got back to normal , but i still do not like the motor is not water proof , when im a crawler , and i love going threw some water .

[@RCKnockout]

Interesting….so it’a probably getting in where the sensor wire plugs into the back of the can?

[@rueagonvyceratops2879]

@@RCKnockout that what im thinking , so im going to look for some kind of spray on water proofing spray , take the back off , and give it a good spray , to water proof the electronics in the motor , because i do a lot of crawling and i see water im , im like a lab , i need to run in it or threw it . So i hope i can find some water proofing spray . i have the castle 2850 sense-rd brush less combo.

[@RCKnockout]

@@rueagonvyceratops2879 I gotcha……yeah I know I’ve had issues with Sensored brushless motors in the past…..I don’t know if it’s just the sensor wire getting loose or moisture getting in but the thing starts having major cogging problems

[@rueagonvyceratops2879]

@@RCKnockout im 100% sure its the water getting on the senserd board in the senserd brushless motors cause it to short out , and act like the senser is confused on what direction to turn the motor for the smooth senserd power out put

[@RCKnockout]

@@rueagonvyceratops2879 yeah exactly….that makes sense

[@andrewsanchez6747]

Great video! You should do a giveaway on the Traxxas esc 🤷 that would be awesome 👍😎

[@RCKnockout]

Thanks! I could but I’ve always got other projects that the Traxxas esc could be used for

[@andrewsanchez6747]

That's cool man. Just thought I'd give some ideas for the channel. Love watching your vids keep them coming!💯🤟🏼

[@RCKnockout]

@@andrewsanchez6747 appreciate it man! 😉

[@andrewsanchez6747]

No problem 👍🏼

[@jozy5154]

How did u get the esc connector? U didn’t have to solder

[@RCKnockout]

I think I found a place on EBay that sold it pre-soldered

[@jozy5154]

@@RCKnockout the main supply companies don’t have them in stock? Connectors already soldered on?

[@RCKnockout]

@@jozy5154 that was a couple years ago…so it very well might not be available anymore

[@BrandonAnsara]

Really cool, I actually put in a similar setup on my slash yesterday. Only difference being, that i went with the 3800kv. Curious to see what your motor temps are with 4s. The 3800kv with 3s runs REAL warm on anything above stock gearing. Might make the switch to 3200 4s if you don't have any issues.

[@RCKnockout]

Awesome man! Yeah we will have to see how this one runs…..how’d you mount up your esc?

[@BrandonAnsara]

@@RCKnockoutI bought the same rpm sidewinder mount. Not sure why, but the lcg chassis doesn't have the same space issue. I didn't like how it stretched out the mount. So I ended up cutting the back and right sides off and then taped the ESC to the bottom rpm plate. Only cut off those two sides so I could still use the switch mount.

[@RCKnockout]

@@BrandonAnsara I gotcha….so you could have fit the esc mount and the motor in yours?

[@BrandonAnsara]

@@RCKnockout Yeah, plenty of space with the lcg chassis. There's a little over a quarter of an inch between the back of the motor and the screw post.

[@RCKnockout]

@@BrandonAnsara thanks for the info…..that’s pretty surprising actually

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

I feel so bad for those tires. 😱 Rpm bumper and wheelie bar is next upgrade 🤭

[@RCKnockout]

They’re gonna be put to the test

[@RecreationAutomotiveGarage]

Is the cooperhead 10 is better than max10 sct?

[@RCKnockout]

Don’t know…..

[@taylor_imaging]

Did you have trouble connecting to Castle link? I just bought this setup and i cannot get it to link to save my life

[@RCKnockout]

@@taylor_imaging no, I don’t remember having any issues with it

[@woodsyrc888_]

So I have a question, when you ordered the castle combo did you have the option to have the battery connectors already installed? I’m trying to order one myself and I’m not the best a soldering and was hoping I could pay a bit more just to have my preferred connectors on it. Thanks!

[@RCKnockout]

Yeah I was able to find mine on EBay with the connector pre-soldered on…hopefully that helps!

[@woodsyrc888_]

@@RCKnockout I gotcha thank you!

[@RCKnockout]

@@woodsyrc888_ your welcome!

[@Captain_Yodelstein]

Just keep practicing your soldering skills. Use small bits of wire and get good at tinning them. Once you get good at that, the rest is easy. Make sure the wire is clean, and don't be afraid of putting heat into it.

[@evancote3833]

Did the esc calibrate fine? I installed mine and it will not calibrate

[@RCKnockout]

Yeah mine calibrated fine

[@evancote3833]

Had to get a new receiver and radio. The tsm in the traxxas receiver wasn’t allowing the esc to calibrate

[@RCKnockout]

@@evancote3833 that’s a bummer….glad you got it figured out though 👍😉

[@Jessyjdo]

Have a question what is the cheapest Electronics you can put in a two-wheel drive stampede

[@RCKnockout]

I have no clue what the cheapest out there would be…..probably something off of Amazon

[@Jessyjdo]

I need everything aside the motor and tires and Chassis and cover

[@Jessyjdo]

I have a $140 to spend

[@Jessyjdo]

If I need to save up more I can out of my spending money allowance

[@Jessyjdo]

I'm in North Dakota

[@aadilsukumar5584]

You sound a lot like ChrisFix lol, great vid tho

[@RCKnockout]

Appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@keaginm2791]

Damn I wasn't right with the 4s Max10, Castle makes great products though 👌

[@RCKnockout]

Decided to try something different….I think this is only the 2nd or 3rd Castle esc I’ve ever run…most of the time when I upgrade I put in some sort of Hobbywing esc

[@keaginm2791]

@@RCKnockout Me too, I've got 2 max10 combos and only 1 Castle esc. The Castle works great for me tho, tons of power (it's a Mamba Monster X 6s)

[@RCKnockout]

@@keaginm2791 nice man! I think I’m also running that esc in one of my rcs as well

[@bayouboattrash]

Instead of double stick tape, have you thought of 3M dual lock?

[@RCKnockout]

What is that?

[@Mr.Flowers75]

I have put the larger 1415 2400kv motor into Slash 4x4 trucks for about ten years. I never used a cage. Get creative and it will work.

[@mango_juul_pod8324]

looks pretty sick, Can’t wait to see how smooth that motor performs and the power it’s gonna put down!! Great vid as always! Also I was wondering how long do you usually leave your lipo’s charged? I wanna run my rc after work like you but I’m pretty new and a little scared to leave it charged for more than an hour haha

[@RCKnockout]

Since I travel….I don’t always have good opportunities to charge…..so I’ll leave them fully charged for 2-3 days sometimes before I can use them…it might lower the lipos lifespan but it’s kinda what I gotta do

[@mango_juul_pod8324]

@@RCKnockoutvery helpful I figured I was playing too safe but I wanted to know from experience lol thanks!

[@RCKnockout]

@@mango_juul_pod8324 no problem 😉

[@McNewMotoTech]

I often times will go several days and then forget and go weeks at a time, balance charge your batteries! they will be fine. get a lipo bag for your car so youre not worried about them catching on fire while youre working ha

[@joshmcbride7188]

U couldn't run the sensor harness under the rpm base plate??right away at the end of the motor and then pop it back out of the opposite side!? it appears to be that way!! Idk!?

[@RCKnockout]

Maybe…..I don’t think I wanna run the chance of crushing the wire though

[@Minibikemike123]

Lmao🤣 I just watched your driveshaft video and I just went through four driveshafts

[@RCKnockout]

4 of the steel driveshafts?

[@rcnitrousrc7001]

How much was the motor and esc?

[@RCKnockout]

I think the motor was a little under $100 and the esc was $140…..that was with the plug presoldered though….I think it goes for around $120 otherwise

[@DadsRCGaragePNW]

Seems you could have just swapped the location of the plate and cage with the electronics housing part. Mounting holes looks similar.

[@keekay_cg32c7.r2]

You could have adjusted the motor where it does squeeze the sensor harness

[@RCKnockout]

Why would I want to squeeze the sensor harness?

[@jebrc]

you can replace that bearing then have a spare motor

[@RCKnockout]

That’s probably true 👍😉

[@jebrc]

@@RCKnockout ive done a few over the years

[@RCKnockout]

@@jebrc I’ve only tried it once….but failed immediately…..not sure if it’s special bearings that need to be used for the motor or not

[@lwinter69]

Nice video, but why didn’t you spend the extra $5.00 and get that motor with a 5mm shaft?

[@RCKnockout]

Didn’t realize that was an option

[@lwinter69]

I’m sure it’ll be fine. I just thought I would let you know about that. Research and more research.

[@RCKnockout]

@@lwinter69 thanks for looking out

[@jeffbryner5355]

You won't use any of that stuff on the esc for bashing. I have a mamba x in my sc5m I race with and the only thing I use is the torque control so I don't blow the tires off out of a turn. I was running a sw4 and it did the same. Bashing you want full bore haha. 100 percent or nothing haha

[@RCKnockout]

That’s true…..I just kept the settings simple

[@keeponrcnbrianmiles4207]

👍

[@edwardchidester82]

Heavy duty double sided tape

[@johnabelljr1997]

Why did you not clean your truck up better before making the video? All that dirt will shorten the life of your model. Otherwise great video. Also, the clip you ran the sensor wire under is actually for your unruly motor wires😅

[@RCKnockout]

Glad you enjoyed it….I’m not worried about a bit of dirt honestly…..I’ve sunk this thing in water and mud like no other….I’d still consider it clean enough to work on….the sensor wire under the shock tower?

[@joshmcbride7188]

Ehhhh broooo u should have a free coupon for a usb link with the esc!!!!! U didn't need to buy one!! 😆

[@RCKnockout]

I never saw any coupon with it

[@luvmyhondasi]

A 1415 can will fit homie lol

[@RCKnockout]

I run a much bigger motor now…..2100kv

[@donaldtimmons7675]

If you're just going to repair it to take it out and bash/trash it, couldn't you just buy a new Slash for less money than the upgrades?

[@MikeKirchner-zf7zm]

Maybe, but sometimes it's not about what you buy, it's about what you build 😁. In this hobby, alot of us enjoy the modification and upgrade aspect. It's something that can't really be explained, it's just the way some of us are. I guess it is sort of a way to make something unique in a personalized way.

[@marloborlo254]

frusrats pissedoff

[@marloborlo254]

i can tell by your voice that your really frustaded.