Best ESC and Motor for MOST RC Drift Cars! Installed and tested

When folks first start in RC drifting, there is often confusion on what ESC and motor combo to run. There are A LOT of choices!
After testing many motors and ESCs, I believe this combo is the smartest choice for MOST rwd drift cars. Yes - there are MUCH higher-end setups that cost more and offer more features. Yes - there are also CHEAPER options available.
The ESC I recommend, Hobbywing XR10 Stock spec: bit.ly/48ubnrb
Motors I recommend:
- Hobbywing 10.5T Bandit: amzn.to/48Vsdiu
- Slightly cheaper Onisiki 10.5T: bit.ly/3vF2Q63
- Even cheaper Surpass Hobby 10.5T: amzn.to/3S5TTdo
Pinion assortment for testing: amzn.to/3u2oi4o
Hobbywing LCD programmer (newer version): bit.ly/47DTkgM
Video timeline:
0:00 Best combo
2:49 Gearing
3:40 Install
5:26 Setup
8:05 Test Drive
Was this video helpful for you? Consider joining as a channel member! Click here to learn more: / roadsiderc
*Note: The provided links to the items recommended in this may be associate links. The great news about this: you pay the same price for the item, but I get a small kickback that helps me fund this channel!
AMain Hobbies Affiliate link: alnk.to/cHIb5Xc
Amazon Affiliate link: amzn.to/3DT66e3
Redcat Affiliate link: www.redcatraci...
My LHS, Cookeville Hobbies: www.ebay.com/s...
Get previews and insights by following us on Facebook: RoadsideRC
Instagram: RoadsideRC.
RoadsideRC Merchandise: roadsiderc.cre...
Want to support the channel? Buy me a cup of coffee here: www.buymeacoff...
Music provided by the KZbin library.

[@edsadventures3575]

Troy, I just wanted to say, this is my favorite channel for Rc. Been watching you for over a year. So funny, now that I’m diving into drifting, most of your latest vids are about drifting! How ironic?!?!?! Haha Thanks bud truly!

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Thanks for the kind words. Really glad I can help!

[@mika_models]

That was nice. I appreciate you show us your basic set up to this ESC. I’m totally lost with mine. So, that gives me the basics. Now I can try find my own detaills much easier.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Glad this helped!

[@ChevySSFTW]

My Yokomo RD1 esc and motor just went out today and only had it for a week. You’re videos are a big help for us new guys, I really appreciate your help.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help! Good luck with the upgrade!

[@ck_lowman]

Brooooo the Onisiki 120a esc is amazing with this motor.

[@RoadsideRC]

Looks like it is around $140. I should give it a shot!

[@user-fe9yl4hz4o]

Nice video Troy.You are a wealth of information on R/C drifting.Thank-you from Ontario Canada

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to help! Thank you for the kind words.

[@08fireblade1975]

Just so you know the Onisiki is made by Hobbywing. Just like the OMG drift esc is made by Hobbywing and the Yokomo ESC is made by Tekin.

[@RoadsideRC]

No doubt that many of these companies are sharing a common manufacturer.

[@Bluespade115]

So the Hobbywing wireless will work for Onisiki?

[@idworkhard]

Love the suggestions.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you like them! Any other questions?

[@eastyorkshiredriftrc]

XR10 stock spec?? Looks good. Im not sure about the US butnin the UK the XD10 pro is now £140. I dont know why the sudden price drop. But i would spend the extra £20 for reverse polarity protection. And the look a bit more shiny😂 Great video tho. The info people need getting into the hobby. 👌

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! Yes - for that small of a price difference, I would consider the XD10 as well...even if it is just for the shiny looks. I just looked here. $130 for the XR10, $220 for the XD10. That is a big difference for us!

[@eastyorkshiredriftrc]

@@RoadsideRC I'm sure the price will start to comes down in the US aswell it was £200 over here until December. Then it just dropped everywhere. I have no idea why.

[@CaptainC6969]

I bought this motor and ESC combo that you recommended. The motor does tend to get quite hot after two hours of RC drifting. Have you ever had to mount a fan on your motor to try to keep it cool?

[@RoadsideRC]

Motors and ESCs will always get warm - they are doing work, so generate heat. My motors typically do not get hot enough that I worry about it.

[@MX-CO]

I thought about getting into drifting, I think it looks cool but I dislike hiw slow the cars are moving around the track these days! I did see someone that Made a drift car with a Gyro int a Dirt oval car and that was super sweet it was drifting around the corners at a high speed just like a real drirt modified car, it was super sweet, I hope that carches on and becomes a class

[@RoadsideRC]

That sounds like a blast - going around the dirt! Many people are concerned about the speed at first - but the speed isn't where the fun is. It is about the control, placing the car mm from a clip, and getting right in the door of the person you are tandeming with.

[@johnkilduff3394]

in the video you say the starting point on the motor is 30 degree. how do I check/set that. I have a futaba t4pm if that helps.

[@RoadsideRC]

It is physically on the motor itself. When you look at the endbell, it has marks showing the timing.

[@LegendsPizzaCo]

Also your link goes to the G2 which I think replaced the V4 80amp pro stock spec. Since the new g2 isn't a pro version does it have all the same settings and the pro. I habe a xr10 pro srock spec and it's 80 amps like the one in your video. It seems the new G2 is 100 amps but they tool the pro title away. The new lineup is confusing me lol

[@RoadsideRC]

Yep - as soon as I created this video, they released the new version. It is better overall value, which is why I provided the link to it instead.

[@LegendsPizzaCo]

@RoadsideRC I was thinking this too. I had just bought my V4 xr10 pro at my LHS and then hobbywing immediately discontinued it lol. They replaced it with this G2 but they took the words pro out of the title. Did they also take away the pro configuration setting options? Is it still the same size as the V4? The V4 is the smallest lightest esc I've ever seen lol

[@J-adona]

Im new to this hobby What tires can u recommend i have yokomo rtr also and what 1st upgrade should i do on my rtr.. tnx in advance 😊

[@RoadsideRC]

Tire selection is very important, and really depends on the track surface and size. If you have a local track, I HIGHLY suggest you use the standard track tire.

[@expo12345]

Speaking of the Surpass stuff, they have a 120a ESC for DIRT cheap that is actually surprisingly good. Might wanna check that out at some point in the future?

[@RoadsideRC]

That ESC is non-sensored, correct?

[@expo12345]

No, it's sensored.@@RoadsideRC

[@mikeprater7888]

Great video buddy

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks 👍

[@davidaguilar2966]

Thank you so much for this video, been wanting to see what setup to go with since this is for fun. Building a budget Sakura D5 with a BMW Z3 body. By the way is that a BMW E34 in the background?

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice! Glad this could help! The BMW in the picture was related to an old work project. Fun times!

[@RcNickster709]

Hmmm Nice work troy. Looks like a great car. :)

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks 👍

[@billrigsby5519]

It looks like a lot of fun. Where can I buy a complete package with all the parts already? I’d like to purchase, but it’s so difficult looking up all those different things.

[@RoadsideRC]

What all do you want in the package?

[@thomasblair7996]

Great review!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@johnkilduff3394]

did you solder the wires directly to the motor or do i need some kind of connector on the ends? i couldn't tell from the video. a pic would be helpful.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yep - solder the wires directly to the motor!

[@nico179]

Good video mate! What's next for the mighty Yokomo RTR?

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! A new body is 100% in the works. I have some suspension parts that I may throw on it - just for giggles.

[@MOFUGGINFPV]

Your videos have been extremely helpful helping me put together my first drift car. I've narrowed down my first esc/motor combo to two different options and I can't figure out what to go with. Should I get the 10BL60 with sensored 10.5t motor or should I get the 10BL120 with a sensorless motor and just worry about getting a sensored motor down the line?

[@RoadsideRC]

If those are your choices, then I would probably go 10BL60. You most likely won't miss the extra amperage. The 10.5T motor will then be good for whenever you upgrade the ESC later.

[@MOFUGGINFPV]

@@RoadsideRC Thank you for the response! Yeah that seems to be the general consensus. 10BL60 it is!

[@johnkilduff3394]

Hey Troy looks like the program box pro (G3) are sold out here in the states or hasn't been released yet but would the G2 be ok or should i wait ?

[@RoadsideRC]

The previous program box is what I still use to this day. Works like a champ.

[@johnkilduff3394]

thanks troy. i'm building my first drift car and everything i bought is from the recommendations from your videos.@@RoadsideRC

[@RoadsideRC]

@@johnkilduff3394 Glad to help!

[@prgiant]

Hi everyone, I’m new to the channel and new to drifting. I’m looking for a new motor and ESC but the one recommended in this video is no longer available. They do have the 1S version available. Should I get that one instead? Any help would be awesome. Troy I love your channel and you have some awesome content! Thanks for the videos!

[@RoadsideRC]

Hello! Yes - right after I released this video, Hobbywing announced a new version of the ESC. It has still not come available widely yet, and the version of the ESC here is now out of stock. Two options - wait a little while longer until the new version is available, or step up to the more powerful version - this one: alnk.to/58pLQaV You DO NOT want to run the 1S version. That 1S means it can only run on a 1S lipo, which is not good for you.

[@deruckuss]

I managed to get this at a great deal. Yea the new one is out, I ordered that one also for my sons car, seems pretty much the same, but 100A. Don’t get 1s version

[@prgiant]

Thank you sooo much! Your channel is the best and extremely helpful!! @@RoadsideRC

[@offroad1911]

Is there a drift track anywhere near Cookeville?

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! In the basement of Cookeville Hobbies - check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYixn6uaZbuaaNU

[@jimramos5754]

Hi Troy. I’ve been watching your videos and it helped me a lot. I’m still new to drifting. Do you actually need to use a drift spec motor or can I use my regular brushless motor from my touring cars. Thank you!

[@RoadsideRC]

You 100% can use your touring car motor. The only difference is the drift spec uses much weaker magnets for easier coasting...but that is a minor issue.

[@jimramos5754]

@@RoadsideRC Thank you so much for responding! I will try it for now. You are the best!

[@shaunrahman]

thought I added a comment here, but, Can't seem to find it. I bought this ESC the other day based on your video. I love your content. How do I know if 80A is good enough? There is a new 100A xr10 stock spec ESC that was just released.. is that much better than this one? I am running at 13.5T motor now, but, will be upgrading eventually to 10.5t

[@RoadsideRC]

Most of the time you will find the limits of the esc or battery at high-RPM with turbo and boost all-in. However, I find the battery is usually the weak link, not the ESC. For RC drifting, we have light weight cars, with hard tires, on smooth surfaces. Not so much amperage is really needed.

[@shaunrahman]

@@RoadsideRC Thanks! Just opened the XR10 Stock Spec up, man these wires seem so thin :) 14AWG

[@LegendsPizzaCo]

I didn't think this esd could go down to a 10.5 turn being it's only 80 amps. I'm glad I can just take this out my race buggy and use it I'm my reved rdx and I will upgrade my race buggy esc. Or I can just buy another xr10 pro stock spec again and have the same esc in all my cars. I was going to upgrade my race buggy to the G2S esc but running a 17.5 in blinky mode idk if 160 amps is over kill for blinky racing. I'm torn on which direction to go lol. I found a xd10 esc and d10 motor combo on alie for $234 which is a great deal. They have the G2S for $160. Help me make a decision haha I have a hard time deciding

[@RoadsideRC]

Yep - works great. Have had it for years in other vehicles with a 10.5T. No issues, just great performance.

[@LegendsPizzaCo]

@RoadsideRC great to know. Like I said I thought it could only go down to a 13.5. I just bought the G2S stealth esc to go in my B6.4 and then I'm moving the XR10 Pro Stock Spec to the reved rdx. The hobbywing line confuses me at times. Some say pro and some don't. I don't think they even make the XR10 Pro Stock Spec any longer. It's now just an XR10 Stock Spec but they bumped the amps from 80 to 100 but dropped the "Pro" title from the box.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@LegendsPizzaCo Agree - they definitely drive some confusion in their naming and even some of their specs.

[@LegendsPizzaCo]

@RoadsideRC I almost pulled the trigger on a XR10 G2S but this Nitride ESC from El Ceram looks amazing. Just not sure about the company. Have you heard of them yet? It's a Czech company and they make 1 product. I trust hobbywing so it's hard to experiment with another brand especially at $230. Curious your thoughts on the Nitride vs XR10 G2s

[@RoadsideRC]

@LegendsPizzaCo I agree - that ESC is certainly interesting...but I haven't jumped on it due to the price and concern on the company as well.

[@kamikaze337]

Amazon has the esc motor an lcd programmer for around 244 for all 3 . Not bad

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice find!! Thanks for sharing.

[@kamikaze337]

@RoadsideRC no problem . Thanks for the helpful info . Hands down the best RC channel on KZbin. We appreciate all you do for the community.

[@frozenshade666]

Nice information as usual, bough an XR10 because of your first video on it, still using it 1 year later. Been drifting in a club twice or more a week with some serious drifter, tried others cars with every system possible. I recently bough a second car for gigs and giggles. I equipped it with an XD10 motor combo and I have no plan to move the "better" ESC to my main car as I still don't see the need or can feel it been better than the XR10(XR10 is lighter). One point however, I REALLY like the low cog motor like the Yokomo 13.5R Titanium.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad it has been working well for you. Agree 100% that I like the lighter weight as well.

[@johnkilduff3394]

do you have to charge the lcd program box before you use it?

[@johnkilduff3394]

nevermind

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope - runs off the esc power.

[@SleekHobbies88]

Top of the morning 🌞

[@RoadsideRC]

Hello!

[@SABATORdoesSTUFF]

What would you upgrade first on yd2E chassi thats fully stock not electronics

[@mikeprater7888]

I would recommend shocks, i run the yeah racing big bores with after market spring and 4 hole pistons drilled to 1.5mm. But yokomo big bores and MST trf are great also. Just make sure u buy the correct length..

[@RoadsideRC]

When you say "not electronics" - does that mean you have already got good components? Those are most critical. Like Mike suggested - shocks are a good upgrade. I also like to then swap the chassis for carbon fiber. I am a big fan of reducing weight on the drift cars.

[@totallyrandomuser5760]

Differential could also be a decent upgrade. Just experimenting with viscosity of gear diff oil/tightness of ball diff (if you purchased it) might be a pretty big change if you don't want to spend more on a C-LSD just yet

[@kellykuretich6366]

😎😎👍👍