PDA

View Full Version : Swordfish or Castle?



SirBudman32
03-15-2013, 10:29 AM
Ok looking for some help. Who makes a better Esc? It will be going in a Cheetah with a Leopard 4092/2080. Plan on using it on 4s for sport play and 5s for speed runs. I'm looking at the Swordfish 300 and the Castle 240. Thanks for any input.

photohoward1
03-15-2013, 11:06 AM
What can you afford? I would say the Castle is better. They actually have warranty support. If the Swordfish goes down can you send it back to china?
Then again there is a cost difference to address. The choice is yours. BTW where in Ohio are you?

SirBudman32
03-15-2013, 11:09 AM
I can afford ether one.
Swanton ( Toledo area ).

RaceMechaniX
03-15-2013, 11:52 AM
Go with the Castle. Good support and better datalogging.

TG

iridebikes247
03-15-2013, 12:12 PM
Go castle. Very good warranty

c_michael_72
03-15-2013, 12:21 PM
I agree with better data logging and support…mostly. Joe, Castle's main boat guy is great...others, not so much. That said, I've had some pretty great support with all my Hifei ESC's, and no failures. As far as Castle's go, I admittedly have pushed the 240 Ice and 200 HV to the limits, the same as I do my Hifei units, and I've had multiple failures with all Castle units, and virtually none with Hifei. Hifei makes two great HV waterproof data logging units that I love, and have basically chosen switch all future purchases to Hifei units…that is until Castle comes out with something new, possibly better, or I can afford to switch to Schulze.

Make-a-Wake
03-15-2013, 12:23 PM
You don't need to spend the huge bucks for that setup..............the Swordfish 200a will power it easily................ It has a data logger and is backed by Steven, pretty good support there I would say.

http://www.offshoreelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=hef-sword-200%2B

iridebikes247
03-15-2013, 10:40 PM
If on 4s the SF200a will be great. Didn't realize it would be run on 4s. Originally I said castle I know but I really think Hifei will offer enough considering what you're looking for. I have run 2 seaking 120s, 5 seaking 180s, 2 sf 240s and no issues (so far). The chinese escs work as they're supposed to and Steve has a relationship with hifei he will send it back if it fails (if its still soaking wet when he gets it in the mail probably not so within reason lol).

Make-a-Wake
03-15-2013, 10:58 PM
If on 4s the SF200a will be great. Didn't realize it would be run on 4s.

I run a swordy 200a on 6s2p spinnin a Castle 1717 and Zero issues...............they are stout ESC's.

jcald2000
03-16-2013, 07:23 AM
I have had S/F 120, 200 and 240 for 3 years with NO problems and I push them hard.

siberianhusky
03-16-2013, 08:22 AM
Can't beat a Swordfish for the price, I can't believe my older style (non data logging) have stood up to the abuse they have taken.
Never ran a Castle in a boat, air versions work great though!
Never had to deal with replacement or repair of either brand so I can't really make an informed comment about that, BUT plenty of people have had good service from Castle.
If I was top level racing I would probably run Castle, just for the ease of service and warranty, could see having more issues possibly if I was pushing the limits, then I'd be expecting things to fail, not through product issues but me running them at the absolute limit.
SAme thing racing bikes and karts, I expected thing to fail on occasion, all part of racing. If you don't have the odd DNF you aren't pusing it to the limits.

drwayne
03-16-2013, 09:04 AM
Swordfish 120,240,300. tried them all, love 'em to bits.
Had endless recalls and service issues then waits with 'alternative'..
Went to SF and never looked back...
Great warranty and turnaround if you're abusive enough to damage one..
Brilliant for the coin outlay.
:thumbup:

that's my opinion.

Basstronics
03-16-2013, 10:22 AM
I advised SF due to the extensive issues people have had and do have with the Castle.

Plus if you can save some money on this you can use it elsewhere.

HTVboats
03-16-2013, 10:31 AM
I have run the Swordy 200 and 240 quite a bit and they have done well. I like my Caslte 240 Hydra as well. It has a better data logger in my mind and 1 degree timming capability. It also seems to throttle better for heat racing. Marginal with a 3500-4000 watt motor and SAW use. I have made a few passes with the new 300 SF and it's only drawback so far is physical size. Very wide and doesn't fit easily in an outboard tunnel radio/esc box. Your money your choice.
Mic

Rumdog
03-17-2013, 01:15 PM
Swordfish, Or Seaking 180. No datalogging with the Seaking however.
Castle.... No thanks.

lomdel
03-25-2013, 10:51 AM
Steven, any hint as to when the Swordfish 200+ ESC's will be back in stock?