Are Castle Creations and other ESC makers losing out?

[LuckyDuc]

Are Castle Creations and other ESC makers losing out?

The P-limited “spec” classes have gained quite a large following over the last 3 years and they are the best attended classes at national FE events. I suspect that these classes are the favorites at many local clubs too.

I have seen Castle Creations, ProBoat, Turnigy, Seaking, Etti, Aquacraft, Swordfish, YGE, etc represented at these national FE events in the P-limited classes, but is seems that they are not being represented in some local clubs.

Should Castle and other ESC manufacturers be concerned about this and start lobbying for the “local” sponsorship/ support in the P-limited classes?

[teach]

Sir they are well represented in Pueblo, Co. I would say 75% of our club use castles.

[Darin Jordan]

Castle is here in Washington, as well. In fact, Brian Buaas works with Castle and lots of us run their stuff.

[LuckyDuc]

Castle as well as the others listed above are represented in our P-limited classes here in WI and IL too.

I have noticed that some clubs are restricting the choice at the local level, which is fine... It's their club/rules, but I was curious as to how wide spread this practice is.

[Darin Jordan]

Those clubs that are restricting the choice and limiting thier "spec" classes to factory ESCs are those that CLEARLY understand that the ESC can make a HUGE difference. Unfortunately (depending on where you sit), most do not see this, or don't care, and they are only thinking about what they have in their spares box, as opposed to what would be the most balanced for racing.

Many of us suggested, when this spec idea first started, that we restrict ESC choice to the factory ESCs, but we were overruled. Not worth the battle. I will use whatever ESC I can afford that is legal, so it's not as big a deal to me. It does, however, put one more factor into getting the best out of the system, and stresses the systems harder by leaving them open.

Again, not worth battling over for me. I just want to race, and will run whatever rules exist that make sense to me. If they don't make sense, or don't interest me, or I can't afford to be competitive, I won't race the class...

[sailr]

Totally agree Darin,

I use the stock ESC's in my spec boats. While our club doesn't restrict using other controllers, I still think the ESC's should be restricted in the spirit of the classe(s).

It's like saying in an IROC camaro that the engine has to be stock but you can use any carb/injection or nitrous system you want to!

[LuckyDuc]

Many of us suggested, when this spec idea first started, that we restrict ESC choice to the factory ESCs, but we were overruled.

Hence my query. Many have been using a wide variety of ESCs in the P-limited classes over the last three years, and they are currently allowed at national FE race events.

Does this move by some local clubs to exclude Castle, Turnigy, Etti, etc in the P-limited class mean that there is going to be a national movement to do the same? Those that have been racing in the P-limited classes for the last 3 years and using their ESC of choice would be forced to buy new controllers for all of their P-limited boats. Could such a move hinder the growth and attendance of P-limited classes at a national level?

It would definitely concern me as a manufacturer like Castle seeing as their products would be eliminated from use in the fastest growing electric racing class.

[sailr]

I don't foresee any movement to change anything. The clubs restricting the ESC's are in the vast minority anyway.

[DPeterson]

Darrin

CLEARLY understand that the ESC can make a HUGE difference.

Many of us suggested, when this spec idea first started, that we restrict ESC choice to the factory ESCs,

Hi Darrin, If I may add;
The style of hull, hull set up, spec motor selected, prop choice, hardware, driver experience and practice also makes a HUGE difference. The ESC is just one component of many.

And actually it was just a few that suggested factory ESC's as there is clearly a majority that is running open ESC's.

I really hope we don't have to regurgitate this issue. The sport has evolved into spec racing due to the evolution of the technology and the rules we implemented to control it. The unfortunite collateral damage was the reduction or elimination of the quality classes. Specing the ESC goes against the grain and lowers the quality level yet again. IMO it is the difference between an RC race boat and a toy boat.

Doug

[Fluid]

Should Castle and other ESC manufacturers be concerned about this and start lobbying for the “local” sponsorship/ support in the P-limited classes?

Why should they bother? The market is so small that any real effort could use up all the margin they'd make in spec racing sales. We are just lucky that we can use the same basic equipment that the airplane guys do.

FWIW I run a Castle ICE100 in my FE-30 with a PiStix. Works great and lets me know that many common spec setups can pull up to 80-90 amps. How long will many 45 and 60 amp controllers last at this amp draw? Some do, some do not. There are advantages to using non-stock controllers besides speed.


.

[Chilli]

Those clubs that are restricting the choice and limiting thier "spec" classes to factory ESCs are those that CLEARLY understand that the ESC can make a HUGE difference. Unfortunately (depending on where you sit), most do not see this, or don't care, and they are only thinking about what they have in their spares box, as opposed to what would be the most balanced for racing.

Many of us suggested, when this spec idea first started, that we restrict ESC choice to the factory ESCs, but we were overruled. Not worth the battle. I will use whatever ESC I can afford that is legal, so it's not as big a deal to me. It does, however, put one more factor into getting the best out of the system, and stresses the systems harder by leaving them open.

Again, not worth battling over for me. I just want to race, and will run whatever rules exist that make sense to me. If they don't make sense, or don't interest me, or I can't afford to be competitive, I won't race the class...

Very well stated!!!

[LuckyDuc]

I don't foresee any movement to change anything. The clubs restricting the ESC's are in the vast minority anyway.

Really!?!

Maybe you should read this... LINK

[Darin Jordan]

Really!?!

Maybe you should read this... LINK

Dude... take a deep breath... you just pointed out one of the minority clubs... they've had the restriction from the beginning...

Our club, and many, many others, have it open... NAMBA, as far as I know, is going to have it open as well.

If they are being restricted, it's a local deal.

[Flying Scotsman]

Rules, Rules....frankly, as far as an ESC is concerned I do not see the issue, use whatever brand you wish.

Douggie

[LuckyDuc]

Amen.