An ESC or Electronic Speed Control is the heart of RC vehicles that controls multiple parameters to deliver your desired performance. Both Hobbywing MAX 5 and Castle XLX are used in 1/5 scale RC vehicles and share some common features. But they are quite different in terms of appearance, capability, programmability, data logging, and alert system.
I will give you a detailed overview of their similarities and differences in this article. Make sure you follow along to figure out which ESC will be more suitable. Let’s get started.
Quick Comparison of Hobbywing MAX 5 and Castle XLX
Check some of the key characteristics of these ESCs in the following table.
| Features | Hobbywing MAX 5 | Castle XLX |
| Scale | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Input Voltage Range | 3-8S LiPo/9-24 Cells NiMH | 3-8S LiPo |
| BEC Specifications | 5-7.4V | 5-8.5V |
| Peak Output Current | 25 amp | 20 amp |
| Programmability | Fully Programmable | Programmable with USB Adapter |
| Data Logging | Yes | No |
| Alert System | LED | Audible Alert |
| Output Connector | 6.5mm Female Gold Connector | 8.0mm Female Bullet Connector |
| On/Off Switch | Yes | No |
| Cooling Fan | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 93.4 x 58.1 x 47.8mm | 120.65 x 52.38 x 43.94mm |
| Weight | 342g | 294.84g |
| Waterproof | Yes | No |
Hobbywing MAX 5 vs Castle XLX: Detailed Comparison
It’s time to go deeper into the features of these ESCs to determine which one is more capable for your RC vehicle. Here you go.
Power System
Hobbywing MAX 5 shows the ultimate versatility when it comes to powering the system. You can use 3-8S LiPo batteries as well as 9-24 cell NiMH batteries with this ESC. So, it will continue to deliver great power without interruptions.
But the Castle XLX can only be run with LiPo batteries. So, you might easily overheat the system. Plus, LiPo batteries have a minimum discharge level, so you must swap batteries for longer operations.
Output Power
The output power of both ESCs, can be controlled by the user. In the Hobbywing MAX 5, the output voltage range is 5-7.4V. But the Castle XLX has an output voltage range of 5-8.4V, which allows it to deliver greater speed if you use the same scale vehicles.
Hobbywing MAX 5 is suitable for vehicles weighing more than 30 lbs. But Castle XLX is suitable for vehicles under 30lbs if the vehicle is 2WD. When the vehicle is 4WD, the maximum weight capacity will drop under 25lbs. You should consider this before buying one of these two ESCs.
Programmability
This seems to be the most prominent difference between these two ESCs. Hobbywing MAX 5 lets you program a lot of parameters at your convenience. The running mode has two programmable options where you can enable or disable reverse to get some extra benefit in the racing mode.
Selecting LiPo cells is also possible in this ESC. The low voltage cutoff setting can be adjusted according to your needs. You can even set the ESC thermal protection temperature. Choosing the motor rotation and BEC voltage is also possible here.
The highest adjustment comes in the max braking force. You can choose from a wide range of braking forces depending on your needs. The maximum reverse force can also be programmed on this ESC. Other parameters like start mode and drag brake can be programmed to have the optimum performance.
Though the Castle XLX is also fully programmable, you need to use an additional USB adapter which incurs additional cost. Programmability options aren’t as wide on the Castle XLX as the Hobbywing MAX 5.
But still, the ESC lets you choose from a variety of options to have the desired output from your RC vehicle. Also, there is no on/off switch on this ESC, which may be an issue.
Data Logging
Capturing the key metrics of the ESC is crucial to analyze the performance and improving control. This is extremely easy on the Castle XLX, as it can record multiple parameters to give you the best overview of the performance. Using the same USB adapter for programming the module, you can download the recorded data for further analysis.
But there is no such feature on the Hobbywing MAX 5. So, you might not get enough data to determine the overall condition of the ESC and the battery.
Alert System
Hobbywing MAX 5 has a visible alert system consisting of three LEDs to show different patterns so that you can identify possible errors easily. These LEDs will glow or blink in various patterns depending on the error that occurred.
But Castle XLX incorporates an audible alert system, where you will hear short and long beeps. The combination of these beeps will help you determine the issue with the ESC very quickly. For example, if you hear a short beep and then a long beep, you can tell that the battery voltage is below the cutoff value. You will find more audible alerts in the manual.
Build Quality and Durability
Both ESCs are made with high-quality materials to have rugged characteristics. As a result, they can withstand a lot of abuse. But the biggest benefit of the Hobbywing MAX 5 is you can use it in all weather conditions. The ESC is waterproof, so you can operate your RC vehicle in muddy and snowy terrains.
But the Castle XLX isn’t waterproof. So, it might not be suitable for RC vehicles if you plan to run them on muddy or snowy terrains. Water can damage the internal components and make the ESC faulty.
FAQs
You may still have some questions regarding these two ESCs. I will try to clarify them with the following answers.
How to calibrate Hobbywing MAX 5?
You can follow this video tutorial to calibrate your Hobbywing MAX 5.
Do these ESCs receive firmware upgrades?
Yes, both ESCs support firmware upgrades, but you may need to use an additional adapter for the Castle XLX.
Can I program these ESCs with a programming card?
ESCs can be programmed with programming cards from the same brand, so you need to find the respective programming card to program Hobbywing MAX 5 and Castle XLX ESCs.
Conclusion
Both Hobbywing MAX 5 and Castle XLX are suitable for brushless and sensorless operations, where they deliver decent power output to make your RC vehicles perform as desired. But each has its benefits and drawbacks, so you should know which is the better one in the Hobbywing MAX 5 vs Castle XLX comparison.
In my opinion, (our pick:) will be a better solution if you want to operate heavier vehicles on all terrains. It delivers a great continuous current and runs on multiple power systems. The ESC is also waterproof and highly durable. It comes with an on/off switch and can be programmed to unleash the full potential of the vehicle.
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