Century ESC vs Castle, and battery query

[JustPlaneChris]

Hey guys!

What has been the general experience with the Century ESC that is included with this combo:

http://www.heli-world.com/detail.aspx?ID=8680

Compared to buying the airframe and motor from Tower Hobbies (where I have a $25 gift certificate, plus they offer a $30 discount), along with a Castle Phoenix 80, the price is about $20 less. But is the ESC anywhere near the quality of the Phoenix 80? And speaking of the Phoenix 80, is that the best choice or would the Phoenix 45HV be better?

And while I've got your ear (eye?) do any of you fly your Swifts using the TrueRC 4000 6 cell packs? The price ($105) seems too good to be "true". (heh)

Sorry for so many questions... I've read and searched all of the forums for Swift setup info until my eyes are bleeding, and I'm still no closer to a decision than I was two weeks ago. :arggg:

-Chris

[RAV50]

I have over 150 flights on one - works great.

[JustPlaneChris]

RAV, do you refer to the Century ESC, or the TrueRC pack?

-Chris

[ddheli]

i've flight more 130 times with my cc phonex 80 - well, well and well! my century esc 55/70 has smoked at the 3-rd flight (my mistake-it haven't overeload protection). for high volts (less current) be better hv45 or hv85 (i've planning it).

[Chris DeSain]

The century 80 works great it has very little options for the user to optimize like timing ect. It is simmilar to like a e-flight speedo. Plug in select profile and fly.
The castle can be customized to timing and have the firmware flashed to keep pace with newer motors. So you get a different level of speedo for the $$

Now if it is for the swift and thats all you need it for then it is a plug and play lower price option. Much testing was done to get the timing gov mode and voltage shutdown to pre set levels that work very well all around in the swift.

:glasses2:

[JustPlaneChris]

Thanks, Chris! I've got 3 other Castle ESCs (and the USB link) so I guess I'll stick with what I'm familiar with. Besides, one never knows what else I'll want to use it in someday. :roll:

[Greybird]

JPC. Look at the Z30-1100 motor. It runs fine on 4-5 or 6 cell packs. TP packs has them.

[JustPlaneChris]

Thanks, Greybird! I've got it on my wishlist already, since Tower Hobbies is out of stock on the Century 600+ right now. I thought I'd read somewhere that it was basically the same motor?

-Chris

[Greybird]

The Z's have a re-designed core and run cooler is what they say.

[RAV50]

JPC,

Sorry had to correct my original post as I noticed I had made a typo error - 15 instead of what it should be - 150 flights.

I was referring to the Swift package you linked to - with the 600+ motor/80A ESC and 9T pinion.

A great combination with any good 5 or 6 cell packs

[JustPlaneChris]

Thanks, RAV50! I like hearing feedback from actual users. Makes me feel better about giving it a try. :)

-Chris

[RAV50]

You'll love it!