Over the last few years, brushless systems have become the only thing I have been installing in my scale trucks. The power and reliability has always been my attraction to them but the advancement of the ESC programming to make these systems nearly as smooth as brushed setups has pushed everything over the top.
Below are my preferred motor and ESC combinations that I have been using in all of my 1.9 Scale trucks (SCX10-II, SCX10-III, VS4-10 Pro, VS4-10 Ultra, Wraith 1.9, Element Enduro, Traxxas TRX4, etc). I run these systems on 3s and 4s Lipo (although it should be noted that 4s is not recommended on a Tekin 3100kv ROC412). Most of my suggestions will guide you between the 2700-3100kv range for the motors, I feel like this is a sweet spot for me. These motors will have good low speed control but will still be able to spin up the tires to blast down the trail when you see that opportunity to open it up!
Motor Options:
Option 1 - Holmes Puller Pro 540 2700KV: HH - https://bit.ly/3cayMAj Amain - https://bit.ly/3eEkSaD
Option 2 - Tekin ROC412 3100KV: https://bit.ly/2zFWmrb
ESC Options:
Option 1 - Castle Mamba X: https://bit.ly/2yRwnMU
Option 2 - Tekin RX4: https://bit.ly/2zL4LcJ
Other Options:
Hobbywing Axe 540: https://bit.ly/3foZ5nS
The Axe system is not a system I personally prefer to run. I feel like the startup is too weak, the overall torque is much less than the competing systems, and I do not like the self modulating power that this system incorporates. However that doesn’t make this a low quality system, it’s just not one that I like the feel of driving. You may still enjoy it.
Castle Slate System: https://bit.ly/3e5RAC8
The Slate motors in combination with the Mamba X is a good choice but again I feel that these 1406 motors are a little soft on torque. The start up is fairly smooth but that is part of the reason for the softer torque as well. The Mamba X ESC is one of the best and really packs in some great features. These are also one of the best priced combos available.