Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / July 2003

No esc's dont like water. Yes they are still worth it for most people.
runtime increases 10-15% roughly depending on driving habits & conditions.
Speed control is fully proportional compared to only 3 steps with an MSC.
Also, escs dont have contacts to wear or burn, no linkage to adjust, no rats
nest of wires and usually dont cause radio interference like msc's often
can. My futaba esc's also senses radio signal loss and will stop the car.

Stampede would be ideal for grassy running. Its also a common truck with a
reputable company.

Puddles are generally a no-no anyway, the rest of the radio gear doesnt like
them either - though they can usually be waterproofed with balloons or
condoms.
wet grass is borderline. Id avoid really wet grass that will shed enough
water to actually accumulate in the chassis. Damp grass should be fine.

Having said all that, id also like to point out that an evader/rustler/RC-10
would run ok in short grass....not great because they are so low....but youd
be able to get into some Novice races at the local track. Stampedes usually
dont have their own race class and cant compete against a low slung stadium
truck on hard dirt tracks.

ESC are far better than mechanical ones, you will get longer run times,
better control, reduced weight of truck.
You can also get waterproof  ESC but you will still have to cover the rest
of the radio gear if you plan to run your truck anywhere wet.

I would run an electric Rustler on wet grass. The motor is in the very
back and it can easily get wet and I'm sure it wouldn't take much to
fry the motor and/or the ESC.  I just know I would get really nervous
about doing that.  It's alot easier to waterproof a nitro truck than
an electric one.  IMHO.