Getting Started: Choosing an ESC

When it comes to choosing your first ESC, you have many options.  I'll try to narrow down your choices...

What Brand:
Just like everything else though, I'm going to suggest you stick with what is the most popular at our local tracks...ORCA

Why ORCA:
ORCA ESCs are very high quality and are reasonably priced.  ORCA also goes above and beyond to support our local clubs with prizes, gifts and other support so returning that favour to ORCA by purchasing their products will help continue this into the future.  Additionally, virtually all of the fast drivers at our tracks run ORCA so you'll be able to get support from several people to ensure your ESC is setup correctly


Which ORCA ESC Model:
Depending on your budget, you have a few different choices.  Here they are, listed from lowest price to highest

• Blinky Pro - the most affordable option.  Works great for scale spec, touring stock, spec Tamiya etc
• Totem - A few extra features and cleaner installation than Blinky Pro but costs a tiny bit more
• OE101 - The ultimate ESC for stock class racing.  Fully adjustable, best performance and light weight
• OE1 Mark II - Overkill for stock class racing but it's the latest and greatest ESC from ORCA and can also handle modified motors

Where to buy:
I sell ORCA ESCs exclusively.  Your local hobby store may have other brands such as Hobbywing if you would prefer.  Please try to support those that support our hobby whenever possible

Why buy from McLeanRC.com.  Well, I'm a racer that does everything I can to help my fellow racers at the track and through articles like this one.  I also give my time to and sponsor the local races with prizes.  Your support will help keep McLeanRC.com alive

If you're not able to buy from me or one of our local hobby stores, you can use this referral link to buy online from Amain Hobbies (I'll earn a small referral fee if you use that link) so you'll still be supporting McLeanRC


​New vs Used
Used ESCs don't come up very often but people do upgrade from time-to-time so it's worth considering a good used one.  I highly recommend you stay away from all brands other than ORCA and possibly HobbyWing.  With the new ORCA ESCs being so affordable, it's not worth the trouble for you to mess around with a used ESC that nobody else runs.  You'll be better off with a brand new Blinky Pro or Totem rather than some old, used ESC from another brand for a similar price

To find a used ESC, try posting a "wanted" ad on our local Facebook buy and sell page:

• Vancouver On Road RC Buy and Sell

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