Just a couple points RE Castle ESCs and braking -

There are substantial differences in the braking software in different software versions, as well as the startup, and restart (after brake was engaged, but prop is still spinning) behavior. The braking percentage effectiveness changed substantially on some software versions; the older software (~1.56, used on the HV85 before the HV80 existed) produced much greater braking at low percentages of brake strength, and then the braking strength was reduced at some point with the 2.xx software (still be before the HV80). Comparing old software on the HV85 to new software on the HV80 is comparing apples to oranges (mostly because of the software).

Because there are hardware differences between the HV80 and HV85, there is also some very slight differences in the software, however, with equal settings, the end performance should be the same (and appears to be the same when I've run both ESCs on the same motor).

At this point in time, for pattern, I see no benefit to running older versions of the software. Run the latest stuff....3.2x and you should have the smoothest initial starts, highest power, and least chance of screeching (loss of timing) at full power.

The maximum brake % I recommend (for pattern) is 30% as at this brake % I have not seen any problems with hard restarts in the air - I stick to 30% with the HV80 and HV85 and all motors - Neu, Hacker, Pletty, inrunner, inrunner geared, outrunner. SOME combinations of motor/props/planes will happily run at a higher brake % without having hard restarts....but that is a minority of combinations.

Regards,