my 1st brushless was a used rustler VXL.
after many packs, the solder joints on the board let go (1st gen, where the motor wires plugged right into the ESC)
Traxxas replaced it.

I like the vxl, as it is simple to setup and waterproof.

I have however had more than a few vxl ESC's have the LVC stop working right (cutting in after a min or 2 on fully charged packs)

I have owned a few of the ezrun s-10 60amp (stock on redcats) with both the hobbywing finned out motor and the novatech 540 motor.

I like the novatech motor better. more torque.

I have never liked (or should I say, never had a reliable) castle or sidewidner system. Granted, i bought them used, but none of them lasted long.

I hear alot about the tekin stuff. I can see where the massive amount of adjustability is good for some. But considering that I rarely spend more than $150 on a RTR motor (used or new) I cant see myself spending $200 on just a brushless system. Not when a ezrun $80=$120 system usually meets my speed requirements.

I would LOVE to see a model built to use a direct drive brushless motor. I know some have converted 1/8 nitros with brushless outrunners, but would love to see this happen with RTR 1/10 4wd models. Seems like it could simplify the driveline and make it hold up better.