Ran across this on e-bay, new in box.............only $169? Thats $43 less than tower and only 9 bucks shipping. Im not in the market for one but it seems like a great deal, towers sidewinder combo is $145.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Castle-Creations...item5ad44d06a5

http://www.b-p-p.com/product.php?pro...&cat=48&page=1

Wow, thats even better................thats a real good price for the Max[X(]!

ive had a few combo's off them (Max and Sidewinder) and wouldnt go anywhere else.

B'cos the mamba max pro is now out, they may be trying to ditch it at that price while they still can.
Mamba Max Pro plus a motor is $175. or so on Tower.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXXWH7&P=ML
($20. discount for orders > $150)

Mamba max is really just for collectors / sentimentalists now, don't know why anyone would want to buy one new (especially since most places like tower it costs more than the new 'Pro' version).

The ebay is an awful deal consider you can pay $5. more to get full sensored support (can still run sensorless), a built-in fan, 6s LiPo capability, switching BEC, and a bunch of other updates the original mamba max doesn't have.

what features does the 'pro' gain? i couldnt find any standout ones..

Basically with 6s LiPo and a novak sensored 13.5 or 17.5 motor it will perform better than the Mamba max with a 3s LiPo and a 5700KV motor... run longer, stay cooler, etc.

Sensored gives you that little extra bit of control on the starts and stops if you race. But unlike the other sensored ESCs you are not limited to sensored motors only, you can run either.

Switching BEC means the ESC runs cooler overall especially when running 3s or more.

Even if you get it from the bpp site, it's $20. more for the pro version which to me seems worth it.

Sweet so the new Pro runs both sensored and senorless motors.

You gain alot with the "Pro" version. Below is what it says on the Castle website.


New Mamba Max Pro 1/10th Sensored & Sensorless ESC: Castle is Ready to ROAR
Castle, the leader in brushless technology for RC cars, is pleased to announce the release of our new Mamba Max Pro brushless ESC featuring SMARTSENSE™ operation. SMARTSENSE brings the best of sensored and sensorless ESC together to create the ideal controller for serious 1/10th scale enthusiasts. Operating at up to 6S, Mamba Max Pro can handle nearly twice the power of the market standard Mamba Max!

Castle Builds A Sensorless Controller?
Hey, we’re never going to just go with the flow, so we’ve built the best of both worlds into the new controller.


•SmartSense uses the motor sensors to start the motor and then it switches over to Castle’s ultra powerful and efficient dynamic sensorless mode which boosts motor efficiency. Simply put, you’ll get more power and less heat from your motor.

•Sensored Only mode runs sensored motors using sensored timing only.

•CHEAT MODE, Castle’s High Energy Advanced Timing allows users to electronically advance their sensored motor’s timing to extreme settings. This can often yield just that extra bit of power needed to win the race. Be careful – there’s never a free lunch, extra power comes with extra motor heat!
OK, now I’m confused. Is Sensored better than Sensorless?
The answer is that for most users, Sensorless operation is still better.


•Castle’s Sensorless controllers offer best in class start up and braking which are fine for most users. Sensored only motor operation cannot deliver maximum efficiency.

•Sensors are terribly inaccurate for motor timing purposes as the motor’s magnetic fields change under load or at speed; that’s where Sensorless operation shines.

•Sensorless is also just more dependable. There are fewer wires and connections that need to survive the incredibly rough treatment most RC cars and trucks endure.
Some guys do need sensored operation, mainly because the racing world’s rules require it, but also because it can offer slightly better start up and braking performance. Mamba Max Pro offers the ultimate in flexibility: use it with all your 1/10th motors, sensored or sensorless!

I’m over the shock of the sensor port. Tell me what else you’ve packed into the Mamba Max Pro.


•6S (25.2 volts) max input voltage

•Switching BEC powers your radio and servo all the way up to the 6S max input. Users may select the output for any voltage between 5V and 7V.

•Durable case and cooling fan to protect and cool the controller during hard off-road action

•Ready to Run: Mamba Max Pro is ready to run out of the box.

•Castle Link Compatible: Like all Castle controllers, the Mamba Max Pro may also be “tuned” for the drivers’ preferences in the throttle curve, brake strength, reversing modes and more. Access these features with the CASTLE LINK USB connector (sold separately) and a PC for even more versatility.
Mamba Max Pro is available individually for $149.00 or in combos with Castle’s top quality CM36 4600kv, 5700kv, 6900kv, 7700kv, or 9000kv 36mm brushless motors for only $229.99.

I have one and I can say it is worth it. I run mine in a TC with Medusa 3300kv, 5s lipo. Easy 90mph car. I have the power to go over 100 easy, but I am still trying to keep it on the ground. The MMPro is sick I tell you, SICK. Oh and the CHEAT deal they are talking about? Yeah it works BIG TIME. You can gear for acceleration and still get all the top speed. Or gear for top speed and still get all the acceleraation. Of course this only works with sensored motors, as sensorless is already optimized by the controller anyways.

So does it give more power (torque * rpm) with, say:
1) Novak ESC and Novak 17.5 motor
2) Mamba Max Pro ESC and Novak 17.5 motor (in the 'CHEAT' mode)
?
If so it might be the thing to get for stock racing, at least on the straights.

yes, acceleration would be similar, but the MMP would kill it on straights. Even without the cheat mode, by swithching to sensorless operation you get more power and efficiency.