Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Brushed vs Brushless motors… which one is better for RC rock crawlers?
Years ago I made a video about this topic, but a lot has changed since then. With the arrival of modern brushless ESC firmware like AM32, brushless systems now offer performance that simply wasn't possible before.
In this video we break down:
⚡ The real differences between brushed and brushless motors
🔧 Why brushed motors have been the crawler standard for so long
🚀 How AM32 ESCs changed brushless crawling performance
🏔️ Which motor setups I recommend today
🧠 What actually matters for smooth crawler control
Both motor types still have their place depending on your build and driving style, but the technology has evolved a lot in the last few years.
If you're building or upgrading a crawler, this video should help you decide which motor setup is right for you.
👉 Follow for more RC crawling, tech, and real-world testing:
Youtube: youtube.com/holmeshobbies
Website: HolmesHobbies.com
2nd Channel: youtube.com/johnrobholmes
0:00 – Intro (2026 Update)
0:19 – What This Video Covers
0:45 – Brushed vs Brushless (Quick Differences)
1:01 – Brushed Motor Basics & Cost
1:44 – 3 Slot vs 5 Slot (Torque vs Smoothness)
2:58 – Brushed Downsides (Wear & Heat)
3:33 – Why Use Brushed Today? (RTR & Classic Builds)
5:22 – Brushless Motors Explained
5:48 – Brushless Cost & Setup Needs
6:06 – Longevity & Durability
7:08 – Power & Torque Advantage
7:45 – NEW: Low Speed Control (AM32 & FOC) 🔥
8:58 – Noise, Smoothness & Sensorless Behavior
9:50 – Motor Speed (KV) Explained
10:07 – Best Brushed KV / Turn Range
11:24 – Best Brushless KV Range
12:05 – High KV (3500+) & Rock Racer Setups
13:18 – Final Verdict (Which Should You Run?)
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Brushed vs Brushless motors… which one is better for RC rock crawlers?
Years ago I made a video about this topic, but a lot has changed since then. With the arrival of modern brushless ESC firmware like AM32, brushless systems now offer performance that simply wasn't possible before.
In this video we break down:
⚡ The real differences between brushed and brushless motors
🔧 Why brushed motors have been the crawler standard for so long
🚀 How AM32 ESCs changed brushless crawling performance
🏔️ Which motor setups I recommend today
🧠 What actually matters for smooth crawler control
Both motor types still have their place depending on your build and driving style, but the technology has evolved a lot in the last few years.
If you're building or upgrading a crawler, this video should help you decide which motor setup is right for you.
👉 Follow for more RC crawling, tech, and real-world testing:
Youtube: youtube.com/holmeshobbies
Website: HolmesHobbies.com
2nd Channel: youtube.com/johnrobholmes
0:00 – Intro (2026 Update)
0:19 – What This Video Covers
0:45 – Brushed vs Brushless (Quick Differences)
1:01 – Brushed Motor Basics & Cost
1:44 – 3 Slot vs 5 Slot (Torque vs Smoothness)
2:58 – Brushed Downsides (Wear & Heat)
3:33 – Why Use Brushed Today? (RTR & Classic Builds)
5:22 – Brushless Motors Explained
5:48 – Brushless Cost & Setup Needs
6:06 – Longevity & Durability
7:08 – Power & Torque Advantage
7:45 – NEW: Low Speed Control (AM32 & FOC) 🔥
8:58 – Noise, Smoothness & Sensorless Behavior
9:50 – Motor Speed (KV) Explained
10:07 – Best Brushed KV / Turn Range
11:24 – Best Brushless KV Range
12:05 – High KV (3500+) & Rock Racer Setups
13:18 – Final Verdict (Which Should You Run?)
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