So, I am ordering a new ESC next week and I wanted to hear the debate on the LRP SPX versus the Tekin RS. I am not interested in the RS Pro or the SXX so please leave those out of the discussion.

The LRP.....seems to be pretty popular and as of right now is my choice to go with. I have read a lot online about people having to send them back. I am curious to really know if this is due to user error or manufacturing procedures. I read a lot about people not following the correct gearing procedures and popping them. The LRP seems to be geared more towards my type of racing which is currently 21.5/2c and likely soon to be 1c oval racing.

The Tekin RS..... seems to really be popular also. Adding the hotwire attachment seems to give really good control of the ESC. At the same time, I sort of see that as a drawback. I feel like using the software is just one other thing that I have to learn and keep up with. I know that I can use the RS without the software, but then I am not getting the full benefit of the ESC right? I am also not totally sure that I like the idea of constantly using software to program my ESC. I feel like the potential for error and mishaps is greatly increased that way.

At the end of the day, are they really that much different?

So, I would like to hear user opinions about both and make a final decision. Tell me why you bought the one that you bought (SPX or RS) and what you like and dislike about it.

Thanks!

--Cory

i've run both i like both but i got really really tired of having new software every couple weeks with the tekin. That and if you werent in the know so to speak the changes to the software werent always comunicated effectively I felt. So I sold off my 3 tekins, both 3 lrps..went faster...didnt worry about software...set it and forget it.

Both are good, pick one and have fun!

I own both but have yet to run the SPX. I will say that Tekin service is second to none. I did have to send my RS back in under warranty when I had pulled the sensor socket off. Tekin replaced the socket, replaced the capacitor and gave me a new case and was back to me 10 days after I had originally mailed it. I have read some long waits for LRP service but have not experienced this myself.

i got really really tired of having new software every couple weeks with the tekin. That and if you werent in the know so to speak the changes to the software werent always comunicated effectively I felt.
RFLMAO :lol: Alot of the software updates were fixes to previous program errors or were nothing major performance wise. Team drivers get the newest software to test and make sure things are right before being made public. Also, if the other manufactures had software updates as often as Tekin, theirs wouldn't be free. Their software updates will cost you nearly $200 because of having to buy the newest speedo.

be careful with the spx, i had mine for a couple of weeks,i run 21.5 2c novak motors,
had it set in mode 8 timing on motor set at 0,ran 2 practice rounds at rt 281's concrete
track, speedo locked in super boost timing by it self cooked the motor 300 degree's
now it's stuck in super timing in all modes.

Tekin is the way to go. Z-Main is right you have one speedcontroller with Tekin and you can update it as needed where LRP you have to buy a new speedcontroller everytime they have a update. Hotwire is a piece of cake to use and if you know someone that has it just have them set it for you. This is a ongoing debate at my track right now and the faster group of guys are running Tekin.

If the tekin is so great why did i watch two tekin team drivers recently take their tekins out in favor of team blue at a big race. My point isnt to cause an arguement over which is better. My point is that tekin has to keep coming out with new software fixes to fix problems the create. Its wonderful that they are willing to do so...but most of their software profiles and fixes are directed towards TC racing. All I know is that I took the tekin out of my car...threw in a SPX..set it once...found the gear...and went a lap faster....i cant argue with that.

This is my personal experiance and may or may not be duplicated by others.

i'm running the sphere 2007 competition,i,m just as fast if not faster than the guy's
running the tekin,like nick said just set and forget it,the guy's i run with are constantly
updating the tekins and i don't see any differance in performance.to bad my spx went
haywire iwould of like to see how it really runs.

i'm running the sphere 2007 competition,i,m just as fast if not faster than the guy's
running the tekin,like nick said just set and forget it,the guy's i run with are constantly
updating the tekins and i don't see any differance in performance.to bad my spx went
haywire iwould of like to see how it really runs.

This is my concern as well. Update after update on the software with no real performance gain. I do like the fact that Tekin obviously supports their product very well.

BTW, I am also a Mac user so I don't own a PC per se. I do have Windows XP on my Macbook Pro that will run through Parallels. So, I really would not have a need for the Hotwire software to begin with.

--Cory

Cory its not that you need the hotwire...its that YOU MUSY HAVE the hotwire. If you dont have it you cant update your speedo...you cant change the timing profile, you cant add boost you cant add turbo. The speedo comes with old software with NO boost...and it requires atleast as much gear if not more than a novak to see the same performance.....and even then your on OLD OLD software. So keep that in mind when your make your choice. If you dont buy the hotwire and download the latest software your no better off.

Go with novak.....its simple and fast.

Nick, that sounds just like my Novak XBR that I am using now. I have never liked Novak ESCs, even back in my old Berea days.

I think the LRP is the smart choice for me in the end. I'll let you guys know my experience with it once I get it.

--Cory

I have had both and now run the RS. Once you find the sweet spot they are very fast. I felt the SPX was just as fast but mine always had a miss in it. It would always hesitate just a little when racing. Drove me nuts, haven't had a single problem with RS and love the fact that I don't have to buy a new speedo to get the latest and greatest.

The performance of everything out there is the same as long as you have the right gear on it. Unfortunately LRP reliability is horrible. If you get a LRP don't show up to a race without a backup speedo. There is a good chance you'll need it. On the bright side LRPs seem to burn up either right away or not at all. If you make it through the first couple weeks with yours you probably have a "good" one and will be happy with it.

I still think the Tekin is the best choice, but if you want a set it and forget it speedo just get or stick with a GTB.

Go with novak.....its simple and fast.

I have run Novaks for a lot of years with no problems. Their customer service is great and they are more than willing to answer all my questions.Did have a couple Tekins several years back and did not have very good luck with them. Have never liked Tekin products, but again, have not tried the new stuff.
Have not run any others,so I won't comment, but I am looking into tryin a LRP.

I ordered the LRP this morning so we will see how it goes. I can also get the RS/w Hotwire from buddy for $125, so I may buy both so that I can really test them both out.

I appreciate all of the feedback from everyone.

--Cory

Note to all do not run the LRP on Profile 8 .... In dyno testing profile 6 has the most power and torque and is the most effeicnet .....Yes profile 8 runs like 5000 rpm more but that creates heat ... Just one sculls opinion .... I see the TEKIN as the wave of the future with the software updates .... Maybe in the future it will be connected to ROPMS to increase timing on the strightaways and when you lift the timing goes back down ... Just a thought

ROCKET

Maybe in the future it will be connected to ROPMS to increase timing on the strightaways and when you lift the timing goes back down ... Just a thought

ROCKET

The latest update almost works like that. But instead of RPMs it is set to a time delay which advances the timing and works as you've described.

tekin 189 money!

set it on 8 drop ten teeth and let it eat.....

Great examples of trying the new updates and going back to older ones without spending any money to "try it".

exactly! i have had good luck with mine!

Tekin 189 for me.
I'm starting to swim with the F1sh :drunk:
Running same speedo with same version
Running same car R5
Looking for a 3x Tekin shirt too.
Don't think I will go with the "thong". Will leave that for Katf1sh
tekin 189 money!

I ordered the LRP this morning so we will see how it goes. I can also get the RS/w Hotwire from buddy for $125, so I may buy both so that I can really test them both out.

I appreciate all of the feedback from everyone.

--Cory

Although you pretty much had your mind made up from your first post I do hope things go well as there is no doubt that the LRP is a very good esc. For the Tekin the 200 software is about to be released to the public and I think everyone with a Tekin will like it more then what they run no matter how dialed their current software is (unless they are team drivers running 199v2). While I found no difference between my 200 and my 199v2 I did find a WORLD of difference running my 12th mod on-road (both NiMh and now 1S LiPo) between the 199 and everything else before.

Cory if you get a chance to try the Tekin and put the 200 software on it you will be impressed. Just set the turbo to max and then adjust the timing boost (timing in sensored mode) to as little as you need and the turbo boost will take care of the rest. The more timing boost you run the more trade off you will get between your infield punch and initial straight away speed with more heat build up (just like an LRP or anything else when you add more timing). You will even be able to adjust when the turbo kicks in (from .5 to 1 sec) allowing more refinement for your car setup at various tracks. Is that a disadvantage???

Now, do you need the Hotwire? Hmmm, well that depends. You see if you don't get the Hotwire then you are like everyone else who runs an LRP or Speed Passion or Novak in that you get the "set and forget" deal BUT at least you don't loose when a new software version comes out like some. I know racers who have spent some hard earned money to convert from the LRP 07' to the SPX because they were running stock and the SPX software version was over a lap faster!! I guess that's fine to have to spend another $180 for a "set and forget" option huh?;)

Now many of those same racers have just switched to the SXX version. Why did they switch? They switched because the SXX is faster than the SPX for mod racing so there went another $180+. All the while the Tekin guy invested what, $60 up front and he was able to update his speedo the same 3 generations and save over $240 in the process (and not have to unmount and remount and rewire 2 new esc's).:freak:

So with the Hotwire you move beyond changing esc's. You can move between the hot Stock and Mod setups seamlessly, which is something that guys with LRP 07' can't do. Again, it is not that you have to, it's that you CAN.:thumbsup: Don't forget about the weight difference between the Tekin and even the new LRP Sxx series (the Tekin is still ligher and smaller).

Finally, there WERE performance differences between various "generations" of software updates for the Tekin. The 170 series which most probably never saw was not as good as the 180 series, which was at its best with version 189, while the 190 series was at it best with the 198 (not including the 199v1/v2 which was not generally released to the public due to beta testing). The 198 was definitely better than the 189, at least for the on-road guys and the 200 series is even better!

Now I do agree that various updates within each generation were not always performance improvements. A number of updates for instance were never released to the public as they were aimed at fixing various programming issues FOR THE INTERFACE (which is why the 199v1/v2 never made it officially to the public) but again between generations there were notable performance improvements.:thumbsup:
Either way you will get a good esc as both the Tekin and LRP flat out work, you will just pay more in the short to long run for the LRP until they copy the Tekin and come out with their own version of a programmable speedo.:wave:

darnold

you make many good points in your post...only problem is Cory runs on a very large oval where you never lift so the 200 software most likely wont be any difference than the 189 in terms of the turbo. But here again bring my point i made before where you have new software and the general public probably wont be told whats different or how to use it.

darnold

you make many good points in your post...only problem is Cory runs on a very large oval where you never lift so the 200 software most likely wont be any difference than the 189 in terms of the turbo. But here again bring my point i made before where you have new software and the general public probably wont be told whats different or how to use it.

darnold, I agree that you make some great points. And, those points would be well taken into consideration if I were running TC or on a small bull-ring carpet track somewhere. Like Nick said, I race on a large oval where you never lift the throttle. Now, I plan on racing a few other places where that is not the case and that may be where the Tekin will shine.

Also, as I said before...I am working on a 2nd car now and it will have the Tekin in it that I am getting from a buddy. I have worked out a way on my Mac to be able to use the Hotwire setup so I am going to test it out and see how it does.

I really like the idea of being able to update my speedo through software just like you said. It will likely save money in the long run, I have no doubt about that. But, does the savings in money make up for the amount of time and tuning that I have to do through the use of software to get it like I want it? That is the part I am going to find out.

Another thing.....I read somewhere on this forum about people using Tekin needing to get the latest software from their local driver?? What is that all about? Does Tekin not have a hub somewhere on the net where different software versions are available, along with what changes are included, etc.?

--Cory

I was against the whole externally programmable gig...out of fear that it would hurt racing by giving people the perception that it was a must have item. I've been running NOVAK's GTBs for the last three years. I borrowed a friend's RS for my DIRT car the last two weeks. I'll be buying a Tekin RS/Hotwire VERY soon!

What I like...

-Footprint
-Easily accessible solder posts
-User friendly interface (Hotwire)
-The ability to find the 'sweet spot' through fine software timing adjustments without chasing tire size/rollout.
-Most of all...it lays down the power!

I was against the whole externally programmable gig...out of fear that it would hurt racing by giving people the perception that it was a must have item......

I'll be buying a Tekin RS/Hotwire VERY soon!


It appears that your fears were warranted, then.

It appears that your fears were warranted, then.

LOL, My LRPs have been doing Great, NO PROBLEMS and plenty of Speed.

Dan, you are correct...sort of.

-My ESC's are all very old, I planned on buying a new one anyway this year.

-So, I'm not purchasing because of obsolescence, just semi-annual replacement.

-Our Spec class is locked into the NOVAK ESC this year, so it won't influence them at all. That makes me feel better about it.

-That was your shortest post ever, Alan would be proud.

-If you were a lawyer and I was in trouble, you'd be the first person I'd call. lol

set it on 8 drop ten teeth and let it eat.....

thought you used setting 4...lmao ah the stories that are told!:rolleyes:

Dan, you are correct...sort of.
I'm not purchasing because of obsolescence, just semi-annual replacement.

I figured as much, I know you always did well with the other one.
I have to admit, if I were to do my 4-5 year replacement, I'd go the small
route myself... I wouldn't buy the hotwire though..
I'm more computer challenged, I'd let you set it, and forget it!!!
Besides, I don't think it's compatible with the Commodore 64.

That was your shortest post ever, Alan would be proud.

I know Alan's proud.. he likes the short and sweet posts!

If you were a lawyer and I was in trouble, you'd be the first person I'd call. lol
Okay.. then call me AFTER the lawyer.. :thumbsup:

Although you pretty much had your mind made up from your first post I do hope things go well as there is no doubt that the LRP is a very good esc. For the Tekin the 200 software is about to be released to the public and I think everyone with a Tekin will like it more then what they run no matter how dialed their current software is (unless they are team drivers running 199v2). While I found no difference between my 200 and my 199v2 I did find a WORLD of difference running my 12th mod on-road (both NiMh and now 1S LiPo) between the 199 and everything else before.

Cory if you get a chance to try the Tekin and put the 200 software on it you will be impressed. Just set the turbo to max and then adjust the timing boost (timing in sensored mode) to as little as you need and the turbo boost will take care of the rest. The more timing boost you run the more trade off you will get between your infield punch and initial straight away speed with more heat build up (just like an LRP or anything else when you add more timing). You will even be able to adjust when the turbo kicks in (from .5 to 1 sec) allowing more refinement for your car setup at various tracks. Is that a disadvantage???

Now, do you need the Hotwire? Hmmm, well that depends. You see if you don't get the Hotwire then you are like everyone else who runs an LRP or Speed Passion or Novak in that you get the "set and forget" deal BUT at least you don't loose when a new software version comes out like some. I know racers who have spent some hard earned money to convert from the LRP 07' to the SPX because they were running stock and the SPX software version was over a lap faster!! I guess that's fine to have to spend another $180 for a "set and forget" option huh?;)

Now many of those same racers have just switched to the SXX version. Why did they switch? They switched because the SXX is faster than the SPX for mod racing so there went another $180+. All the while the Tekin guy invested what, $60 up front and he was able to update his speedo the same 3 generations and save over $240 in the process (and not have to unmount and remount and rewire 2 new esc's).:freak:

So with the Hotwire you move beyond changing esc's. You can move between the hot Stock and Mod setups seamlessly, which is something that guys with LRP 07' can't do. Again, it is not that you have to, it's that you CAN.:thumbsup: Don't forget about the weight difference between the Tekin and even the new LRP Sxx series (the Tekin is still ligher and smaller).

Finally, there WERE performance differences between various "generations" of software updates for the Tekin. The 170 series which most probably never saw was not as good as the 180 series, which was at its best with version 189, while the 190 series was at it best with the 198 (not including the 199v1/v2 which was not generally released to the public due to beta testing). The 198 was definitely better than the 189, at least for the on-road guys and the 200 series is even better!

Now I do agree that various updates within each generation were not always performance improvements. A number of updates for instance were never released to the public as they were aimed at fixing various programming issues FOR THE INTERFACE (which is why the 199v1/v2 never made it officially to the public) but again between generations there were notable performance improvements.:thumbsup:
Either way you will get a good esc as both the Tekin and LRP flat out work, you will just pay more in the short to long run for the LRP until they copy the Tekin and come out with their own version of a programmable speedo.:wave:

Let me guess...you're a car salesman, right? :cool:

What happned to the day of every one running a Novak no programing nothing burnt up just work on your car to be the fastest not get the esc that can give you a 10th every lap.:drunk:

Yep I have bought a Tekin RS monkey see monkey Do.Now I have to worrie about what boost its on LOL.

Jake

I was against the whole externally programmable gig...out of fear that it would hurt racing by giving people the perception that it was a must have item. I've been running NOVAK's GTBs for the last three years. I borrowed a friend's RS for my DIRT car the last two weeks. I'll be buying a Tekin RS/Hotwire VERY soon!

What I like...

-Footprint
-Easily accessible solder posts
-User friendly interface (Hotwire)
-The ability to find the 'sweet spot' through fine software timing adjustments without chasing tire size/rollout.
-Most of all...it lays down the power!
Well I guess you will have to take the "Novak or Nothing" off your car.

I have been on 4.....dront drop any teeth on 4....gear it like you would a tekin set on 12 or so. I just like 8 personally.....If i was telling stories id have said 1 haha

Let me guess...you're a car salesman, right? :cool:
No, and I never have been.:thumbsup: Actually I am a teaching paraprofessional while I finish my doctorate program (only a few classes left and almost 1/2 way done with my dissertation rough draft). I was simply pointing out that while both the LRP and Tekin are fine esc's the Tekin does have some advantages that were possibly being misconstrued as disadvantages. While I like short and sweet I have found that setting operational definitions is very advantageous toward keeping miscommunication to a minimum.:wave:

No, and I never have been.:thumbsup: Actually I am a teaching paraprofessional while I finish my doctorate program (only a few classes left and almost 1/2 way done with my dissertation rough draft). I was simply pointing out that while both the LRP and Tekin are fine esc's the Tekin does have some advantages that were possibly being misconstrued as disadvantages. While I like short and sweet I have found that setting operational definitions is very advantageous toward keeping miscommunication to a minimum.:wave:

wow,not kidding,what a great answer.theres some words there i've never seen on hobbytalk,lol.totally agree,love my tekins and the wire.

LOL, He can probably talk his car into going faster.

ROFLAMO... Just had too..

I ordered the LRP this morning so we will see how it goes. I can also get the RS/w Hotwire from buddy for $125, so I may buy both so that I can really test them both out.

I appreciate all of the feedback from everyone.

--Cory

man it kills me that you decided to go with the lrp because of one person (nickbell) that obvioulsy doesn't know much about the tekin yeah he may have tried it but doesn't really know it.. i have been running the 189 software which is the very first version of the hotwire software that offered the timing boost for sensored motors and i have never had to change it. i have tried some of the other versions but i always go back because it works you guys kill me..

owell in 6 months when tekin comes out with another awsome update i will plug in my $35.00 hotwire download it and basically have a brand new speedo while you guys have to go buy abother $150.00 speedo...

i also seen some people make comments about having to have a computer to use the hotwire which is true but while you guys are sitting there counting blinking lights i set my tekin exact the first time in half the time and know its exact..

i just hope you can afford to buy two or three of these lrp speedo's because your going to need them.. for back ups..

but like they say different strokes for different folks..

LOL, He can probably talk his car into going faster.
LOL!!!:) I try...I try. I actually come on the oval side of things because I learn a lot from you guys and your attention to details.:thumbsup:

[QUOTE=DOUGHBOY;2936607]man it kills me that you decided to go with the lrp because of one person (nickbell)

One person? How about some of the best in the business that use lrp. Heres A few names: Pete D, Honeycut, cochran, etc... Correct me if im wrong, but I believe Frank won open mod at the birds with A novak.

If Nick Bell is somebody at his local track that is fast and willing to help then why not buy the same one no matter if its tekien, lrp, novak?

Besides I would rather take advice from somebody running up in the front of the A instead of the back.:thumbsup:

Both speedos are good choices, hands down the Tekin has the best footprint of anything out there, and there soldering post make it easy to wire a speedo, even though some take them off. The ability to update is a great feature and regardless of what program update you use you still need to find the proper gear. LRP's SPX is a monster, I think most people know not to run mode 8, that's just silly if you tried it and blame the speedo for burning up a motor. Mode 7 seems to be were the most would run it with less gearing but the lower modes can be better with the right gear. Someone said it in an earlier post if you can pass the first few runs with an LRP they usually run without a problem. It has happened to me but LRP Service took care of the problem, the wait sucks but what other option do you have.

Every brand has the ability to win on any given weekend.

You'll have to know that Cory came to me with the intent to buy and SPX...I merely encouraged it. I have three spx speedo's no issues so far. Also I have been running both my single cell and 2 cell on setting 8. No cooked motors yet. Its a combination of both a very well working car and finding the right gear. For instance at 4.2 volts the difference between a 10.5 motor on setting 4 and setting 8 is well over 12000 rpm. So if you dont drop 10 teeth....you get smoke. With my current gearing i usually see about 170 degrees on the purple ring.

I think I am going to try setting 6 this weekend tho...just to see. I saw no difference on the dyno or the track from 7 to 8 other than 8 has higher amp draw.

Dont be scared just be careful

man it kills me that you decided to go with the lrp because of one person (nickbell) that obvioulsy doesn't know much about the tekin yeah he may have tried it but doesn't really know it.. i have been running the 189 software which is the very first version of the hotwire software that offered the timing boost for sensored motors and i have never had to change it. i have tried some of the other versions but i always go back because it works you guys kill me..

owell in 6 months when tekin comes out with another awsome update i will plug in my $35.00 hotwire download it and basically have a brand new speedo while you guys have to go buy abother $150.00 speedo...

i also seen some people make comments about having to have a computer to use the hotwire which is true but while you guys are sitting there counting blinking lights i set my tekin exact the first time in half the time and know its exact..

i just hope you can afford to buy two or three of these lrp speedo's because your going to need them.. for back ups..

but like they say different strokes for different folks..

Actually Dough, Nick had very little to do with my decision in going with the LRP. I did talk to Nick about it, along with Mike Bush and a few other guys at my local track. I also read 136,345 posts on the internet about both the Tekin and the LRP.

Also, just to be clear here.....I bought the used RS and Hotwire from my buddy yesterday for $100, SO I HAVE BOTH NOW. He ran it ONCE in his TC car, and took it out. I could not pass up that deal!!

I figure it is ultimately up to me to try both out and see what works better. One thing I have figured out in this hobby is that what works for someone else, does not always apply to me.

Trust me, I fully intend on relaying my results to you guys here in this thread once I have a chance to run both of them. I will be running the RS this coming weekend in 21.5/Sportsman, so I fully intend to come back here with my thoughts and results. As long as I have no problems running the Hotwire on WindowsXP in Parallels on a Macbook Pro, then all should be good!

--Cory

Well I guess you will have to take the "Novak or Nothing" off your car.

Or I'll just place a Tekin sticker over "Nothing". lol - you have a good memory.

I have one of each in a 2c car and a 1c car, they seem to have there place. The lrp seems to have a wider power band for gearing. The Tekin seems more sensitive on gearing not as wide of power band.

o well in 6 months when tekin comes out with another awsome update..

You mean in a few weeks.... :rolleyes: