Is the XL-1 a good ESC (electronic speed control)?
The XL-1 is a great ESC to get you going in the hobby. The second part of the answer is that Traxxas has attempted to provide a good quality ESC affordably and as such it may not compare with as many features, have as much power, or as low a motor turn limit as other speed controls available which can cost significantly more. As your skills increase, you may want to add a more feature rich and more powerful speed control which can accommodate lower turn limit more powerful motors OR go directly to a brushless system which will put you money ahead in the long run.
