Brushless Motors – 2 Pole vs. 4 Pole

Question:
What up, Doc-
What is the advantage in a 1/10 Scale truck of 4 pole over 2 pole motor?? What is the difference technically between the two??

Bud

Answer:
Hey Bud.
This is a great question, especially for someone interested in running 1/10 Scale Stadium or Short Course trucks.

As the name implies, a 2-pole motor has 2 electromagnets; 1 north and 1 south. A 4-pole motor has 4 eletromagnets; 2 north and 2 south. On a 4-pole motor, the magnets are set up in a north-south-north-south configuration.

Basically, a 2-pole motor is a good RPM motor while a 4-pole motor, having more magnets, will have more torque. You might lose a bit of efficiency with a 4-pole over a 2-pole, but if you’re only running 5/6-minute races that should be ok. You’ll definitely want to look into a 4-pole if you are running the heavier ST or SC trucks.

Also, the gearing might be a little different, too. Try going up a tooth or two with the 4-pole to make up for the loss in RPM that style of motor has.

Good luck!
The Doc

If you have a question that needs answered, head over to the Ask The RC Doctor and fill out the form!