Steering servos are mainly used for their ability to change directions pretty quickly. As they can rotate very easily within no time, it is used for their speed-changing mechanism.
But, the steering servos have various types. So, it can be very confusing to pick the best steering servo for rock crawlers. Especially if you are new to the RC world.
This is why we can understand your dilemma. However, we are here to help you clear your doubts. We have prepared a write-up and picked the five best steering servos for you.
Here, we have provided you with a detailed review of each product. So that it can clear your confusion. And we have also compared the torque rating and motor type for your better understanding.
So, let’s not wait any longer, shall we? Let’s jump into the reviews.
Product Comparison Table
| Name of Product | Torque Rating | Motor |
| ZOSKAY 35kg Coreless Digital Servo | 35 kg.cm | Coreless |
| Traxxas 2255 Waterproof Servo | 28.80 kg.com | Brushless |
| ANNIMOS 25kg RC Digital Servo | 25 kg.cm | DC |
| ZOSKAY 25 kg Digital Servo | 25 kg.cm | DC |
| Powerhobby 729MBL Brushless Servo | 40.68 kg.cm | Brushless |
ZOSKAY 35 kg Coreless Digital Servo
Let’s start with our first item of the day, the ZOSKAY 35 kg Coreless Digital Servo. It is a high-quality digital servo with a smooth operation.
Here, the digital servo has a high torque rate of 35 kg.com. This means that 35 kg/cm is the maximum amount of force this servo can apply. The servo uses force at the right angle to the servo arm.
On the other hand, it has a control angle of 270 degrees. It means that it can turn flexibly and has an added range. Also, the operating voltage range is from 5 to 7.4 volts.
Moreover, the coreless motor offers more power and dependability. It is the most reliable of the five products on our list. And it can change directions very swiftly and precisely.
It also has two ball bearings and a CNC aluminium middle shell. Here, the dual ball bearings will withstand light to medium weights and high speeds. That too, with very little friction.
Furthermore, it has strong adaptability and good stability. As we know, RC cars come into contact with muddy and rocky surfaces. At that time, the servo will provide stability while steering through.
Its slight vibration, quiet operation, and long life are the best parts. You do not have to be bothered by noise and too much vibration.
Another thing that will amaze you is that the digital servo can resist water. So, your worrying days are over. You can easily run it over water.
And the gears are hard anodizing. Meaning it is durable and corrosion resistant. This will work wonders for your rock crawler.
Also, the gears are stainless steel. That means easy cleaning. The price is also pretty low.
Pros
- Reliable with a long lifespan.
- High torque rate provides more force.
- Low vibration and noise.
- Waterproof.
- Easy to clean.
- Resistant to corrosion and water.
Cons
- It can be pretty slow.
- The gears are not lubricated enough.
Traxxas 2255 Waterproof Servo
Now, we have the Traxxas 2255 Waterproof Servo for our second item. It combines a wide range of high-performance capabilities with maximum steering ability.
Here, the servo has full metal gears and two ball bearings with an aluminium centrepiece. This helps with heat dissipation.
It is a very important feature for rock crawlers. Because it can heat up very quickly for harsh use and bashing. So, heat dissipation saves it from bursting.
On the other hand, the motor has cutting-edge technology. And it has a torque rating of 28.80 kg/cm. So the maximum force the servo can apply is 28.80 kg/cm.
The torque rating is lower than our previous product. This means that it will not have a smooth ride on steeper roads.
Here, it operates at a voltage of 6 volts.
The high-torque servo fits well into most 1/10 Traxxas cars. And it is not only water resistant but fully waterproof.
The brushless motor type provides the RC vehicle with the greatest performance. It offers maximum efficiency and high torque with a quick response.
And the motor has the most extended lifespan with ultimate power. Well, it is an expensive digital servo indeed. It is pricier than our previous product.
With TSM-equipped cars, it provides considerably faster-turning speed. The Traxxas servo saves weight, increases torque, and improves steering reaction time.
It also provides the best driving experience with quick steering.
Pros
- It has the most extended lifespan.
- Provides maximum efficiency with quick response.
- Aluminium centerpiece helps with heat dissipation.
- Maximum steering ability.
- It is waterproof.
Cons
- Bashing may weaken the servo.
- It may have reduced durability.
ANNIMOS 25kg RC Digital Servo
The third item on our list is the ANNIMOS 25 kg RC Digital Servo. It is a high-performance servo with a control angle of 180 degrees.
This means that it can rotate up to 180 degrees. The servo has a torque rating of 25 kg/cm. It is lower than our previous two products. It is the maximum amount of force the servo can apply.
The operating voltage is 4.8 to 6.8 volts. It is a DC motor and works wonders for low-demanding applications. The motor also provides high speed. Also, it maintains constant torque at a higher speed.
The changing rate of torque can be very unpleasant and unpredictable for the user. So it helps to drive the rock crawler smoothly and with confidence.
On the other hand, the servo has a high-precision potentiometer with a high-resolution digital chip. These make sure of the device’s stability, responsiveness, and anti-interference capability.
It also ensures low noise and quick heat dissipation. Also, it has an extended power chord of 45 cm. Besides, it is the cheapest among the five servos on our list.
Besides, it’s an excellent operator because it has an all-metal gear train and digital control electronics. Also, it features two ball bearings on the output shaft to reduce friction.
The servo is compatible with 1/8 and 1/10 scale crawlers, robotic arms, and buggies.
Pros
- Affordable and compatible with various RC vehicles.
- Stable and quickly responsive.
- Ensures low noise with heat dissipation.
- Great for low-demanding applications.
- It has reduced friction.
Cons
- No mounting hardware is included.
- It can become a bit slow over time.
ZOSKAY 25 kg Digital Servo
For our fourth pick, we have the ZOSKAY 25 kg Digital Servo. It is a top-notch digital servo that runs smoothly. Here, the digital servo has a 25 kg/cm high torque rate.
This indicates that this servo’s maximum force is 25 kg/cm. At a straight angle to the servo arm, the servo exerts force. That too, at an operating voltage of 6.8 volts.
On the other hand, it features a 180-degree control angle. It implies that it has a wide range.
The digital servo has copper and aluminum gears, a unique feature. We did not find this feature in our other servos. This makes the servo pretty lightweight.
Furthermore, the servo also has high voltage and high torque with quick heat dissipation. It also features sensitivity and responsiveness with excellent performance and quality.
It is constructed of premium materials and has a CNC aluminum middle shell. This helps with heat dissipation.
Moreover, it includes hard-anodized and high-quality gear for more precision. Also, the Zoskay digital servo has a longer service life. And it is pricier than our previous product.
However, it has a fair price.
It is a DC motor that excels in applications with low demand. The motor also provides high speed. Additionally, even at higher rates, the torque remains constant.
Lastly, it is compatible with ⅛, 1/10, and 1/12 RC cars.
Pros
- 180-degree control angle for great steering.
- Hard anodizing makes it resistant to corrosion and more precise.
- Long service life.
- CNC aluminum middle shell helps with heat dissipation.
- Sensitive and quickly responsive.
Cons
- It is not waterproof.
- Not great for bashing a heavy 1/10 scale.
Powerhobby 729MBL Brushless Servo
Finally, the final product on our list is the Powerhobby 729MBL Brushless Servo. It is another great servo with excellent quality.
Here, the torque rate is 40.68 kg/cm. Meaning that 40 kg/cm is the maximum power it can apply. It has the highest torque rate on our list. And the operating voltage is from 4.8 to 8.4 volts.
The brushless motor makes it a powerful motor with the fastest torque. It also features rapid response and the most efficient motor.
The servo is the perfect choice for boats and RC crawlers. It has high power, high voltage, dual ball bearings, and is waterproof.
Driving is possible in the rain, puddles, snow, and muck. All thanks to the waterproof IP67 rating up to 1 meter.
It includes a high-quality and long-lasting patent gear design. Also, a complete CNC aluminium case for quick heat dissipation. Here, the digital control circuit has high precision.
A unique feature that will amaze you is that it has a magnetic sensor. Also, it is quite expensive.
Lastly, it is compatible with 1/10, 1/8 on-road, off-road, truck/cars. For example, crawlers and buggies.
Pros
- It is waterproof.
- Features a magnetic sensor.
- Offers quick heat dissipation.
- High torque rate.
- Compatible with a wide range of RC vehicles.
Cons
- It may not last for long.
- You might face issues with the control angle.
Buying Guide
We have listed the top servos and reviewed them in the write-up above. You may still find it puzzling as a beginner, though. We have developed a section that can help you in order to clear up any confusion.
Here, we have covered the factors to consider when purchasing your steering servos. So that you can choose the one that is best appropriate for your RC vehicle.
What are the Size and Torque?
The “Standard” size of a servo is the most popular size. A typical servo measures 40 mm x 38 mm x 20 mm (L x H x W). A lot of 1/10th and 1/8th scale cars use them.
Low-Profile servos are designed for usage in confined spaces. They have the same length, width, and height as standard servos. Common uses for these include various 2WD buggies and 1/10 touring vehicles.
Smaller 1/12 and 1/16 scale vehicles frequently use “Mini,” “Micro,” and “Sub-Micro” sized servos. These are smaller than standard-size servos.
lso, there are large-scale servos used for several vehicles in 1/5 and 1/6 sizes.
The torque your servo should offer should increase with the size and weight of your RC car. The ideal torque for a typical 1/10 buggy or stadium truck is 10 kg.
A 1/10 on-road car can get by with a little less. Thus 8 kg should be sufficient. Similar to the 1/8 and larger vehicles, heavy 4WD trucks require 15kg and higher.
What are the Voltage and Speed?
You must select 7.4-volt compatible servos to use a 2S LiPo receiver battery. That too, without a BEC. Lower voltages can be used with these servos, but the performance will be less.
And a high-speed servo is great. But too much speed might cause twitch.
Which Type of Gear to pick?
Metal gears are advised for any model that will be operated roughly or face bashing. Plastic gears are a viable option for “low impact” applications. But only if weight or cost is your concern.
You can go for metal gears if you are unsure. It is a good choice. Use a servo saver for every heavy impact usage, whatever the gear material is.
What Type of Motor is the Best?
There are three types of motors. These are coreless, brushless and DC. Coreless motors are more powerful, more dependable, and have superior direction-changing capabilities.
The best performance, quick torque, fast response, and greatest efficiency are produced by brushless motors. Also, it has the longest lifespan.
The lowest-priced and best suited for less demanding applications are DC motors.
FAQs
Can You Mix Digital and Analog Servos?
Mixing digital and analog servos is possible. But it is not recommended. Only if the receiver is ready and it’s clear that they’re digital. The servo’s internal electronics, not the receiver, control the frame rate. If the transmitter has the ability, it must be programmed to align with the servo.
What Is the Work of a Continuous Micro Servo?
Continuous micro servos provide open-loop speed control rather than their typical closed-loop position control. It is a common hobby RC servo that has been altered. They have transformed into motors with built-in motor drivers thanks to the modification. This comes in a small, affordable package.
How Does a Servo Know its Position?
A servo knows its position with the help of PWM. The position of the shaft is determined by the PWM sent to the motor. The rotor will turn to the appropriate position based on the pulse length. Every 20 ms, the servo motor expects to get a pulse. The pulse length decides how far the motor will turn.
Wrapping it Up
Finally, the conversation has come to a close. You can get all the information you require right here. To purchase the best steering servo for rock crawlers, you must do so. The highlights and drawbacks of each product, including a buying guideline, have been added separately. So,
Best of luck!