🔧 Punch
How aggressively the car accelerates off the throttle — the initial hit of power.
Adjustable on many ESCs. Too much punch spins the tires; less punch = more forward bite on low-grip.
What it actually does
Punch is the ESC setting that controls how aggressively power is delivered the instant you pull the throttle. It does not change how much power the motor can make — only how quickly it arrives — and it is one of the most useful settings for making a car driveable.
In practice
High punch gives an immediate, violent hit that is good for drag-style launches on high grip. Lower punch ramps power in, which usually produces better real acceleration on loose surfaces because the tyres are not simply spinning. It also reduces the shock load on gears and driveshafts.
Worth knowing
If a car wheelies over backwards or spins up on every corner exit, reduce punch before changing gearing or tyres. It is the cheapest fix available.