I did some testing on the Mantis which is the same as the BadAss. One thing we have noticed in operation of the Mantis' is that if you aren't careful with programming the settings will revert. The process is like this, connect the programming box before booting the ESC (applying power). Navigate to the setting, push the value button to the value you want, push ok and listen for the beep from the motor. I then usually cycle through the menu and back to confirm the setting has taken, sometimes it doesn't. Then you need to reboot the ESC by removing power and connecting again this time with the timer in place. The ESC is sensitive to the minimum signal and will reset the brake function if the incoming signal is too low, under 750 microseconds which is below the normal receiver minimum output. So, if you inadvertently apply power tot he ESC without the timer connected, the ESC will likely reset. I didn't test how strong the brake is because I was running without a prop but it seems pretty wimpy. The ESC I am testing is the 12A version which may be different than your in terms of braking effect. Like I posted earlier, I generally don't use the brake. The only time I'd use the brake is for PA competition which requires the prop to be stopped for the glide to landing. A rule which, IMO, should be reconsidered in the face of the electric motor invasion however, I'm not going to champion any rules changes for PA.