Is this normal?

[ta_man]

I can't speak directly for Tekin or Castle but I have both Tekin and Castle motors and know exactly what you mean.

I think it is just a matter of the design of the motor. I have two Neu 1512s. The older one feels like a Castle motor, the newer one feels like a Tekin motor. When I called and asked Neu about it they said it was a design change intended to lower the I0 (no load current). I seriously doubt Nue would have made such a chage if reduced the power output of the motor.

I know my Tekin has plenty of power and I've seen what Castle motors can do (haven't used my Castle yet - just got it from the sale). Don't worry about it.