Roger Brushless (Innovera) vs. BFT (King Alarm)

Digital control vs. mechanical limits. See how brushless technology delivers superior performance.

Both are reliable, but brushless offers precision and resilience that mechanical systems can't match.

Lifespan

10+

years (Innovera)

vs. BFT

5-7

years typical

Lightning Resilience

Excellent

digital control

Positioning

Precise

encoder-based

Aspect	Roger Brushless (Innovera)	BFT (King Alarm)
Technology	Brushless DC design with sealed encoder; fully digital logic	Brushed AC/DC motors with mechanical limit switches
Reliability	Excellent under surge and lightning with TVSS protection; fewer internal components	Stable operation but sensitive to voltage spikes — surge protection essential
Performance	Variable-speed, intelligent braking, and precise positioning	Smooth, mid-speed units; slight jerk at stop due to mechanical limits
Maintenance	Minimal — no brushes to replace	Periodic brush and capacitor service required
Parts & Support	Local spare stock via Innovera; dedicated rapid response	Strong technical presence — King Alarm has a large maintenance division
Lightning Resilience	Excellent — digital control and TVSS compatible	Moderate — requires surge devices or TVSS upgrade
Noise Level	Near-silent operation	Moderate noise; increases with age
Energy Efficiency	Up to 50% lower power consumption	Higher energy draw; standard efficiency
Expected Lifespan	10+ years with proper maintenance	5–7 years typical in Jamaica's climate

Technology

Innovera

Brushless DC design with sealed encoder; fully digital logic

BFT

Brushed AC/DC motors with mechanical limit switches

Reliability

Innovera

Excellent under surge and lightning with TVSS protection; fewer internal components

BFT

Stable operation but sensitive to voltage spikes — surge protection essential

Performance

Innovera

Variable-speed, intelligent braking, and precise positioning

BFT

Smooth, mid-speed units; slight jerk at stop due to mechanical limits

Maintenance

Innovera

Minimal — no brushes to replace

BFT

Periodic brush and capacitor service required

Parts & Support

Innovera

Local spare stock via Innovera; dedicated rapid response

BFT

Strong technical presence — King Alarm has a large maintenance division

Lightning Resilience

Innovera

Excellent — digital control and TVSS compatible

BFT

Moderate — requires surge devices or TVSS upgrade

Noise Level

Innovera

Near-silent operation

BFT

Moderate noise; increases with age

Energy Efficiency

Innovera

Up to 50% lower power consumption

BFT

Higher energy draw; standard efficiency

Expected Lifespan

Innovera

10+ years with proper maintenance

BFT

5–7 years typical in Jamaica's climate

Innovera Advantages

Lightning-resilient — digital control protection
Faster response time — no mechanical delay
Precise positioning — encoder-based accuracy
Quiet operation — no gear noise
Low maintenance — no brushes or capacitors
Intelligent braking — smooth, controlled stops
Energy efficient — 50% lower power draw
Better for high-traffic use — reliable over time

BFT Advantages

Wide installer network — King Alarm has large crew
Established reputation — proven in Jamaica
Spare parts readily available — easy to find
Familiar technology — technicians know these systems
Competitive pricing — lower upfront cost
Straightforward maintenance — simple troubleshooting
Good for moderate-duty use — reliable performance
Multiple power options — 110V and 220V available

Innovera Considerations

Higher upfront cost — premium technology
Fewer installers — limited to Innovera partners
Newer in Jamaica — less historical data

BFT Considerations

Brush wear — periodic replacement needed
Mechanical limits — less precise positioning
Lightning vulnerability — requires surge protection
Capacitor failure — common in humid climates
Higher maintenance — more frequent servicing
Shorter lifespan — 5–7 years typical
Fixed-speed operation — less adaptive
Jerk at stop — mechanical limit switches

Real-World Scenario: Condo Retrofit in Montego Bay

The Situation

A 60-unit condo complex in Montego Bay needs to replace an aging gate system. Coastal location with salt air. Heavy daily use (100+ cycles/day).

Innovera Choice

• Initial cost: $5,200
• Annual maintenance: $150
• Downtime incidents: 0–1/year
• Lightning damage risk: Very low
• Noise complaints: None
• 7-year cost: $6,250

BFT Choice

• Initial cost: $3,800
• Annual maintenance: $500
• Downtime incidents: 2–3/year
• Lightning damage risk: Moderate
• Noise complaints: Occasional
• 7-year cost: $7,300

7-Year Verdict: Innovera costs $1,050 more upfront but saves $1,050 in maintenance and eliminates downtime. For coastal, high-traffic sites, the digital precision and lightning resilience make brushless the clear winner.

Choose Innovera If You...

✓Have high-traffic gates (100+ cycles/day)
✓Live in a coastal area (salt air exposure)
✓Want minimal downtime and maintenance
✓Need precise positioning and smooth operation
✓Prioritize lightning resilience
✓Want quiet, near-silent operation
✓Plan to keep the system 10+ years

Choose BFT If You...

✓Have a tight upfront budget
✓Prefer older technology
✓Have low-to-moderate traffic gates
✓Want maximum installer choice
✓Don't mind periodic maintenance
✓Value simplicity and familiarity
✓Plan to replace in 5–7 years

Ready to Decide?

Get a free assessment and see which system is right for your property.