o, i didn't know there such a thing as Microsecond()
that changes a lot! awesome.
1.) yeah, analog 5 is a hall effect sensor. i didn't know digitalRead is faster.. i suppose i could try that 
2.)i guess laggy as in... it doesn't refresh very fast. hardly "persistence" of vision.
3.) i have no idea what the rotational rate is. i just strapped on a motor and let it spin. lol, i guess raron's guess on the speed is probably right on.
so i could get a more stable display (which was my problem) if i use Microsecond and increase the motor speed? okay, sounds like a easy fix!
wow, thanks for all the positivity / input, guys!
;D