Which lipo batteries to run?

[66racer]

Hey,

Well guys its time to buy some lipo packs, last time i purchases was over 2 yrs ago and a lot has changed 20c was common and 30 barely came out. My main concern with the discharge rate, is there really a big differance on a 20c vs 30 vs 50c pack? Also anything change with chargers? Considering a second charger or maybe just an extra pack or two since these things run so long. Im currently use the muchmore silent charger. I notice that it slowly creeps to max charge rate then tappers off before completing, is that good? Only lipo setting on it. It wasnt cheap back when I got it and i know its still up there.

I was getting 20mins with a budget 3200mah 20c pack on a 17.5t motor in my xxxtcr but my recent purchase makes me wonder if i need larger capacity. Im running now a 5.5t in a xxx4 (might switch to 10.5t tho), run time hasnt been timed yet but i know it will make it through a race but not sure on the amps part, i know the 1/8 scale guys seem to mention it more and dont know the importance on the 1/10. Just wanna be sure since im running mod now.

Im still not planning on racing every week and would rather get 2 budget packs for practice rather than one expensive pack and waist it on practice. For budget i like the pricing of venom (3200 20c $29-40 online). If I have to my buddy likes his orions and they look good too. What do you think, budget ok for mod if cared for correctly?

[D_FAST]

Well Im a budget shopper when it comes to lipo's I always try to get my hands on the highest rating i can. Even if my system doesnt need it. It'll either increase your run times, or give you the power your system needs so its a win win situation.
As far as brand, again budget.

There are only a few makers of lipoly cells. With that said, Evo,Venom,MaxAmp, Are most likly getting them from the same place, sticking there logo on them, and charging you a 200% markup for there name.

I just recently got back into the hobby and im just amazed at the guys at the track using these $100+ lipo's and my $20-30 lipo are holding up just as well as theres if not better.
A good charger with ballencer and lipo maintenence is key.

Im sure others are gonna chime in here, telling ya not to buy these cheap foriegn made lipo's but ill bet you $$$$ that MaxAmp is getting there cells from the exact same source.;)

I shop alot online @ hobbyking great pricing! you can easly find a 2S 20-30C 5000MAH for 20-25$ And for that price pick up 4-5 :) and then go to the local track and run with the guys using those $100+ lipos hehe.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=10277

[Casper]

I would look for 30+ C packs for racing. 40+ is better. C rating is for max discharge current but it also typically relates to lower internal resistance which means punch for your spec motors. Losi's new Xcerlorin batteries are awesome. There are others out there as well. You get what you pay for though. (Max amps are pretty over priced but most everyone are are bunched together). I would suggest a hard case battery. If you are racing check with your club if they require ROAR approved batteries for safety.

The silent is a decent charger for lipos. It does not have an integrated balancer from what I saw. That means you will want to pick up an external one like this losi unit.

http://www.losi.com/Products/Features.aspx?ProdId=LOSB9625

Or if you are looking for a new charger look for one with an integrated lipo balancer so you can balance your lipo's as you charge them. If you do this every time it does not take very long at all. If you don't balance your lipo's you can risk over charging or over discharging a cell and damage your battery.

There are lots of good lipo chargers out there so check out what your LHS has and find one that meets your budget.

[Jason Haas]

I would check out SMC packs. I love there packs!! I know they have a 4100 24c around 60 bucks. The pack works very well.

[66racer]

Thanks for the input. Decided on getting the budget cells for now after forum reading and from your guys input. I think when I start racing again I will go for the better ones when everything helps. I have had good luck with the cheap "yeah racing 3200" packs and just ordered the venom packs. Hope they work fine. Lol still need to build up my tire inventory on the xxx4 and xxxtcr

Casper

thanks for the recomendation on the balancer Im probably gonna get it. I was planning on the much more one but it's more money and it's designed to only be used with their silent charger. For the year I was using my lipo packs though I never balanced and never had issues. Either way it's a good idea so why not.

[Casper]

Odds are your batteries are out of balance then. On good batteries it can take awhile to get them way out of balance but they perform better and last longer if you keep them balanced and it is not hard to do so well worth the effort. ;)