Sorry, I think I confused the topic :oops:
My suggestion would be to invest in packs that you will be able to utilize the most. If you run 4S in all your vehicles, then I would buy 4S packs so you have the option of running a single pack or in parrallel for more capacity.

I run 4S in my 1/10 scales and 8S in my 1/8th scales so I buy 4S packs and run 2 in series in my 1/8th scale.

I really don't see a major benefit of either configuration but I'd strongly suggest planning ahead so you can take the most advantage of the packs you buy.

In my case it's about Layout. I would LOVE to go to a single pack config but the E-Revo is a two pack truck...my Truggy is getting replaced over the winter and I am moving to a single pack config.

One thing I don't like about a parallel setup with deans is that if you get a bad (dirty) connection at one of the two connetions you won't know it. In other words, you could feed off one pack without relizing it until it is too late and your pack has overheated. One pack will be red hot and the other will be stone cold. I have had this happen to me more than several times. I usually run my cars in a somewhat dusty enviroment. Mabe, that is why I'm having this problem.

If you are running a serial setup. This can't happen. If you get a dirty connections the circut doesn't complete and you go no where.

One solution for parallel would be better battery connectors. I've thought about using 6.5mm bullet connectors. That might work better.

Absolutely true, maybe solder connections for the parallel part?

+1. Run jumper wires to make the parallel connection and then go to a single Deans/bullet/whatever connector...

You will need some wire on the parallel connector to bridge the space between lipo leads on the E-Revo.

how could you use seperate balancers when charging the cells in parrallel? one balancer would come from the machine... where would the other one come from and attach to?

I use an FMA CellPro 10s which can charge and balance two identical packs at the same time up to 5s each. So charging isn't a problem for me.