maxamps.com has IB3600 6 cell matched packs for $45 each

The base of any good brushless system is the batteries.... Skimp there and your $300+ brushless system will not perform the way it should.

for the same price is it worth getting these packs from maxamps????? 4.4K Top Qualifier SC 1.25+ 4400mah 6 Cell Flat Pack

I heard it was a drastic difference between 4S 4000's and those 4400's. I don't think they will deliver as much juice as good GP3300's

Typically the GP & the IB's offer the best performance (until you step up to quality Li-Po packs anyway!)

Yep, nothing beats good lipo-cells..

I went lipo and don't want to go back. I have had good luck with ib 3800.

would it be okay to get the shoot gun style ib 3600 or should i go with the cell flat type??????????

how much our we looking at to decent lipo's and a decent charger???

You could go wiht 6000 mah 2s 2p x 2 packs for 80 a piece I think.
The mrc 989 is nice for 140.
Then good idea to go with a balancer to for around 50.
I could be off on some prices so don't hold me to it.

is there mush difference between going with the shoot gun sytle pack or the cell flat from maxamps????????

Well, you should really get the side by side if that's what you mean by shotgun. dude, go to radion shack and get some gp 3300 and take'em apart and resolder to side by side. 25.00 per pack of 6 cells.

what is the real difference between having side by side and stick style packs

Side-by-side allows for more current transfer & less resistance (both equal more power!)

Plus they run much cooler not having the additional shrink wrap.

Not entirely Hank; With the right inline packs, the cells are soldered together; this has a lower resistance than two soldering points+ a piece of copper.