So whats the word on Maxamps new LiFe packs for BL crt.5??
 

I've been running Nimh 6-cells in my brushless crt.5 for a while just b/c they're cheap and reliable and didn't really feel like messing w/ lipos and new chargers, etc. But these LiFe packs sound pretty good... but i'm sure yall know all the pro's and con's to them. So can you enlighten me please??

All I saw is that they are using A123 cells. To me they are the best all around, they handle abuse like you wouldn't believe, over a 1000 cycles, fast charging (15 minutes with the right charger at 5C) awsome power. I use them exclusively now but I just buy the A123 cells and assemble them myself. Their voltage isn't as high 3.3 vs 3.7 but that isn't enough to really worry about for me since they have such great other qualitys.

Jeff

they are not a123 cells i know that. maxamps packs are flat. unless a123 released a flat cell they are not a123

Then what are they then?Do they charge as a lipo would?

I guess I didn't see that, all I saw were A123 packs with options for style cell count balance connectors and such. And A123 does make a flat pack it's just the 1100mah cells in a hard case (2S2P).

Jeff

This one?

http://www.maxamps.com/categories.php?cat=223

That is the same size (dims) as my 2S2P M1 cells.

I wouldn't mess with them. They are new to the market, and made by maxamps. Maxamps has a bad rep for quality, construction, and cell quality.

I would get a nice lipo. The hyperion G3 VX's are the best lipos availible at the moment. Zippy packs from hobbycity are great for the price too.

Looking again at the Greeen line all the dims are all the same, but they are not hard cell packs. They might be using the knockoff A123's but I don't know. Real A123's are awsome IMO, I never had a problem with them other than the heatshrink is a little thin but I fix that by adding my own. Lipo's might have more power density but I'll take 1000 charges over 300 and not worrying about a fire, and being able to charge them fast any day.

Jeff

Look at the new specs on lipo packs, primarily hyperion and flightpower's new packs. They have a long cycle life and better discharge ratings then the a123s. Also, the a123 packs don't sustain their voltage under load nearly as well as lipos. the a123 rating is what the packs can survive. The amount a123's can sustain is much lower then the c rating.

I get the distinct feeling many of us don't want to touch this thread, a quick Forum Search will explain why.

If you are used to Nimhs, MaxAmps would be a giant step sideways.... get me?

Go with the PROVEN stuff, Hyperion, Flightpower, just about ANYTHING but MaxAmps, you'll save yourself some real heartache!

BTW this is no longer 2005, lots of old horror stories about lipos will be circulating til the end of internet time, lipos and lipo charging has come a long way in a few short years.

So put your mind at ease.. and spend less money on better stuff!

I still use A123 and you learn to deal with the shortcomings. If runtime is too low, then go with a 10S A123 setup and call it a day. But for me in short burst racing, they are as good as Lipo's. Fletchoman can attest to that. I still have my eyes on the G3 cells, but I'll wait for some long term results.

Keep in mind that just because LiFe-Po can discharge at higher C rates doesn't mean they can give you more power or punch. For example, if a A123 cell is rated at 30C it could drop to 2.0 volts per cell under that load which would be acceptable for the cell chemistry. A lipo cell correctly rated at 30C MUST stay above 3.0 volts at that discharge level - so you know it has to be good at providing the punch.

Well even A123's will blow the socks off those Nimh packs that you are using now, performance wise...

Yeah, an A123 would provide you with great performance in the Crt.5... especially if you get a 3s pack.

I can't say anything about the MA LiFe packs, but the specs are the same as the M1 cells.

From my experience with A123 cells, they seem to have a better voltage holding ability under short burts of current vs. continuous, like they have some sort of short term 'capacity' for surge currents. I use to use 7s1p, and 7s2p A123 packs for the last couple years and they really did serve me well (still like new performance too! after roughly 200+ cycles), I even had burst currents as high as ~60C (130+amps) from the 7s pack, which was 2000+ watts.

IMO, you don't really need Lipo in a Crt.5 really, as it wouldn't take much to move it around. Get some genuine M1 cells if want to go LiFe, don't pay the extremely high price for the MA LiFe packs.

maxamp r greet me rustlar id soupa fast, 90mph wid maxamp lipo, 3000mah 8.4v. maxamp r best u can bye, no otter lipo id as good. Jason id me hero! HWRJHW+++EEYINB CNOASXJPXKLNBCKKJS!

Stick with regular lipos, something like a zippy if you want a good price, or the hyperion g3 line if you want the latest and greatest. You will find that maxamps prices are a bit high compared to other proven lipos.

Damn Right!!!..