What batteries to buy and why?
 

OK, I've been using Maxamps lipo packs for a few years now; but I've only just started using them in 1/8 scale conversions. When I first got my buggy converted, I ordered some of the 6Ah 4S2P packs, because they were rated at 120A constant. My setup is a 7XL with a Mamba Max Speed controller running 14/46 gearing. I think it's all setup right. Neither my motor or esc ever get to over 140 degrees or so.

The thing is that I've now killed three of these 6Ah packs. Just tonight, I puffed one and I wasn't doing anything nuts or off the wall. I was just running on a track. From what I understand, my setup might hit 120A in spikes, but that's about it. It appears that the Maxamps pack cannot deliver what they are rated for. Now, I was getting ready to order some of their 5Ah packs, but I'm very skeptical. I even considered going with an 8Ah pack, but my friend got one and although it hasn't gotten blazing hot, it's gotten to over 130 degrees, so it's obviously being stressed. I feel bad about that too, since I recommeded the maxamps pack to him.

At this point, I'm giving up on trying to find "bang for the buck" with my batteries. If I destroy the batteries trying to get them to do what they are supposed to, there isn't much bang for the buck.

Can anyone tell me what the absolute best battery pack that I can get is? I want it to be able to easily keep up with the demands of my system, but I also don't want it to be a brick. Is there actually a 4S pack with a capacity of 5Ah or so that can really deliver without toasting itself? I'd love to be able to find some that will fit my battery tray. Unfortunately I designed and built my whole battery setup around the maxamps packs.

Thanks.

I'll give you the answer that most will agree with:

FlightPower 4900mah Evo20 or TrakPower 4900mah packs.

These are the best overall with affordable prices, super high performance, holding more volts at higher amp draw than other lipo packs, Stay cool even after countless charging and discharging, world class customer service, VERY DURABLE AND FORGIVING THAN THE OTHER LIPOS OUT THERE and almost an infinite range of battery selection all the way from 200mah to 7500mah.

These are the BOMB!

Ill second captain.. I tried maxamps 8ah pack in my lsp.. they weighed a TON compared to my new evo 3700 4s pack..

I also have to say, the evo only runs 10 minutes less than the 8ah pack which is pretty amazing since its less than half the maxamps capacity..

All i have to say is, go with quality and never look back. I LOVE FLIGHTPOWER!:)

what about enerland batteries and Hyperion batteries aren't they made from the same cells as flightpower?

Yep!
But the difference is that flightpower has superior experience in matching and building up their cells. AP lipos are built of Enerland's cells, as well, but not as precisionly built as the FlightPowers.

So, what about the tanic packs?

What's the deal with the 4900s? I saw that there are also flightpower 5000s. Are they just different cells that result in a pack being too large for a buggy? Is anyone running a Feigao 7XL with the 4900? What sort of runtime are you getting?

Is Mike going to carry flightpower batteries?

If Mike does not get them where would you get them, a web address please I am shopping online since I live in Kuwait.

www.duralitebatteries.com should be able to take care of you if Mike doesn't have them soon

duralite doesn't show any 4S 4900 packs.

This website sells flightpower packs also. Just do a search for flightpower
and you'll find them.
http://www.atlantahobby.com/
This website has been one of the few places I've seen that sells flightpower packs. Why do so few places sell them?

In the US, they can be had from atlantahobby.com
http://www.atlantahobby.com/shopexd.asp?id=6220

If ordering from duralite, they told me they can get anything that flightpower makes, they just have to order it. They said they place orders weekly for products from flightpower.

You could also go with the Trakpower packs if you don't mind wiring them to get 4S.

I took a better look at the flightpower packs and the lead routing is going to make battery swaps a bit slower. It would be great if I could get my hands on some bare enerland cells, so that I could make my own packs. Can they be had?

I'm sure they can be, but I don't think that they will be as good of a quality as if you were to buy a Flightpower pack.

IIRC, the enerland cells are used by a few pack manufacturers. I believe that they are hyperion, polyquest, and polyrc; is that right. If so, polyrc 5Ah packs can be had for under $200 for the 20C packs.