Lipo advice needed...

[xjbebop]

I'm almost ready to make the jump from NiMH to Lipo. I want to start w/ my Losi xxxt w/ MM 5700.
I've got a Vision peak ultra charger (and a Hyperion EOS5i on the way).

What would you recommend for a 'best value' battery?

I don't need top of the line (or top $$), but I want good quality, reliability and safety. I'm not racing, just bashing.

There are sooo many different brands and numbers (2s2p or whatever..???) I don't know where to start.
I want something that will fit in the standard stick-pack tray.
I use Dean's on everything. I understand about charging at the rated capacity (3600mah = 3.6A charging...right?). And I need to set the esc to the correct cut-off voltage, whatever that number will be.

Also, is 'balancing' mandatory? I heard you only 'need' to do that once in a while...???

thnx!