I personal like the a123's if you can put a 6s2p pack into that beast, your would be set. Long run times, and super fast charge time. I have a e-maxx that I run 6s1p A123's.
My charge time is 8-10 min and the run time is 12-15 min.
For bashing there is no other choice IMHO. If you are racing then Lipo's all the way.