Help me compare lipo packs and understand...

[pumpkinfish]

I went to a Traxxas Slash race this past weekend. It was a spec race where the only options allowed was either a 2s lipo or 6-cell 4400's. Most of the guys were running Yeah Racing 2s 5000mAh 25C packs and I had the Team Trinity IP 2s 4000mAh, 20C. Their trucks were more punchy and able to clear the jumps better than me. I had to roll almost everyone and I would hit the crest and flip the Slash. I know the stock esc and motor of the Slash is nothing great, but could the Yeah racing packs be that much better?

Also, the guys were telling me that they never balance charge because it makes the pack feel flat. I always balance charge all my lipos and thought this was odd. The one guy told me from his personal experience that whenever he balance charged his Yeah pack, it didn't have the "yank" that it did after a couple of unbalanced cycles.

Can someone please explain to me what I should be doing for this spoec type racing? It was supposed to be a fun class for me but ended up more stressful as I couldn't enjoy the track. I had no problems in 1/10 4wd with my trackpower saddle packs.