Hard vs. Soft lipo

[simplechamp]

Hey guys, this is my first thread. Been lurking for awhile, finally decided to register. Very informative site, you guys really know your stuff!

I have a Team Academy SB Pro Carbon buggy with a Siderwinder combo, and a Brushless E-revo in the mail right now with a Mamba Monster combo. I ordered up two 5000mah Flightmax 2s 30C hardcase lipos from Hobbyking because they will work in both vehicles.

I want to hear your opinions about which is better; hardcase or soft-shrinkwrap lipos. It seems to me that soft lipos will have more capacity for the same dimensions as a hardcase since there is no plastic case taking up space. On the other hand hardcase lipos and have less risk of being damaged, punctured, etc.

From what I've seen here on the forums it seems like most people use soft lipos. I chose to go with hardcase because of the safety/durability aspect. I'm a fairly new driver, and I know I'll be having some major tumbles. I feel much more confident having the added protection.

So what do you think.? What are some other aspects to think about when comparing hard vs. soft lipos?

[lincpimp]

Some guys like it hard. OHHHH

I find that hard case lipos are good for vehicle that do not have a very protective battery tray, or have clearance slots on the bottom. If the tray has 5 good sides and no openings from the bottom, then a soft case lipo that is properly attached will be fine, and a bit lighter.

[simplechamp]

Well my Academy buggy has the battery trays open in the chassis with the slots underneath for standard NiMH packs, so for that I definitely need hardcase.

The E-revo of course has the enclosed trays, but like I said before I'm still learning to drive, and I have a feeling even with the protective enclosed trays I'd find a way to turn a soft lipo into a blob of smoldering paste!

Another thing is that there seems to be less selection (if any) of high-voltage hardcase lipos. Most of them are 2s and 3s ROAR-approved for 1/10th cars/buggies. If you want a monster pack for your 1/5th scale vehicle it's probably gotta be a soft pack. There are some hardcase 4s on the market, correct? That's the highest voltage hardcases I've seen.

[Justin B]

If you're going to race check to see what the track rules are, some only allow hard case lipos. My local track doesn't care but I run hard case 2s Orions and SMC.

[simplechamp]

Ahh I hadn't thought of that. It would be a shame to drop $300 on lipos and then not be able to use them at the track.

[E-Revonut]

I have seen 5s hardcase lipos. in the e-revo a hardcase is not needed no matter how much you tumble. I did some crazy jumps with mine and never hurt a lipo.

[simplechamp]

Originally Posted by E-Revonut

in the e-revo a hardcase is not needed no matter how much you tumble. I did some crazy jumps with mine and never hurt a lipo.

Since one vehicle required a hardcase and the other could have either I went with the hardcase.

Soft lipos just seem so delicate to me. Even dropping one wrong could put a nice dent in the side or corner, or even cause a puncture if it landed on gravel or rocks.

[suicideneil]

Handle with care, lol.

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by suicideneil

Handle with care, lol.

Especially if it is hard! Yeah Baby, Yeah. Do I make you randy baby??!!!

[suicideneil]

Im not that way inclinded...

Besides, some people prefer the soft and sensitive approach..

[simplechamp]

Well I decided to get hard so I could beat on it without any worries

I saw a thread on another forum that we should start here in the off-topic section. It was called "out of context" and people would go around digging up old quotes from other users that sounded really funny when removed from the context of the rest of the thread e.g. "I really had it lubed up good" when talking about a diff. This thread would be a good place to start!

[suicideneil]

We do that kinda thing in every thread...

[brushlessboy16]

Im stuck to the hard ones.. the soft ones dont do a good job when presented with a tight situation. and end up blowing it before they should.. :)



....hardcases ftw is really what im trying to say :)