Congrats on the charger, you will be happy with it. As for life versus lipo, what I have heard is the life battery characteristics are very similar to lipo without the concern of the battery catching on fire. I have run lipo before but always watched it as I charged. I never had an issue, but was always concerned about burning down my buggy or pit trailer. I have never run life, but would consider it. Maybe the boys in the electric section could share more light on the batteries. As for the size, can't help you there.