Traxxas Rustler XL-5 Battery upgrade
03-09-2012, 07:33 PM
#1
Tech Rookie
Thread Starter
Traxxas Rustler XL-5 Battery upgrade
Hi Guys,
New to the RC world and recently purchased a Traxxas Rustler (brushed) XL-5. Unit came with the factory "Traxxas 8.4v 3000mah" battery. I've only used the car 5-6 times and already want to go faster. From the reading i've been doing LiPo are the way to go. Not understanding the RC batteries, I read that mah refers to the longevity of the charge. Ie. More mah, more run time. What about the voltage though? Do I need to run 8.4v or can I run 7.4v (which is common for LiPos?). I read elsewhere that the brushed motor (Titan 550 T12) should not run more than a 2s (2 cell lipo).
3 Queries
A. What is the baddest LiPo battery I could run in my Rustler?
Ie. Turnigy 6000mAh 2S2P 7.4v 25C hardcase pack - found on "HobbyKing" website. Biggest mah 2s lipo I could find.
B. What is the best bang for buck battery that users recommend?
C. What sort of speed increase if any should I expect with a LiPo?
Thanks in Advance,
Matt
RC Car : Traxxas Rustler XL-5.
Model : 3705
Motor : Titan 550 T12 (Factory)
Battery : Traxxas 8.4v 3000mah (Factory)
New to the RC world and recently purchased a Traxxas Rustler (brushed) XL-5. Unit came with the factory "Traxxas 8.4v 3000mah" battery. I've only used the car 5-6 times and already want to go faster. From the reading i've been doing LiPo are the way to go. Not understanding the RC batteries, I read that mah refers to the longevity of the charge. Ie. More mah, more run time. What about the voltage though? Do I need to run 8.4v or can I run 7.4v (which is common for LiPos?). I read elsewhere that the brushed motor (Titan 550 T12) should not run more than a 2s (2 cell lipo).
3 Queries
A. What is the baddest LiPo battery I could run in my Rustler?
Ie. Turnigy 6000mAh 2S2P 7.4v 25C hardcase pack - found on "HobbyKing" website. Biggest mah 2s lipo I could find.
B. What is the best bang for buck battery that users recommend?
C. What sort of speed increase if any should I expect with a LiPo?
Thanks in Advance,
Matt
RC Car : Traxxas Rustler XL-5.
Model : 3705
Motor : Titan 550 T12 (Factory)
Battery : Traxxas 8.4v 3000mah (Factory)
03-09-2012, 08:03 PM
#2
A 2s (7.4V) LiPo will give you similar results to your 8.4V NiMH pack that you currently have. Only real difference will be a more consistent power and it should last a little longer each run.
I'd aim for a LiPo with a capacity of 4000mAH+ (ideally 4500+) with a constant discharge rating of 20c+ (ideally 25C+). That HobbyKing battery should be fine.
I'd suggest you upgrade to brushless though. There probably won't be enough of a power increase to satisfy you.
I'd aim for a LiPo with a capacity of 4000mAH+ (ideally 4500+) with a constant discharge rating of 20c+ (ideally 25C+). That HobbyKing battery should be fine.
I'd suggest you upgrade to brushless though. There probably won't be enough of a power increase to satisfy you.
03-09-2012, 09:30 PM
#3
03-09-2012, 09:37 PM
#4
Tech Regular
More run time but not more power. Longer run times will overheat your 12t so watch your motor temp. If you go lipo, you should also go brushless. Good luck..
03-10-2012, 12:14 PM
#5
3 Answers
A. What is the baddest LiPo battery I could run in my Rustler?
As far as baddest battery you could run with your current set up I wouldn't reccomend any higher than 2s or 7.4v. If you upgrade to brushless you pretty much limited to 6s or 22.2v. depending on ESC and motor combo. Honestly though i don't think the poor Rustler would be able to handle much more than 3S or 11.1V without extensive mods.
B. What is the best bang for buck battery that users recommend?
Tha't really all a matter of opinon. I have run may brands of battery but the best battery I have come across has to be from High Velocity Racing, their 6000mah 60C. Stop before someone say " blah blah because your sponsored." That may be true but just go to the thread read it.I don't know about other sites but if you don't like the battery you can return it for a full refund including shipping.
http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric...rds-lipos.html
C. What sort of speed increase if any should I expect with a LiPo?
As stated above not a huge increase in speed but you will notice a good increase in Punch/ Torque. Meaning you'll more than likely flip. When you go brushless there are many choices. I personally like Castle Creations, The Sidewinder and the Mamba Max Pro are good ESC's. Affordable, Customer Service ( if you need it) is excellent, Extremely programmable and easy to set up.
A. What is the baddest LiPo battery I could run in my Rustler?
As far as baddest battery you could run with your current set up I wouldn't reccomend any higher than 2s or 7.4v. If you upgrade to brushless you pretty much limited to 6s or 22.2v. depending on ESC and motor combo. Honestly though i don't think the poor Rustler would be able to handle much more than 3S or 11.1V without extensive mods.
B. What is the best bang for buck battery that users recommend?
Tha't really all a matter of opinon. I have run may brands of battery but the best battery I have come across has to be from High Velocity Racing, their 6000mah 60C. Stop before someone say " blah blah because your sponsored." That may be true but just go to the thread read it.I don't know about other sites but if you don't like the battery you can return it for a full refund including shipping.
http://www.rctech.net/forum/electric...rds-lipos.html
C. What sort of speed increase if any should I expect with a LiPo?
As stated above not a huge increase in speed but you will notice a good increase in Punch/ Torque. Meaning you'll more than likely flip. When you go brushless there are many choices. I personally like Castle Creations, The Sidewinder and the Mamba Max Pro are good ESC's. Affordable, Customer Service ( if you need it) is excellent, Extremely programmable and easy to set up.
03-10-2012, 01:43 PM
#6
Tech Rookie
Thread Starter
03-10-2012, 04:04 PM
#7
Tech Rookie
Thread Starter
3 Answers
A. What is the baddest LiPo battery I could run in my Rustler?
As far as baddest battery you could run with your current set up I wouldn't reccomend any higher than 2s or 7.4v. If you upgrade to brushless you pretty much limited to 6s or 22.2v. depending on ESC and motor combo. Honestly though i don't think the poor Rustler would be able to handle much more than 3S or 11.1V without extensive mods.
B. What is the best bang for buck battery that users recommend?
Tha't really all a matter of opinon. I have run may brands of battery but the best battery I have come across has to be from High Velocity Racing, their 6000mah 60C. Stop before someone say " blah blah because your sponsored." That may be true but just go to the thread read it.I don't know about other sites but if you don't like the battery you can return it for a full refund including shipping.
C. What sort of speed increase if any should I expect with a LiPo?
As stated above not a huge increase in speed but you will notice a good increase in Punch/ Torque. Meaning you'll more than likely flip. When you go brushless there are many choices. I personally like Castle Creations, The Sidewinder and the Mamba Max Pro are good ESC's. Affordable, Customer Service ( if you need it) is excellent, Extremely programmable and easy to set up.
A. What is the baddest LiPo battery I could run in my Rustler?
As far as baddest battery you could run with your current set up I wouldn't reccomend any higher than 2s or 7.4v. If you upgrade to brushless you pretty much limited to 6s or 22.2v. depending on ESC and motor combo. Honestly though i don't think the poor Rustler would be able to handle much more than 3S or 11.1V without extensive mods.
B. What is the best bang for buck battery that users recommend?
Tha't really all a matter of opinon. I have run may brands of battery but the best battery I have come across has to be from High Velocity Racing, their 6000mah 60C. Stop before someone say " blah blah because your sponsored." That may be true but just go to the thread read it.I don't know about other sites but if you don't like the battery you can return it for a full refund including shipping.
C. What sort of speed increase if any should I expect with a LiPo?
As stated above not a huge increase in speed but you will notice a good increase in Punch/ Torque. Meaning you'll more than likely flip. When you go brushless there are many choices. I personally like Castle Creations, The Sidewinder and the Mamba Max Pro are good ESC's. Affordable, Customer Service ( if you need it) is excellent, Extremely programmable and easy to set up.
So 2S lipo is the way to go on my existing motor.
I tried going to the "highvelocityracing" website but it's just a placeholder site. (No live content). googled buy high velocity racing batteries, no usable results. Where do I buy these guys from? And will they ship to Australia?
- Edit - Read the thread for the batteries. Can be purchased via email -
Thanks again.
Last edited by aussieinkguy; 03-10-2012 at 04:07 PM. Reason: Found further information.
03-10-2012, 04:11 PM
#8
Tech Rookie
Thread Starter
First got keen on getting a car after going to a school holiday program where the guy was letting kids run riot with Traxxas Slash brushless units.
03-10-2012, 04:19 PM
#9
Tech Rookie
Thread Starter
A 2s (7.4V) LiPo will give you similar results to your 8.4V NiMH pack that you currently have. Only real difference will be a more consistent power and it should last a little longer each run.
I'd aim for a LiPo with a capacity of 4000mAH+ (ideally 4500+) with a constant discharge rating of 20c+ (ideally 25C+). That HobbyKing battery should be fine.
I'd suggest you upgrade to brushless though. There probably won't be enough of a power increase to satisfy you.
I'd aim for a LiPo with a capacity of 4000mAH+ (ideally 4500+) with a constant discharge rating of 20c+ (ideally 25C+). That HobbyKing battery should be fine.
I'd suggest you upgrade to brushless though. There probably won't be enough of a power increase to satisfy you.
3rd reply to your post. Apologies if they all suddenly appear and the thread looks like mud! (Some sort of moderator vetting occurring on my posts being a new user).
Thanks for the prompt response. As noted in another response, I'll do the Lipo first, then look at the Brushless as the brushless is going to be best off on the Lipo anyway. Need to factor the cost of a decent charger for the Lipo as I only have the stock NiMH charger (trickle) that came in the box. Any recommendations welcome.
Of the cars your running, which one is your favourite (and why). Thanks again. Aussie.
03-10-2012, 04:36 PM
#10
My favourite is probably my 2WD Slash (not much is stock on it anymore).
For a cheap, reliable charger you can't look past the iMAX B6. They're around $20 on Ebay and an extra $5 for a power pack - so you can run it from the wall instead of off a 12V DC supply like a car battery. They charge all types batteries. I've got 2 plus another for my brother and never had an issue with any of them (heaps of mates also use them).
For a cheap, reliable charger you can't look past the iMAX B6. They're around $20 on Ebay and an extra $5 for a power pack - so you can run it from the wall instead of off a 12V DC supply like a car battery. They charge all types batteries. I've got 2 plus another for my brother and never had an issue with any of them (heaps of mates also use them).
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