Battery types and sources
 

I'm doing a 1/10th nitro conversion to brushless and looking for a battery. Still on the fence about 2S vs 3S, but mostly I've got two questions:

1. Do RC car batteries have to be hard case? Can I use any shrink-wrapped pack from HK? Are there any special considerations for it?

2. Where are you getting your batteries for a reasonable price? I'm guessing I'll need something in the 3000-5000 mAh range. The little square ones seems like an easier form factor than the sticks for a car, so I'd be open to using those.


Thank you!

Hard case is recommended for car use. If you use soft packs and wreck, the packs can deform and flame out and risk destroying your whole rig.

True good point. They're the same thing inside though, right? Could I also use a plastic box and put any old battery inside?

here is the point for hard case..

if you use a box.. it must be same sizes as soft pack.. so Zero movement inside box..

if it can move.. it will scuff the soft case till it leaks... and a sudden fire will happen.
reason all pre lipo rechargeable batteries were hard cased, aka sub-c and all others..

rechargeable batteries are made with powerful chemicals and most HATE Air... and react badly with it.

my opinion.

I have used soft case packs for many years without any problems, and yes I've had my share of nasty crashes causing the packs to deform.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7407/9...d65e99b1_c.jpg

I've also had many hard case packs split along the seam.... I currently run with hard case packs but I wouldn't say they make me feel any "safer", I run them because they are more form fitting in my LiPo trays with less slop and less likely to get damaged, but I also run 1/8 Tekno cars now which have a vertical strap to improve how the battery is secured in the tray.

Right on... so I'm thinking if I use a battery tray that's big enough, I can always pad a smaller battery to fit.

So where are you guys getting batteries? I'm just having fun, not racing or anything.

Some places offer free shipping so it all depends on price/quantity and who's running a special, etc... I don't really stick to just 1 source, but will place items in a cart and shop around for the best deals.

In no particular order for me:
ValueHobby, ViciousTeknology, HobbyKing, ProMatchRacing, SMC

some places will install the connector of your choice too!

lol wow thats a crazy picture.

I had a soft pack that got a huge dent in it after a narly crash. Wasnt nearly as bad as this photo.

I would recommend hard case packs for extra security. I also think the SMC packs offer the best value with backed support. I would start on a 2cell lipo, for most 1/10th brushless sytems that will get you up to 30mph plus. And trust me it's plenty to start. If you are feeling the need to go faster (and to break more things) upgrade to a 3S. Get 5000mah but make sure it fits in your battery area. This SMC pack is good: https://www.smc-racing.net/index.php...product_id=280

That SMC looks really nice.

I already ordered a HK 2S pack for $19.99 before I saw your post. We'll see how it holds up.