Im sure this has been asked before but using the search I sure cant find it. Im sure allot of folks have a preference to certain brands but im interested as to the best battery and why for 21.5 and 17.5 USGT and TC?

I don't think SMC can be beat on price either.. 35-40 for top notch 1S packs

The charger and discharger you use will have the bighest impact on performance. Being able to charge / discharge @ 40amps. This does take its toll on the batteries though.

I prefer Muchmore Impact series. One of the top notch series, that are used by the top world TC drivers.

Muchmore Impact FD2 LCG 6400mAh

I guess I left out they need to be ROAR approved.

Assuming the rules allow you to charge at ludicrous speed.

I use a iCharger 308DUO and only charge and discharge at 10amps

SMC is good for the price but all the ones I've used have all puffed. PCR and team zombie have been good to me with extremely low ir's and their ability to take a beating and hold up over and over. (totally not bias even though I have a PCR avatar)

I have used smc for a few years . never had any cells puff or really go bad.. best battery for my dollar..

I can't puff my R1 batteries no matter how hard I try I would stay away from Protek, they puff very easily also.

You realize all of our lipos come from china right?

Not only that, but after looking at LiPo packs for awhile, you'll see the same hard case design. Slap on a sticker with cool graphics, and you got yourself a best battery. Every racing breed LiPo brand wants to stand out and make money. Gimmicks leading into the "placebo effect", "keeping up with the Joneses" ...it will never end in the battery wars.