I've used the older 1600mah ver as well as the ones by HPI - with care, I get about 3yrs service from them. They're decent cells when they start fresh. If they've been sitting a long time, they take to time to come back and don't seem to do as well or last as long. I've switched to LiFe/lipo though as these give out.

Charger needs to be a peak detecting type with a variable rate, I never charge mine at more than 1amp and prefer 0.5 - 0.7a for charge rate. The hump pacs don't get as hot that way and last longer. Most cheap chargers have fixed charge rate that starts at 1amp. With new cells that may get your pack too hot. Maybe look the Onyx 100, or the Tower Hobbies AC/DC peak charger. I would look at the Thunder AC6 personally that has a variable charge rate from 0.1 to 5am, but its a more expensive charger.