Its been a while, didn't know AA come in 3000mah. Have you tried 2/3 A Batteries @ 1600mah? I was using those before Lipos became popular.

2/3 A Battery pack are still out there. Price about $10. 1600mah you may think its low, but it lasted me 1hr during a endurance race 1hr &15min max.

My Serpents in my museum still carries 1600mah and still take a charge, they're on the shelf 6 yrs.

I'm happy with 2/3 A. And yes rather use them then Lipos!! You can run them till Flat! Lipos gotta charge them at 6v.

Good Luck!!