My advise is to shop around. I don' t mean for the best price. Try to buy all of your packs,charger,balancers from one manufacturer. All w/ the same charge leads, and balance ports. I have been very frustrated myself, there is quite a learning curve.
I first got a 4400 lipo pack from maxamps, it had hyperion ports??? so I got an Apache balancer also w/ hyperion ports. Then I got a 2S 2000MAH Lipo RX pack for my 1/8 scale from Protec(Amain's brand) , also purchased a Protec 4S 2100MAH lipo pack for my Mugen Starter box, also got a Balistic 3S 1200MAH Lipo for my M11, so I had to get a balancer: They all 3 have Align ports on them so I could not use my Apache balancer, So I purchased a Tower Hobbies brand balancer and the extra 2s,3s,4s Align leeds.
$$$$$$$$ more Money.
It can be very overwelming. Now that I got it all straight it's all good. Always charge on the right 2,3,4,S settings and 1C and I think they are great investment.
Good luck Dan Reino