Slash are built tough so they take a lot of abuse. I am concerned running soft wrapped lipo in that environment. I prefer the had cased for increased safety but that is your call. I have three Orions (2 4800, 1 3200,) and one SMC 5000. These all have hard case and plug ins for plus, minus, and the balance tap (single mini plug). I use Ice chargers and Checkpoint balancer. In two years, I have never had any issues with any lipo. The SMC is new but I don't expect any issues with it. You will like the reliability of Lipo and simplicity.