just as a note I've run deans plugs for years without heat shrink on them and never had an issue. unless you have a lot of metal parts on you R/C car it's not a problem. This is low voltage DC current it doesn't short out too easily.

Edited for novices, I do not condone of running them without heat shrink but it isn't the end of the world. under normal circumstances the leads shouldn't fall off or hit one another. I highly suggest not running without heat shrink if there is any metallic items near the connector.

happy now?