Originally Posted by
JR007
I think the point your probably missing, is that a Lipo that is 5000 mAh and 35C can in theory pull 175 amps continuously. Now, almost NO rc cars are really going to do that. a 13.5 is more like 40 amps or so, and a 5.5 mod may get up to about 70 amps. So, in low power applications, the batteries aren't really working hard most of the time, and you won't notice a lot of difference..
You say they take more charge and have higher voltage. Firstly, taking more charge is subjective to a point, as every time you use your car, it will draw more or less power from it, it's impossible to use the exact same amount of capacity, so how do you know they can draw more charge?
Secondly, great news if you got good Zippy's, fantastic stuff for the price. When they work. I have heard stories on both sides of the fence about great ones and bad ones. It's probably worth the chance considering their low price.
One last comment though. Reedy support the industry and lots of race meets and racers. They also put a lot of time into product research and development, that the Chinese companies later reverse engineer for little cost. Ask yourself where the RC industry would be if companies like Reedy packed-up shop.....
In the words of the very wise Jules from Pulp Fiction...Well, allow me to retort!
1. I'm not missing that at all. I wasn't complaining that the 35C battery wasn't delivering expected superior performance because it was 35C...I understand that both batteries are providing tremendous head room vs. what I'm actually drawing. My point was that for 300% more, I expect superior overall performance, not inferior. By performance I mean that the cell should stay better balanced, take more of a charge...something besides a sticker that says "Reedy."
2. Taking more charge is definitely not a subjective point. When I discharge the Reedy to 3.2VDC, and then charge it, it takes roughly 300mAh less than either of the HK jobbers do (310 less than one and 300-303 less than the other). I"ve done this multiple times on all of the batteries, and the results are consistent.
3. re: cutoff voltage: I'm using a Passport Ultra set up to cut off at 8.4VDC. The charger apparently floats that number a bit, as both of the HK batteries go to 8.42 when they charge, and the Reedy goes to 8.39. Again, I understand that this is not a meaningful difference, but the point is that the thing is 300% more expensive...it shouldn't be 'worse' even if 'worse' in this case isn't very important.
4. I doubt seriously that Reedy has significantly contributed to the R&D of Lithium Polymer battery technology...in this case they're just re-badging imported batteries, just like anyone else (except for the small number of companies...Thunder Power for example, who assemble here).
That said, I am 100% with you that Reedy supports the sport. That isn't a reason to sell a $35 (w/o the shipping) battery for $120. If they want to support the sport, they should sell the batteries at a price that represents a solid value. If they were assembles in the US, that adds some value for me. If they have great CS, that adds value.
So, if the $35 HK battery was $55 or so from Reedy, I'd buy a bag full, I promise. But $35 v. $120 is just ridiculous. In my opinion, selling these batteries (and Reedy isn't alone btw) at these outrageous prices it taking advantage of people's trust that if it says 'Reedy' on it, it's worth extra. In this case, it isn't.