after doing some research, it seems the EVX-2 in my emaxx was somewhat notorious for killing batteries and most people reported it melting wires and such. so it sounds like my lipos were properly built (the soldering does look pretty good) and traxxas is to blame for a crappy esc.
from what I can see, im going to have to remove the one cell from the solder board, somehow lengthen the fried tab (pretty sure it sticks out enough), then resolder both tabs back in their appropriate location........wish me luck
