Well the prices on the lipo batteries seem to be about as expensive as the NiMH batteries packs that I was looking to build, possibly a little bit cheaper than the ones I was looking at. Plus they one holds an additional 450mAh with 20g less weight and probably about $5 cheaper by the time I paid for plugs.

Found this battery for $13 from amainhobbies (add link segment after the .com). 1500mAh and over twice the needed discharge rate but I have learned to not get too excited about stated values...

/product_info.php/cPath/1389_1393/products_id/149379/n/SuperTigre-15C-Li-Poly-Battery-Pack-111V-1500mAh

This one looks like a more proper price/capacity ratio and it is available from TowerHobbies where we are buying the radios so if Venom is a somewhat respectable company I like the looks of these batteries. There website says that they are based in the US and offer 1 year replacement on any malfunctioning battery. Although I have once again learned to be skeptical of such claims.

/product_info.php/cPath/1389_1393/products_id/143473/n/Venom-Power-3S-Li-Poly-20C-Battery-Pack-w-Traxxas-Connector-111V-1300mAh

And then a Team Losi pack
/product_info.php/cPath/1389_1393/products_id/24780/n/Team-Losi-3S-Li-Poly-20C-Car-Battery-Pack-111V-1000mAh

Multiple sources on Lipo chargers seem to show decentish ones for under $50 so I would respect Lipos as a decent option if they are going to invest in battery packs and charging system. 12v Charging may not be a problem because I have a 13.8v 3A power supply they could use, they could get one of the wall-warts that e-flite sells, or they may want to use an emergency car battery charger that they have.

Suggestions on a battery charger from TowerHobbies would be great since we are planning on buying a decent amount of stuff from them at one time. There's alot to choose from in the price range so I am not sure what is a decent charger. The capability to charge NiMH would be another great addition as well. If there is nothing good under $50 at Tower Hobbies I was looking at the "Dynam Supermate DC6 Double Power" since it charges all lipos as well as NIMH, and it has AC/DC source power. Makes my charger look like junk and I paid twice that much...

I'll send him an email suggesting he look into Lipos, possible call our local Hobby Haven and see what they'd be willing to do about an educational discount.

Thanks,
-Nick