Which Battery Pack??

[4x4dodge]

I have read through quite a few posts and have heard good and bad about every one of these battery packs, im just wondering which is the best for general bashing. I'm limiting my purchase to Tower Hobbies since that is where I'm going to order my Stampede. (or radio shack since it is local)

1. SMC IB 4200

2. Trinity 4200 Zapped Sport

3. Venom 3600

4. Radio Shack 3300, not the gp, but the generic brand.

[SS Pede]

Numbers 1 and 2 are by far the best choices. They are essentially the same cells, so take your pick.

[4x4dodge]

Thanks, i guess since they are the same I will go with #1

[shook2000]

Since the Trinity pack is zapped and only a few dollars more, I would probably go with that.

[monsterpede13]

if he's just a basher, I would just go with #1 IMO. the zapped pack is good, but not essential to the daily basher..

[IronPede]

You might want to go with GP 3900 batteries as they seem to perform well, and are relatively cheap.

[monsterpede13]

You might want to go with GP 3900 batteries as they seem to perform well, and are relatively cheap.

Those are a great deal.. the only problem is that they are NEVER in stock.. lol

[IronPede]

Oh I didn't realize they were out of stock... when they come back in I think i'll get a third one.

[Agent X]

i would go with the zapped because i've seen good things about that battery

[4x4dodge]

You might want to go with GP 3900 batteries as they seem to perform well, and are relatively cheap.

Wish those were avalable, they look good

What is the difference between #1 and #2. what does the "zapped" mean?

[SS Pede]

Zapping is designed to boost the voltage of the cells a bit. It wears off eventually.

[Rc'er]

^x2 then soon that mega buck zapped pack becomes a regular pack. Just like a matched pack eventually becomes a unmatched pack if u do nothing but charge it.

[4x4dodge]

Does the fact that it is zapped reduce the overall life of the battery, or extend it. Or does it not affect the life and power drop-off at all? And in all is it worth the $3 extra...?

[4x4dodge]

Anyone know?

[ksb51rl]

Zapping was common in the NiCad days. I have seen some debate by knowledgeable industry sources (not forum members) on whether it has any effect on NiMH cells at all. I think SS Pede was correct when he wrote "designed to boost the voltage of the cells a bit." I think "bit" is the operative word. As far as the linked packs are concerned, I'd go with #1 because of the strict charge/discharge conditions imposed by #s 2 & 3. Seems like it's just a way to void your warranty, although I really like Trinity as a company. As Borat would say "Venom... Not so much."
Just rebuilding those packs by end-soldering or using battery braid or bars will probably give you better results.

[4x4dodge]

Thanks alot, I'll go with #1

[TAT2]

If you want something other than IB cells, here's a decent GP stick pack:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLWR4&P=7

[4x4dodge]

That was mentioned above. They look great but the only problem is avalability... Thanks though

[HobbyGoblin]

The GP3900 is a great battery pack. I've had mine since 1/07, and it still packs a punch after about 35 cycles so far. It usually peaks at 8.87-8.90V on my 959 peak charger. The peak voltage hasn't changed much at all since the first charge. That's a good indicator that this battery holds it's IR very well.

[papaweely]

Any limitation with the 16g wires?

[Jakey]

Does the fact that it is zapped reduce the overall life of the battery, or extend it. Or does it not affect the life and power drop-off at all? And in all is it worth the $3 extra...?

If performed correctly zapping does not harm NiMH cells or their operating life span. Zapping does not increase the maximum potential voltage; the maximum potential voltage of a cell is fixed by the dissimilar metals used for the anode and cathode. However zapping done correctly does significantly lower the internal resistance of cells. The overall effects can be measured and felt/seen when driving an RC vehicle.

[HobbyGoblin]

Any limitation with the 16g wires?

To my surprise it says 14 awg right on my GP3900's wires. Tower must have made a typo.