Lipo VS Nimh

[Tortuga275]

I know in sc trucks and go fast cars lipos are better cause there lighter than nimh but in that case wouldn't a nimh work better for a crawler?
And is there much of a difference in runtime running the same electronics?

 

[DrunkDriver]

Lipos are great, for more than just being lighter than a stick pack. I like them because they provide more juice when I need it, and a 11.1v pack is hardly bigger than a 7.4v one. They are cheaper too. Hobbycity.com

Drunk

 

[Flash Burns]

I know in sc trucks and go fast cars lipos are better cause there lighter than nimh but in that case wouldn't a nimh work better for a crawler?
And is there much of a difference in runtime running the same electronics?

The performance advantages with Lipo's IMHO outweigh the use of NMIH for their greater weight. I prefer to add ballast where it will help most in a crawler i.e. in the tires.

 

[CreepyCrawl]

What you get with Lipo in a crawler, or any vehicle for that matter, even with the same mAH rating is a smoother more consistent power delivery and a bit more run time becasue of that.

Lipo packs can be mounted easier in tight set ups due to their size and configuration as well. A 3 ell Lipo is easier to find a home for than an 8 or 9 cell NiMH pack.

For reference, I'm getting about 40 minutes of run time out of my Holmes Hobbies 1300 mAH 3 cell packs on this set up in my Axial with stock gearing and the Overdrive front diff gears:

FX-R
CC BEC
45T
7955TG
5245MG

 

[Joshs4x4toyz]

It actually works better because to get more weight you get a bigger lipo:evil:"thumbsup"


Josh

 

[Katon]

Pro's
Discharge of lipo is greater, thus more power when needed
Discharge of lipo is smoother, providing better slow crawls
Weighs less per mah, so you can put more in a crawler
1500 mah lipo will last longer than 1500 mah NiMh
Lipos cost less(well depending where and what you buy )
life of a lipo is greater, no worries about memory

Cons
Volatile dont short or over charge these bad boys....
more suseptable to puncture(though ive never seen it)
most people need to buy a charger/balancer just for their lipos...

For me the Pros outweigh the cons immensly, when it comes down to it do whats right for you, and your budget. but IMO lipo is better for all RC.

 

[CreepyCrawl]

Something else to consider if you end up needing to purchase a new charger to handle your Lipos, is the new LiFe cell technology that's here.

I'd suggest purchasing a set up that's capable of charging that cell chemistry as well so you'll be ready. I still believe that Lipo will have the upper hand for quite a while due to the higher voltage rates and pricing, but the safety, cycle life and chargre rates of the LiFe cells is just too good to ignore.

Check it out:

http://www.maxamps.com/proddetail.php?prod=Life-4500-66-Pack&cat=223