Choosing the Right RC Batteries

Choosing the right RC batteries is critical to your car’s performance – after all, the battery is what provides the power, and will determine the speed of your car in addition to how long you can race for. Along with determining whether you want a NiMH or LiPo battery, it's also important to find a battery that matches your vehicle's needs and can provide a steady charge for an extended period of time. Things like weight, capacity and discharge can all have an impact on the results of a race, and you'll want to strike a balance.

Nickel Metal Hydride Versus Lithium Polymer Batteries

Two of the most popular battery types used by RC racers are NiMH or LiPo. NiMH is a considerable upgrade from Ni-Cd, which was a previous standard for racing batteries, and NiMH batteries offer better performance as well as the ability to be used multiple times in a day without much if any deterioration in performance.

RC LiPo batteries are also very popular, and they represent some of the newest battery technology used in RC competitions. The advantage of LiPo batteries is that they are very lightweight and can offer substantial power and endurance, but they are very sensitive and require care to use. It is important to avoid over-charging and over-discharging to keep these batteries working properly.

There are a variety of manufacturers that produce NiMH and LiPo batteries, but it is a good idea to go with a well-known brand like Team Orion, Traxxas, Dynamite or Reedy Batteries from established brands tend to perform better over time and often come with a manufacturer's warranty.

Voltage, Capacity and Discharge

The main thing most people look at when selecting an RC competition battery is voltage. Voltage is directly related to an electric motor's power so the higher the voltage, the faster a motor will rotate and the faster your car will go. However, speed alone does not determine who wins races; in addition to the weight of a battery and its voltage, you should also factor in a battery's capacity and discharge.

Capacity is how much power a battery can hold, and it is measured in milliamp hours or mAh. The greater the capacity, the longer you can use the battery. For example, a battery with a capacity of 1000mAh could discharge at 1000mA for an hour; a capacity of 5000mAh would allow you to discharge at 1000mA for five hours.  Think of capacity as your fuel tank the larger (Higher mAh) the tank the longer you can run.

Discharge Rate is another metric that you may not want to overlook. Discharge Rate is simply how fast a battery can be discharged safely. The higher the C Rating the more punch you will get out of the battery.

Selecting a Charger

Selecting the right charger for your battery can also determine how well your battery and car performs. While you can go with a basic charger that works with the particular type of battery you have, many RC competition enthusiasts swear by more advanced chargers that have the ability to charge a variety of battery types and different charging methods . If you're serious about racing or have more than one battery, a high-end charger may be a better investment than purchasing a charger each time you buy a new battery.  Ask us if you need help in selecting the right charger for your application.

LA Parts House stocks the an extensive selection of RC batteries and Chargers,along with a full range of kits and parts from Team Losi, Team Associated, Kyosho, Traxxas, and more! All orders before 2 p.m. PST ship same day – visit us today for the latest batteries, motors, and everything you need for success on the track.