Puffed Maxamp lipo - what to get now?

[rob1699]

I've been using a pair of Maxamp 6000 lipo's in my Supervee, and I guess its probably run about 30 times. Motor/ESC all stock, X642 and M445 props both which GPS's the boat to just under 40mph.

Now I've always taken care to charge them correctly, including a storage charge at 50%. Last w/end I noticed that the charger has gone into a "safety" charge which I've never seen before and had reverted from the usual 4amps to 0.5amps. When I picked up the lipo I noticed it had gone all soft and the cells had puffed up. So my planned afternoon at the lake was no more.

I'm annoyed that the pack hasn't lasted very long - and I'm now looking to replace both packs (even though one is okay but I suspect it won't last either). Am I just unlucky...can this happen with any brand of Lipo? :cursing:

I have a Hydra 120 and Ammo 2300 sitting in the workshop ready to be fitted but haven't got to it..what would be a good choice of lipo for this setup? I was thinking a pair of 25c 5000 Neu's possibly??

Thanks in advance for your advice guys..

Rob

[Ub Hauled]

Rob,
unfortunately yes.
That can happen to any brand... more so to cheaper brands.
I have pounded NEU cells to a pulp and they still com back for more...
I'd say, if you can get the NEU cells do so. If you wanna do a stepup and
not spend this kinda money yet, you can always get the Elite cells (http://www.rclipos.com/Elite.htm).
Here is a link for the NEU cells (http://www.neumotors.com/20061222/25C_Batteries.html)

BTW, if you want 25c cells they would be 4900mAh, in case you want 5000 30c packs
you can TRY THIS PLACE (http://www.flydma.com/product_info.php?cPath=17_18_149_153&products_id=262)

[lonewolf]

I would consult maxamps they may replace them.

[Doby]

Welcome to the club,,,,it happens. Mine have caught fire in the boat,,,that's expensive.:flame42: :flame42: :cursing:

[Bill-SOCAL]

I always suggest RC Lipos (http://www.rclipos.com) Great prices, free shipping and awesome service. Make sure to tell him you are a boat guy. (Email him first - the owner's name is Pat).

Can't go wrong. I use the PolyRC brand which are made using Enerland cells, some of the best you can get.

Don't use puffed cells, they are a disaster looking for a place to happen.

[rob1699]

Thanks so much for your help and all the links etc....excellent stuff & much appreciated..!

The PolyRC's are a little hot in price for me but the 30c Elite 5300’s look good at $106:-

7.4V 5300mAh (2 cells) 30C/50C
Rating: 30C (159.0A) continuous, 50C (265.0A) burst
Dimension: 188mm x 46mm x 14mm
Weight: 266 grams

Only issue I can see is that they are a fair bit longer in length than my current Maxamps (188mm vs 137mm) so would this be a problem with getting C of G right? My heavier Maxamps are as far forwards as they can go (ie right up against the water cooling outlet). The Neu’s are better at 165mm but are a little more pricey and less capacity.

The free worldwide shipping from RC Lipo’s looks very attractive bearing in mind I’m in the UK.

I’m very tempted by the Elites…any thoughts??

Rob

[Apples1]

Rc lipos is the way to go, i have been using poly RC 4900 25c 2s for a while now and havent had any problems (yet) if you are looking to get more then 2 Pat can look after you a bit better i got mine for $83 each, but keep it on the down low...Shhhhhhh,

I have also heard of people useing (with no problems) Zippy 4500 2s for hobby city @ $40 each they may be an option

Keep us posted

[rob1699]

Would I notice any difference between a 25c 5000 and a 30c..? There's a significant price difference. If it gave more mph it would be worth the extra $$$ - bearing in mind I will soon be running the Hydra 120 and Ammo 2300 combination instead of stock motor and esc.

[rob1699]

Right...a decision is made...4 x Poly RC 6000XP-2S 25c packs just about to be ordered from RCLipos...taken advice from Pat (thanks Bill), really helpful guy and great prices too.

I'll keep you guys posted on how the boat goes with the new packs...perhaps I might break that 40mph barrier now...!!

Rob

[Bill-SOCAL]

Glad it worked out. Pat is good people and is very boater friendly. Just always take the time to send him an email (which he usually answers very quickly) to let him know you are a boat guy and what you are looking for.

Worth the small effort for sure.