Maxamp batteries... are they worth the extra cost?

[Duster19]

Not moving to LiPo's yet, so wanted to see what everyone thinks of these packs. Perhaps someone could let us know if they are worth the extra cost.

http://www.maxamps.com/MA-5000-7Cell-Flat.htm

Once could get 4 of the DTXC2182 Duratrax for the amount of 2 Maxamps

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?Q=1&I=LXWZC4&P=3

I'm thinking, the better bang for you buck is the Duratrax batteries, but thought it might be worth discussing.


Dave

[Fluid]

I have no experience with the MAXAMPS NiMH packs, but they appear to be somewhat matched. In the "old days" of nickel cell racing, there was a huge difference in performance between the cheap bulk packs like those by Duratrax and decent matched packs from specialty battery suppliers. The last Duratrax pack I saw was supposed to be 4600 mAh; after fully discharging it all we could put back in was 2700 mAh, not even close to what it was supposed to be. I can't say that all Duratrax packs are bad, but that wasn't the first cheap pack I've see that was junk.

OTOH without any experience with the MAXAMPS products I can't say if they are great packs. They may be, or not.


.

[ENCORE MAN]

I would recommend you check out "cheapbatterypacks.com" They sell custom packs. In your configuration
5000 SC cells-12 ga wire- deans female plug-flat pack- upgraded----- $47.25 each
I have used these packs and find them to be equivalent to Maxamps for a lot less money. Check them out. BG

[Agitator]

I won't buy NiMH packs from anyone but Maxamps. As the old saying goes, 'you get what you pay for'. They are more expensive without question, but I have never had a problem with any of the 20-30 packs I have bought from them over the 10 years. IMO, NiMH packs won't last as long with the high current draw in FE's, by that I mean you won't get the lifespan and will be replacing them more often. The applications I have used their packs on are lower voltage/amp draw and still perform as they did 5 years ago, mostly 5000mah 6 cell and 7 cell packs. You also get tremendous service after the sale from Maxamps, which is something far and few between these days.
As I am going Lipo on my FE fleet, I will buy them from Maxamps.

Mike

[Make-a-Wake]

I checked one of my favorite nimh suppliers and it seems they are going towards lipo now.........??..............alot less options for packs. BUT, they do still sell a set of matched 8.4's, these are good batts and they are 50 bucks each.

http://www.promatchracing.com/proddetail.php?prod=7475

[Darin Jordan]

I have had VERY mixed results with most "purchased" NiMH packs... (those already assembled)... I have had VERY good luck with buying individual cells from www.cheapbatterypacks.com and assembling them myself. They tend to only cell decent cells and not just grab random lots of cells and bundle them together. You can even have them assemble them for you. A little more $$, but when you ask for a 5100mAh pack, you get it...

You would really be money ahead, however, if you'd make the switch to Lipos... They are heads and tails better in performance, lifecycles, etc... You'll get WAY more value out of them.