Do Lipo's need break in?

[ice329]

Title says it, Does Lipo's need breaking? and if they do, what is a good way. thanks

[Boatman]

yes, I forget the number but I always run mine in my 40 amp setup for at least 2 cycles
Edit: My packs are rated at 110 Amp constant

[Fluid]

I asked this question of a LiPo supplier (FlightPower) and here is his answer:

"This is probably one of the hardest questions to answer & back up with facts. I have actually taken 2 new packs & tested each way. Very difficult to keep exact track of 2 packs for there entire life making sure both get equal treatment. For that once is enough! What I experienced is the un broken in pack performed better, quicker than the broken in one. That one took roughly 6-8 cycles to start delivering energy comparable to the other but the first gave up life at around 2/3 of what the broken in pack produced. With only 1 test I cant say that's the for sure result for all.

The best answer I have came up with that is true & non argumentative is that a LiPo will usually fail from a true mfg defect in the first few cycles so even if it is questionable about break in 2 things cannot be argued. 1- It doesn’t hurt anything to do it (can only help if it is true) & 2 it will give you a chance to prove the pack with out risk of damage to the model or other components. Very important in aircraft where a battery failure is very likely going to be costly & possibly a safety concern."


I always break in my packs at 2-4C for 2-3 cycles. The down side is I have to wait a couple more cycles before the packs give out their maximum power - un-broken in packs give full-power right away. But I'm patient and I'd prefer the extra 33% pack life.


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[ice329]

I guess what I will do is just run the packs in the truck without running it hard or punchiing it, just a easy long run for a few cycles. Thanks