Lipo vs. others

[Relay]

So has anyone taken the plunge into lithium polymer batteries yet? I just upgraded to them and was wondering if anyone else has to see how they perform. I haven't had a chance to take mine into action yet. I converted to them so I could upgrade my crane stock on my M15A4 to a Magpul stock.

[Komissar]

I wish HiCap had internet access because I know he used to run that type of battery. Most of the guys run "INTELECT" brand Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. The standard being 8.4 volt, 3600 mAh.
The voltage is sort of how powerful it is, and the mAh is like the gas tank (how long will it last).
In my opinion, the only reasons to get a more powerful battery (volts) is to pull a stronger spring (less stress with more power). Because simply putting out more rounds per trigger pull is not beneficial.
I do often advocate going with more mAh (a larger gas tank), because who wants their battery dying during the fight?
Most of the operators I know use a 120 spring. This may warrant going to 9.6 volts, but I didn't.

Here is a simple theory:
If your play style uses few shots, and kills at long range; you may use a 9.6 volt 1400 mAh battery.
If your play style is greatly suppression at targets nearby; you might go with an 8.4 volt 4200 mah battery.
If you fire more long range, and carry a S.A.W., you might get a 9.6 volt 4200 mAh battery.

I hope this helps, but I don't have any info on the LIPO batteries.
*komissar steps down from the soapbox*

[Sarge]

Most Li-Po batteries have a higher voltage rating which translates into a higher cycling rate. make sure your gun is rated to fire at the accelerated rate or you might have yourself a broken gun before you end the day. One other thing about Li-Po batteries is that they have no voltage drop so the will die without warning.

[Gilbert]

Lipo batteries are an entirely different animal that the standard NiMh or NiCad batteries. Most Lithium Polymer batteries have a voltage of either 7.4v or 11.1v. A 7.4v Lipo battery will produce the same cycle rate/rof as a 9.6v. 11.1v lipo's kick out about the same rof as a large 12v battery.

There are a lot of benefits to Lipo batteries.
1) Power/Cycle Rate
2) Extended lifetime: a 11.1v 1300mah lipo has about the same capacity as a 9.6v 3000mah battery.
3) Continuous Discharge: same amperage to the motor consistently
4) Nearly instant trigger response: very beneficial in a tactical scenario. Think about it, even the slightest delay in trigger response could mean the difference between hitting your target, or having your target avoid your bbs.

Some things to be aware of however:
1) keep lipo batteries fully charged when storing them. Most of my teammates use lipos, and they charge their batteries immediately after a game day so that they are stored charged.
2) DO NOT physically damage the cells. Lipo batteries are quite volatile, and compromising the cells can result in shorts, and fires.
3) Charge lipos in a non-flammable area, and always monitor. Good idea to use a lipo only smart charger and lipo balancer so that the cells receive equal current when charging.
4) DO NOT completely discharge a lipo battery. IF you notice a drop on rof while using a lipo, stop using it immediately or you could damage the cells, rendering it useless. This shouldn't happen however during a "normal" airsofting day.

I think I covered most of it...

[Hi-Cap]

Had a lipo it was awesome till i barely bent the battery then one of the cells went out, i removed the bad cell and had a 7.4 volt lipo instead of 11.1. I now run a 9.6 nmh and will never go back to lipo. If you want to get quicker trigger response i upgraded to guarder infinite torque up motor and accomplished same thing. So the moral of the story is if you wanna spend 70 dollars a battery and have it last a couple of months, go for it.

[Relay]

I'm running 7.4 Lipo and for the first game I had good luck. I also added the Deans plugs for added measure. I got 2 batteries off of Ebay for $25 each. They are the 1100 mAH. I got 2 just in case the one wouldn't last a game. It did. I usually don't burn too much ammo during a game so that may be a reason it lasted. Will keep using them till something breaks. Using a CA M15A4 CQB rifle. Am upgrading to a CA M15A4 UAC. Will do the conversion on that one too.

[Hi-Cap]

i liked the 7.4 for the size of the battery, it was really small and could fit anywhere on gun. My 11.1 actually cracked the gearbox case in half lol. I had a problem with the output constants on my lipo batteries they were underrated for the amp draw that airsoft guns use especially if it has a stiff spring.

[Spidedd]

i would suggest tho, if you are getting a lipo to get the new madbull 'lifepo' battery on airsoft gi. its the exact same as a lipo but alot safer (less likely to explode etc.haha) and easier to maintain

[matthew kohl]

I have a 7.4 lipo in my TM m16 right now and it shoots a little faster than a 9.6 did.

the only problem with lipos is that if they run dead then they are gone for good. since most airsoft gunds don't have a lipo cutoff you have to be carefull about using low mah batterys in long games or all day long. If it goes dead it may be ruined.

[matthew kohl]

also if you want cheap lipos check out www.hobbyking.com

got my 5000mah 7.4's for 20 bucks a peice