RC Battery Nitro VS Lipo

Ok I will try to be free of bias in this article. The remote control community will have their very own opinion about Nitro Vs LiPo's. I am only voicing my opinions and experience on Traxxas cars and trucks that I own.

I think for the hobbyist who is just learning the RC hobby, owning an electric remote control car (hint: Traxxas T/E-maxx very solid) is a tad simpler to get outdoors/indoors to start thrashing in your backyard or racing at local tracks. They only thing you really have to purchase are a good charge/discharger and a great battery. Now to get the most enjoyment out of your first electric vehicle try to save up money for a lipo battery.

One thing you must be aware with LiPo's, if not handled properly they can catch fire and explode. So please be careful when charging these batteries. Only use approved chargers for the type of battery you will run in your RC vehicle. Here are some basic guidelines for charging your new LiPo batteries.

1. Of course only use approved charges for lithium batteries. The charger needs to be designed for Li-Ion or Li-Poly.
2. Set the charger to the correct cell count
3. Do not leave charge battery unattended
4. Use the Taps. For new lithium battery check each voltage of each cell. Then do this for every 10th cycle or after. Very critical in an unbalanced pack can explode while charging even on the correct cell count.
5. Use a smooth and safe surface to charge your new Lithium battery.
6. DO NOT USE if the cell is puncture!
7. Do not charge more than 1C...
8. Charge batteries in a open area
9. To be safe, keep a bucket of sand nearby just in case.