Matched vs. Stick Packs

[mastastelett]

I have a question about batteries. I'm planning on getting a Tamiya Rally car for Christmas. I'd only be racing the car indoors on carpet, competitively, but mostly for fun. Should I spend the extra money on matched cell batteries, or go with a stick pack. I'm looking for something in the 3300 range. Thanks for the help!

~mastastelett~

[dalejrfan8]

You can get matched packs from places like smc and other small matchers for around $40. If you are going to race and can afford matched packs go for it.

[emaxxrdr88]

If you have the extra $$$ for matched cells, get them, but if you're going to be playing around most of the time, you probably don't need them.

[redheat8]

For that car i would stick with Epic 3000mah stick pack, there 18. bucks at Tower Hobbies, RED

[cr250]

dalejrfan8 is correct, if you can afford matched 3300s, go for it, you won't be sorry. If you can't then go with what's best for your budget. SPC (http://.www.specpointbatteries.com) sells matched (with labels) and assembled GP 3300s for as low as $38.50. The assembly includes Niftech silver-plated battery bars and a nice quality pigtail/connector.

[thedominator]

You should at least get one matched pack for the main. I had been running 3300 stick packs and just got a fusion club matched pack and I noticed a huge difference. The matched pack has way more punch and the runtime is killer. Also it doesn't get as hot as the stick packs during running and discharge.

[Wizardman_1]

I used to reccomend the Epic packs but not after one died on me in less than 3 months. Like other have said, try to get at least one matched and some 3300 stick packs.

[gizmoguy303]

If you are planning on racing indoors on carpet, and want to race competitively, don't get a Tamiya rally car. It simple will not cut it for competitive racing. Check out the Team Losi XXX-S, Team Associated TC4 or TC3, HPI Pro4, or something along those lines. You're on the right track with matched packs, but the performance of the matched packs will be severly overpowered by the lack of handling by your Tamiya car.

If you are just going to be playing around in the driveway, the Tamiya will be fine. Otherwise, you will need a competitive chassis to get started. :cool: Good luck!

[punkrockracer]

Here (http://fusionbatteries.biz/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=6CellPacks) are some of the best batteries you can buy. Already come with Deans or Tamiya connectors, and these batteries run cooler than anything you will find. For only $50, you can't complain one bit with these batteries.

[highroller]

Yes matched is the way to go if you want cells that will start out more closely the same in characteristics. Taking care of them should yield good use out them so find what works for you. The 420+runtime, 1.17+ voltage cells are more ideal for oval racing and you save by buying the lower number cells. Going the matched route will also require some added equipment 1. discharger to discharge pack after use string of lightbulbs is still the least expensive method for stock TC 20-25amps on carpet should be ideal 2. Equalizing tray to discharge each cell individually price is going to run 50 to 95 dollars. Those two items plus using the right charge rate should give you at least 2years of good battery life for stock racing.

With Nicads zapping and rematching was done to weed out cells that were good from those that were bad, however my experience since NiMH have come out once the cells began to decline they are at the end of their life. There are a couple of companies selling loose cells Pro Match is one, at box of 24 cells for 89.99 is decent but you may one get one good pack out of it, two is possible by keeping voltage the same but varing the runtime numbers.

[mastastelett]

Where I race, Rally is a competitive, but mostly fun. Everybody uses the TT-01 for the chassis. It's supposed to be the most durable in that class. The TC4, or TC3 is in the Sedan class... want to keep it in Rally.

If you are planning on racing indoors on carpet, and want to race competitively, don't get a Tamiya rally car. It simple will not cut it for competitive racing. Check out the Team Losi XXX-S, Team Associated TC4 or TC3, HPI Pro4, or something along those lines. You're on the right track with matched packs, but the performance of the matched packs will be severly overpowered by the lack of handling by your Tamiya car.

If you are just going to be playing around in the driveway, the Tamiya will be fine. Otherwise, you will need a competitive chassis to get started. :cool: Good luck!

[gizmoguy303]

Well is everybody is using the same thing, than I guess the TT-01 will work! :D

So, to answer your question, yes. Matched packs are superior to unmatched stick packs.

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[highroller]

Before deciding on a specific vehicle now, visit the track will you intend to begin racing to see what classes they have, whether they do or do not have a rally class. You also be able to gain alot more information as well in the area of what tire compounds you'll need, what motor and gearing is being used along with the racing format and rules. Most track owners will gladly start an extra class for one they don't run in order to bring in more racers.

[rcracer14]

If your looking for great battery packs at a good price get ahold of Spec Point Concepts. I noticed a couple of guys talked about them earlier. I have a couple of their packs and they work great. Tom at SPC will take great care of you when you call. Take a minute and look them up @ www.specpointbatteries.com

[Greg_Hager]

I run the SMC 3300s....and holy crap they're insane.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCZV9&P=7

1.500 max voltage on a 35Amp discharge. Not bad at all. I'll get pictures tomorrow.

[highroller]

The one time I was not happy with ordering from Tower is when I ordered 5 packs of SMC High Voltage packs what I got was low voltage (1.164 with only 408 as the highest runtime) with 2 being returns and the others seemingly made from older packs (batch number on cell). They did agree to take them back but I was left needing good packs. Went to another source and the cells I received well exceeded the advertised numbers (420+/1.175) cell numbers were in the 428 to 434 and all had voltage in the 1.176 with one pack having 431/1.185 runtime was within .01 with voltage being the same in each pack.

What I am saying is be careful where you get your packs, even repeatable places may sometimes subtitute lesser quality items for the more expensive items. While some may be happy to remedy the problem if you are dissatified, with some others you may be stuck with them. Check with companies beforehand, specify no substitions when ordering. Also see what kind of deals you can work out with your local hobby shop, if they can get the cells you need at a good price. Many times the owner never thought of carrying a particular brand of matched cell but may get a better deal from the matcher and you in turn get good cells and pay less than what store owner normally carried.

While I normally buy SMC or ProMatch, I;ve also used Power Push, TQ Cells (35amp), Integy and a few others. Even the Integy packs ran great, after I began cycling them (charging at 7amp, discharging at 30amp), at one big oval race I let a friend use a pack of the Integy cells who then ended up TQ the event and breaking the track record.