LiPo Batteries

[MuGGzy]

I did my search-fu and I see the Battery FAQ but it only covers NiMh and NiCad batteries. Everyone I see posting about trigger response recommends a "LiPo" battery.
Before I buy one I was wondering if there is anything special about them in regards to charging and handling? Can a "Universal Smart Charger" charge a LiPo?

[Nox]

No, you need a lipo charger to charge a lipo - using a smart charger invites a fire or small explosion

[Rico]

Switching to li-po is a bit of an investment. If you are going to do it consider you will need to get a new charger / balancer, you will need to learn more about batteries and how to do the proper amps for the size by number of cells. Li-po chargers only support a certain number of cells so make sure to get one that will support your potential to get larger batteries. Some will do nicad nimh and lipo. There are different types of adapters for different batteries. Store them fully charged.

Good luck. They do kick a$$. Better in cold weather.

[Chachi]

Lipo = The only way to go

Here is a good, recent thread that has some good info in it, plus shows what a cheap charger will get you (fire! fire! fire!). Another way is to do a google search on lipo batteries in general and read about their characteristics.

http://airsoftpacific.com/viewtopic.php?t=30611

Also, RC websites are a good resource for info on them. Plus, there are a few users around AP that are fairly knowledgable with lipos....myself (just because I am an RC guy, that now is into airsoft), slipstream, Nec, and these guys that have posted above.

[Chachi]

You will need to discharge them after every use (yes it actually matters).

Oh, one more thing....Don't do this! Never, ever, ever let your lipos drop below 3.0 volts per cell. Once you do, they are pretty much toast and you wasted a good chunck of change.

Sorry Rico, I am guessing you meant something else other than what you said. Right?

[Rico]

Sorry, I meant always store your Li-Po batteries fully charged. I was being confused for a minute.

"Always RECHARGE your batteries after every use"

[ogrejager]

Yes, let's not add that confusion. Don't fully discharge your lipo's. I see some guys with warning beepers or lights on their guns. Me--I just carry a spare battery and change it while I'm still safe. I should spend the 6 bucks or whatever and get a warning beeper, I just haven't yet.

Muggz--lipo's are great. Almost every time I play airsoft I have someone give my gun a funny look when I open up on a target. The ROF is good fun.

[Nec]

I don't know if you've seen this post yet, but if I were you I would read it if you haven't.
Common Questions About Li-Polys

Before I buy one I was wondering if there is anything special about them in regards to charging and handling? Can a "Universal Smart Charger" charge a LiPo?

I believe the charger you are talking about is the very common “blueâ€

[Nec]

[quote="Nec"]
They do make a Lipo version of the very same charger which is gray in color (see picture below) and yes, it is a "smart charger", it turns off when the battery is full. However, I do not recommend it because the switch that is used for selecting different lipo packs can easily be bumped. This overcharges the lipo and can lead to “puffingâ€

[CommieHunter]

Airsoft Outlet NW will shortly be carrying the Kong Power style chargers, which will charge and balance 7.4v and 11.1v Lipo and Lion batteries, as well as charge standard NiMH and NiCd batteries.

[GacktC]

I just bought a Porte lipo charger ($30ish) since my Socom gear (asgi) charger broke after 2 days..
It is not bad at all, it shows all the data about the battery on the little screen, and its very light weight.