I remember when Lihium Polymers didn't come with a balancer. I actually had a few. I even had the Highest capacity single cell lipo. I still don't balance most of my packs. I only use a balancer on my 5S TP packs. I balance them before and during the charging. BTW here is a picture of that highest cpacity cell and pack: http://www.rcpics.net/view_single.php?medid=80310, http://www.rcpics.net/view_single.php?medid=80309 and http://www.rcpics.net/view_single.php?medid=80308. The M18 is just to show the size of the pack and cell.

He (BrianG) did say that he "then charges and balances at the same time" after doing a preemptive balancing.

Just watch out when balancing a discharged pack as you could possibly discharge one cell below 3v. Most balancers will not allow this but I always charge when I balance, even if it is at a low rate like .3 amps.

Wow, what c rate was that lipo? 1c, or 2c!!!!

Those tiny wires coming of the cells to that little pcb, does not look like thick enough wires to warrant the use of a deans plug. I am glad battery technology has improved!

The cells are 10C and I tried it out in my Stampede. Ran the darn thing for over an hour, not continous, but I timed every run. I stoped using them because I coudln't find a suitible charger at the time. Both packs were dead after I got my Astro Flight. I don't know why the PCB is there, but the factory at the time told me it was to protect the cells from over discharge. I did take the PCB out of the other pack, but a few days after I did the pack had a short. It looked just like lightning and one cell went bad.

He did. So, safer to balance during and after, but it depends how good the cells and /or charger are. Why cant life just be simple.....:tongue:

Sucks that they died, looks like a much larger version of maxamps 10000 cell. That cell is more like an 8c IMO. The 4s 10000 pack got hot in my buggy (7xl, geared for 40mph). Too heavy for my liking, would be good for a lower drain app like a starter box (blasphemy!)