Scott, welcome! As for the batts...Flight power and Poly Quest have Enerland cells which are the best. If you can afford them, they are the best.
Another alternative are the Zippy li-po....
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...3&v=&sortlist=
Many members here use them w/good success.
Good luck!
1. MBX-6 T8 1900KV, RX8 ON 4S
2. MBX-5T 1520, MMM ON 5S
3. MBX-5 ONROAD CONVERSION 1515, MMM ON 5S
4. MRX-3 ON ROAD CONVERSION 1512, MMM ON 6S
5. TEN T 2650 T8, MMP ON 3S