Balancing: Why and How?

[skeeler]

Hello,

I'm hoping to do a 1/8th buggy conversion soon, and I plan to use LiPo, LiMn, or Li-Ion batteries. I don't have any experience with these battery chemistries, and I'm not sure how best to care for them.

Can anyone tell me (or point me to a link explaining) how cell balancers work and why they are needed? Furthermore, can anyone suggest any good balancers or chargers with built-in balancers?

Thanks in advance.