Damnit, the Lipo battery industry needs better standards!

[sikeston34m]

I've heard alot of varied feedback on SMC Lipos. Their reputation is a mixing pot of indifference.

Their Chemistry isn't the best, that's for sure.

As far as allowing a Lipo to sit in a fully charged state overnight, that shouldn't hurt anything.

I've read where leaving them fully charged for long periods (weeks or months) will lower the capacity of them.

As the capacity drops, so does the maximum continuous discharge rate.

The number one cause of puffing is exceeding the maximum discharge rate. This is usually indicated by higher than desireable battery temps. If it gets up to 110 or 120, it's being pushed too hard. But then again, there are exceptions to this rule. Flightpower packs for example, don't seem to mind higher temps and usually run warmer than most.

I have used a NUMBER of different brands. The higher quality Lipos do NOT behave this way.

I have had a couple of Lipos sitting at storage voltage, that just puffed, sitting, for no reason. Cheap China Packs.

Good Chemistry is pretty forgiving.

My best advice is:

Get off SMC and try a different brand.