Best 6S LiPo Batteries for Arrma Notorious

Introduction

The Arrma Notorious lives up to its name with fearsome power – when matched with a capable battery. As a large 1/8 scale stunt truck, it demands high performance 6S LiPo (lithium polymer) packs to unleash its full potential. With so many battery options available, choosing the right match for your Notorious can be daunting.

This guide will explore the ideal specifications, features, and brands to consider when selecting 6S hardcase LiPo batteries for the Notorious. Whether looking to extend runtimes, hit top speeds, or keep costs down, we’ll cover the pros and cons of various capacities, C ratings, and chemistry. Let’s decode the intricacies of LiPo batteries so you can pick the perfect high-voltage power source. Your Notorious awaits!

Key Takeaways:

• Look for high capacity (5000mAh+) and high discharge (100C+ constant/burst) for max performance.
• Hardcase LiPos handle heavy Notorious demands; avoid softpacks.
• Reputable brands like Gens Ace, Overlander, and MaxAmps recommended.
• Monitor battery health: storage charge, balance, avoid over-discharging.
• Higher mAh extends runtimes; higher C enables more power draw.
• Consider parallel packs to double capacity and reduce current demands.

Arrma Notorious Power Demands

With its large 1400Kv brushless motor, the Notorious 6S trucks requires batteries that can supply tremendous current:

• It can draw 100+ amps continuous and 200+ amp burst during full throttle acceleration.
• High voltage 6S provides more power delivery capabilities.
• Smart ESC prevents over-drawing battery, but there are no current limits in accidents.
• High impacts put strain on batteries not designed for large scales.

Choosing LiPo cells rated for at least 100C continuous discharge provides a safe buffer for the Notorious power and mechanical stress.

LiPo Ratings Explained

Understanding LiPo specifications helps select compatible options. Key ratings:

• Voltage – Cell count: 1S=3.7V, 2S=7.4V, 3S=11.1V, 4S=14.8V, etc. The Notorious requires 6S (22.2V).
• Capacity (mAh) – More milliamp-hours provides longer runtimes before recharging. 5000-8000+ mAh recommended.
• C Rating – Discharge current ability. Multiply mAh x C rating for max amps supported. 100C is 100A for a 5000mAh battery.
• Dimensions – Large 1/8 trucks need roomy 6S sizes like 110x47mm. Measure your battery tray.

Considering your Notorious’ discharge demands, a minimum 6000mAh capacity with 100C constant/150C burst rating covers most driving styles safely.

LiPo Chemistry Types

Lithium polymer batteries come in two primary chemistry types – each with pros and cons:

Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2)

• Highest energy density for weight and size.
• Better performance and capacity retention.
• More resilient to damage from crashes or drops.
• Typically allows lower C ratings.
• Often costs more.

Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4)

• Slightly lower energy density.
• Typically can safely provide higher discharge rates.
• Withstands more charge cycles before degrading.
• Vulnerable to damage without a protective hardcase.
• Often the more economical option.

LiCoO2 is recommended for most Notorious setups thanks to better protecting from impacts while safely meeting discharge needs.

Key LiPo Features

In addition to ratings, useful LiPo features include:

• Hardcase – Protective rigid composite shell prevents swelling and damage. Essential for Notorious.
• High Voltage – 6S offers 22.2V over 4S’s 14.8V for more power.
• Low Resistance – Internal resistance reduces voltage sag and efficiency losses.
• Balance Leads – Enable monitoring and balancing individual cell voltages for health.
• Discharge Plugs – Safely discharge to storage voltage before storage.

Seeking hardcase, low resistance LiCos with balance taps provides the most durable and efficient power source for your bash rig.

LiPo Safety and Handling

Lithium batteries require responsible handling to prevent fires:

• Use LiPo charging bags or metal ammo cans when charging. Never leave batteries unattended during charging.
• Discontinue use and safely dispose of any batteries showing swelling, punctures, tears, or damage.
• Always balance charge batteries to prevent individual cell overcharging and mismatch.
• Voltage below 3V per cell risks permanent battery damage from over-discharge.
• Store batteries at around 3.85V per cell (50% charge) for optimal health. Prevent full drain or leaving fully charged.

With precautions, LiPo batteries provide efficient, high-output power. But mishandling risks dangerous failures. Take safety steps seriously.

LiPo Battery Brands for Arrma Notorious

Trusted hobby brands designing LiPos for demanding RC applications include:

Gens Ace

• Proven reliable batteries for RC enthusiasts.
• High quality at reasonable prices.
• 4000-5000mAh 6S 100C hardcase packs ideal for Notorious.

Overlander

• Specialize in high-discharge packs for large scales and racing.
• Hardcase 6S packs up to 8000mAh and 150C ratings.

MaxAmps

• Focus on maximum discharge ability for powersports.
• 6000-10000mAh at 150C constant/200C burst ratings available.

Lumintek

• Known for delivering extreme discharge rates.
• Ideal for extreme speeds and acceleration.
• Pricey but low resistance design.

Stick to renown RC battery brands that back their quality and safety. Check for verified authentic cells, not knockoffs.

Comparing Good 6S LiPo Options for Notorious

Here are a few examples of well-suited 6S hardcase LiPo battery options for the Arrma Notorious:

Consider your budget and performance needs – capacity for run time vs extreme discharge ratings for power.

Ways to Extend Runtime

If the runtime from a single battery pack isn’t enough, there are a couple options:

Higher Capacity Batteries

Choosing battery packs with larger mAh capacity extends time before recharging. Up to 8000mAh helps high capacity packs.

Parallel Battery Packs

Wiring two packs in parallel doubles total capacity. This also divides discharge across two packs, reducing current per battery.

Just be sure parallel packs are identical in specifications so they balance current properly without drift.

Minimum Recommended Specs

Given the Arrma Notorious power demands, recommended 6S LiPo minimum specs include:

• 5000 mAh capacity
• 100C constant, 150C burst discharge
• Hardcase for durability
• Strong discharge plugs and thick 12AWG wire
• GensAce, Overlander, MaxAmps quality brand

These baseline specs ensure battery won’t bottleneck the Notorious power system. 5000+ mAh gives decent runtimes and 100C+ discharge provides needed current handling.

Features to Avoid

When selecting 6S LiPo batteries for Notorious, avoid these undesirable characteristics:

• Softcase batteries – Vulnerable to puncture on heavy impacts.
• Low quality no-name brand – Questionable cell origins and safety.
• Low mAh rating – Below 5000mAh will make for very short run times.
• Low C rating – Look for 100C constant minimum to deliver needed current.
• High internal resistance – Causes voltage sag under heavy load.
• Excessively long or short wires – Makes installing cleanly difficult.
• Weak/compact discharge plug – Can work loose or get ripped off from impacts.

Checking Used LiPo Health

When buying used RC LiPo batteries:

• Ask what vehicles they were used in and if frequently crashed.
• Visually inspect for swelling, bulging cases, damage.
• Check balance plug pins for rust and meter pin voltages to confirm all cells are balanced.
• Test discharge and measure voltage drop under load. High resistance is unhealthy.
• Ideally confirm history of being properly stored at storage charge.

Well cared for LiPos can be suitable for reuse. But unknown histories pose risks if not thoroughly validated.

Maximizing LiPo Lifespan

To extend the lifespan of your RC LiPos:

• Use proper storage charge voltage (3.85V per cell) when idle for days.
• Avoid leaving fully charged or depleted for extended periods.
• Prevent over-discharging cells by setting appropriate hardware cutoffs.
• Charge at rate not exceeding 1C (1x mAh capacity).
• Avoid charging inside hot vehicles – keep below 120°F.
• Prevent puncturing case with secure battery boxes.
• Repair any loose battery wires immediately.

Following best practices for charging, discharging, and storage will gain hundreds of usage cycles.

Spotting Worn Out Batteries

As RC LiPo batteries age, watch for:

• Reduced runtimes and acceleration.
• Battery draining more quickly under load.
• Overheating.
• Swollen or ballooned battery case.
• Declining performance after full charge.
• Cells consistently drifting more out of balance.

When a reliable brand new LiPo shows these issues after only dozens of cycles, it likely has an internal defect. But gradual decline after hundreds of runs indicates reaching the end of its lifespan.

Disposing and Recycling Old LiPo Batteries

To safely dispose of worn out or defective RC LiPo batteries:

• Fully discharge to zero volts with a LiPo discharger or high wattage resistors.
• Submerge in salt water for 1-2 weeks to fully neutralize.
• Remove soft pouch cell from hardcase shell.
• Check for zero voltage before landfill disposal.
• Some municipalities accept lithium batteries for recycling.

Completely neutralizing LiPos with saltwater prevents dangerous failures or reactions when damaged cells undergo compression. Dispose of responsibly.

FAQ

What size LiPo does the Arrma Notorious use?

The Arrma Notorious requires roomy 6S LiPo batteries, usually around 110x47mm dimensions, capable of supplying very high discharge currents.

How long does a 6S LiPo for Notorious last?

With capacities ranging from 5000mAh to 8000mAh, runtimes typically range from 10 minutes for racing packs to 20+ minutes for 8000mAh capacity options when casually bashing.

What is the best affordable 6S LiPo for Notorious?

The Gens Ace 6S 15.2V 5000mAh 100C hardcase pack provides a proven durable and reliable battery for Notorious at reasonable cost around $85.

Do I need 100C+ discharge rating for Notorious?

Not mandatory, but a 100C constant/150C burst rating or greater provides headroom preventing potential brownouts under maximum load that risks gear damage.

How can I double runtimes on my Notorious?

Wiring two identical 6S 5000mAh packs in parallel results in 10000mAh capacity at half the discharge rate per battery, approximately doubling your runtimes.

Can a LiPo be damaged internally but still function?

Yes, crashes can fracture inside layers causing swelling and unseen damage. These packs become dangerous fire hazards so inspect carefully and discard if possibly compromised.

What are symptoms of a worn out LiPo battery?

Signs of aging LiPos are declining runtimes, acceleration, and performance, plus overheating, swelling cases, and cells frequently drifting out of balance.

Is it safe to buy used LiPo batteries?

Used RC LiPos can be safe if carefully inspected for damage and tested to validate capacity. But unknown history and abuse risks make buying new recommended.