Best 6S LiPo Battery for Arrma Kraton

Introduction

Unleashing the full power of a beastly 1/8 scale model like the Arrma Kraton requires capable high voltage 6S LiPo batteries to feed its hungry brushless motors. With countless lithium pack options available, choosing LiPos that maximize performance in your Kraton while fitting your budget can be daunting.

This guide will demystify factors like C ratings, capacity, and chemistry to identify optimal 6S hardcase LiPo batteries for the power-hogging Kraton. Whether you seek maximum runtimes, extreme acceleration, or best value, we’ll cover the ideal specifications and features to power your Kraton to its fullest potential. Let’s explore the best practices for matching lithium batteries to your monster Arrma basher!

Key Takeaways:

• Look for 5000mAh+ capacity and 100C+ constant discharge ratings.
• Hardcase LiPos withstand Kraton abuse better than softpacks.
• Quality hobby brands like Gens Ace, MaxAmps, and Lumintek are great choices.
• Higher mAh extends runtimes, higher C ratings enable more power.
• Use balance charging and storage charge voltages for health.
• Consider wiring parallel packs to reduce current per battery.

Arrma Kraton Power Demands

The Arrma Kraton 8S EXB truck is a powerhouse capable of drawing huge currents:

• It can demand well over 100A continuous and 250A burst currents.
• High voltage 6S LiPo provides more current delivery capability over 4S.
• Smart ESC prevents overdrawing battery, but no limits exist in crashes.
• Big 1512 sized motor and 2 speed add performance appetite.

Batteries must have suitable discharge ratings and low internal resistance to handle the Kraton’s requests without voltage sag or overheating.

LiPo Ratings Explained

Key specifications for RC LiPo batteries include:

• Voltage – Determined by cell count. 6S is 22.2V fully charged. Kraton requires 6S or 8S.
• Capacity (mAh) – More milliamp-hours provides longer runtimes before recharging. 5000+ mAh is recommended.
• C Rating – Discharge current ability. Multiply mAh x C rating to get max amps supported. 100C can supply 100A from a 5000mAh battery.
• Dimensions – Large 1/8 trucks need bigger LiPos, usually 110x47mm size. Verify space.

For most Kraton setups, a good starting point is 6000mAh capacity with 100C constant/150C burst discharge rating.

LiPo Chemistry Types

Two primary LiPo chemistry types exist, each with pros and cons:

Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2)

• Highest energy density for weight and size.
• Typically permits lower constant discharge rates.
• Maintains capacity better over charge cycles.
• More resilient to physical damage from crashes.
• Often carries a price premium.

Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4)

• Slightly lower energy density.
• Typically allows ultra-high discharge rates.
• Withstands more recharge cycles before degrading.
• Requires protective hardcase to prevent damage.
• Often the more economical chemistry type.

LiCoO2 is usually the best fit for Kraton, providing durability and safely meeting discharge needs.

Key LiPo Features

In addition to ratings, useful LiPo features include:

• Hardcase – Protective rigid composite shell prevents swelling and damage. Highly recommended for Kraton.
• High Voltage – 6S and 8S offer more power delivery versus 4S options.
• Low Resistance – Internal resistance reduces voltage sag and efficiency losses under heavy load.
• Balance Leads – Allow monitoring individual cell voltages to optimize 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 Kraton bashing.

LiPo Safety and Handling

Lithium polymer batteries require responsible use to prevent fires:

• Charge inside a fireproof LiPo charging bag or metal container. Never leave batteries charging unattended.
• Discontinue use of batteries showing any swelling, punctures, tears or damage. Safely dispose.
• Always balance charge batteries to prevent individual cell mismatch and overcharging.
• Prevent over-discharging cells below 3V per cell threshold to avoid permanent battery damage.
• Store batteries at around 3.85V per cell (storage voltage) for optimal health.

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

LiPo Options for Arrma Kraton

Quality hobby LiPo brands designing batteries for heavy-duty RC use include:

Gens Ace

• Proven reliable batteries for RC enthusiasts.
• High performance at reasonable prices.
• 5000-8000mAh 6S packs in the 100C range ideal for Kraton.

MaxAmps

• Specialize in max discharge for RC powersports.
• Hardcase 6S packs ranging from 5000-10000mAh with 150C discharge ratings.

Lumintek

• Known for specializing in extreme discharge rates.
• Low resistance design enables consistent voltage under heavy load.
• On the pricey side but deliver on power.

Overlander

• Manufacture batteries for large scale and racing RC vehicles.
• 6000-8000mAh capacity with 100C+ constant discharge.

Focus on reputable established RC brands that emphasize safety and performance. Avoid generic no-name cells.

Example 6S LiPo Options for Kraton

To illustrate suitable LiPo specs, here are some quality 6S battery options for Kraton:

Evaluate your budget and needs. Higher capacity extends runtimes while higher C ratings allow greater sustained power output.

Extending Runtimes

If the operating time per charge is insufficient, there are couple ways to extend runtimes:

Higher Capacity Batteries

Choosing battery packs with larger mAh capacity increases time before recharging. 8000mAh 6S packs help here.

Wiring Batteries in Parallel

Connecting two identical packs in parallel doubles the total capacity. It also divides discharge across two packs, reducing current per battery.

Just confirm the parallel packs are matched in specifications so they share currents evenly without drift.

Minimum Recommended Specs

Given the Kraton’s high power demands, recommended 6S LiPo minimum specs include:

• 5000 mAh capacity
• 100C constant, 150C burst discharge
• Low resistance design
• Hardcase for durability
• GensAce, MaxAmps, Lumintek quality brand

These baselines ensure your battery won’t limit the Kraton’s performance and can provide sufficient safe current flow.

What to Avoid

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

• Softcase batteries – Easily punctured and damaged without hardcase.
• Low quality no-name cells – Questionable origins and performance.
• Low capacity under 5000mAh – Will make for very short run times.
• Low C rating under 100C continuous – Insufficient current delivery.
• High mΩ internal resistance – Causes voltage sag under heavy load.
• Short or long discharge wires – Makes installing cleanly difficult.
• Weak discharge plugs – Can pull loose from vibration or crashes.

Checking Used LiPo Health

When acquiring used RC LiPo batteries:

• Inquire about vehicle use and crash history.
• Visually inspect for swelling, damage, loose wires.
• Check balance tap voltages to confirm matched cells.
• Bench test capacity and voltage stability under heavy load.
• Ideally confirm proper storage at 50% charge when not in use.

Well cared for LiPos can be suitable for reuse. But unknown histories pose safety risks if not thoroughly validated. Consider using new from reputable brands.

Maximizing LiPo Lifespan

To maximize RC LiPo battery lifespan:

• Use proper storage charge (3.85V per cell) when storing long term.
• Avoid leaving fully charged or fully depleted for extended periods.
• Prevent over-discharging with appropriate hardware cutoffs.
• Charge at 1C or less to reduce heat and strain.
• Keep batteries below 120°F during use, charging, and storage.
• Secure batteries in protective cases to prevent punctures.
• Repair any loose wires right away.

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

Spotting Worn Out Batteries

Watch for these signs that RC LiPo batteries need replacement:

• Reduced runtimes and slower acceleration.
• Faster voltage droop under heavy load.
• Overheating.
• Swollen or ballooned cases.
• Reduced performance after charging.
• Frequent cell drift necessitating rebalancing.

When a reliable new LiPo shows age-related decline after 50+ cycles, it likely has a manufacturing defect. More gradual degradation after hundreds of cycles indicates end of useful lifespan.

Disposing Old LiPo Batteries

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

• Fully discharge to zero volts using a LiPo discharger or resistors.
• Submerge in salt water for 1-2 weeks to fully neutralize.
• Remove soft pouches from hardcase shells.
• Verify zero voltage before landfill disposal.
• Some municipalities accept lithium batteries for recycling.

Fully discharging in saltwater prevents dangerous failures when cells are crushed. Discard LiPos responsibly.

FAQ

How long does a 5000mAh 6S LiPo last in a Kraton?

Typical runtimes are 10-15 minutes with conservative bashing. Race speeds and extreme runs drain 5000mAh packs faster, in 5 minutes or less.

What size LiPo does the Kraton 8S use?

The Kraton 8S requires high capacity 6S or 8S LiPo batteries that fit within its battery compartment, typically 110x47mm size.

Is 100C discharge enough for a Kraton?

Yes, 100C constant with at least 150C burst can reliably supply the maximum current demands of the Kraton 8S. Always stay within battery limits.

What is the most affordable good quality 6S LiPo for Kraton?

The Gens Ace 6S 22.2V 5000mAh 100C LiPo offers proven performance for Kraton at a reasonable price around $85, delivering good value per charge.

How can I double runtime in my Kraton?

Wiring two identical 6000mAh batteries in parallel results in 12000mAh capacity and divides discharge across packs, approximately doubling your runtimes.

Is it safe to parallel charge LiPo batteries?

Yes, you can safely charge multiple LiPos in parallel simultaneously as long as they match in battery specifications to balance current properly.

Can a LiPo be damaged internally but appear fine?

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

What are signs my LiPo batteries need replacing?

Indications of worn out LiPos are reduced runtimes, slower acceleration, swelling cases, overheating, and needing more frequent charge balancing.