Remote control (RC) vehicles have been a source of fun and entertainment for years. Whether you are flying a drone, driving an RC car, or sailing an RC boat, the power source for your RC vehicle is critical to its performance. One of the most crucial components of an RC vehicle is the battery. Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries are the most commonly used batteries for RC vehicles. In this article, we will be discussing the difference between soft case and hard case LiPo batteries and their advantages and disadvantages.
Table of Contents
Soft Case LiPo Battery
A soft case LiPo battery is made up of the cells that make up the battery pack, which are wrapped in a tin foil-like construction. The protection of the battery pack is provided by a heat shrink material that is placed on the outside. The battery pack is not protected against impact or puncture, and it is easy to squish the battery pack if you have a hard or aggressive crash.
Advantages
- Weight savings: Soft case LiPo batteries are lighter than hard case batteries, as they do not have the weight of the extra case.
- Space savings: Soft case LiPo batteries take up less physical space than hard case batteries.
- More capacity: With soft case LiPo batteries, you can get more capacity and a higher C rating for the same physical size.
- Easy inspection: Soft case LiPo batteries are easy to inspect for physical damage, and you can easily see if a cell is not in its original factory condition.
Disadvantages
- Physical damage: Soft case LiPo batteries are easy to damage, and they are more susceptible to physical damage such as punctures or physical trauma.
Hard Case LiPo Battery
A hard case LiPo battery is made up of a hard plastic that can be made in different forms, such as snap together or glued together. Hard case LiPo batteries are better protected against impact and puncture than soft case LiPo batteries.
Advantages
- Protection: Hard case LiPo batteries are better protected against impact and puncture, making them a safer option for RC vehicles.
- Physical size: Hard case LiPo batteries come in a standard physical size, making it easier to place the batteries inside your RC vehicle.
Disadvantages
- Weight: Hard case LiPo batteries are heavier than soft case LiPo batteries, which can affect the performance of your RC vehicle.
- Space: Hard case LiPo batteries take up more physical space than soft case LiPo batteries.
- Limited size variations: Hard case LiPo batteries come in a standard size, making it more difficult to find the right size for your RC vehicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both soft case and hard case LiPo batteries have their advantages and disadvantages. Soft case LiPo batteries are lighter and take up less space, but they are more susceptible to physical damage. Hard case LiPo batteries are better protected against impact and puncture, but they are heavier and take up more space. The choice between soft case and hard case LiPo batteries ultimately depends on your specific needs and the type of RC vehicle you are using.