Charging a LiPo

[Tzer1993]

Ok so here's what I want to know...

Do you have to charge a LiPo battery with a "LiPo" charger, or would a smart charger and a balancer do the trick?

[Inked]

I have always used a "li-po" charger.  I've never used a nicd/nimh charger with a balancer.

[Tzer1993]

Well that was helpful
Seems like it would work...power is power right?

[SteevoLS]

DO. NOT. USE. A. NORMAL. CHARGER.

Do I make myself clear? If you want to use LiPo batteries, you need a lipo charger. No if's, and's, or but's. If you cheap out and use your NiMH charger, the next we hear from you will be a newspaper blurb that your house burned down.

[Inked]

Well that was helpful
Seems like it would work...power is power right?

Just take pics of when the battery explodes, or catches fire!

[Tzer1993]

Look Steevols if you're trying to tell me something just say it! Don't beat around the bush!!!
Well I guess I'll be sticking with NiMH for a little longer

[Vanquish]

When you do get a lipo charger, stay with it while it's charging and keep an eye on it. If something happens, you'll want to be there to take care of it. Do not throw it on the charger and leave the house.

Lipos are not like your standard batteries. If they get damaged they can catch on fire. If you're careful with them though, they'll be fine and last a long time.  One of mine is well over a year old now, and still works fine.

[splatmaster]

Or if you MUST leave it, try putting it in a pottery jar or flower pot. Something that can hold it and not burn. 

[Doublewolf]

If you don't want it to explode in your face, use a lipo charger.

You can also use one of these lipo fire-proof bags if you have a lipo charger just to be safe.

http://www.airsoftpost.com/product_info.php?products_id=31070

If you want, you might even be able to put the bag on the battery when it's in your gun.

[ATAT Armorer]

Lipo chargers aren't that expensive.  You can go to any hobby store and get a lipo chager for pretty cheap.  One on the lipos I have is a 7.4 hyperion, that runs my p90, and I got it for $20. 

[Tzer1993]

Hobby stores...haven't even thought of looking there for batteries....brilliant!!!

[Inked]

Hobby stores...haven't even thought of looking there for batteries....brilliant!!!

Just remember don't let the guys at hobbytown or where ever you go sell you some 60 or 80c battery you don't need it.  Read the sticky at the top of this page, you will get a better understanding.

[Tzer1993]

I was thinking of going with maybe 12-15c? I wont use full auto so I just want it for battery life and trigger response

[ATAT Armorer]

I recomend a 20c.  I have a couple different lipos and the hyperion works the best for its price.  The one I use in my SPR is an 11.1 Eflight, and it has a 68c continuous discharge rate which is way to much for airsoft.  But 20c to 25c, I think is best.  And lipos last longer so you don't really need more than a 2500mah battery. 

Just make sure when you notice a significant drop in RoF you change batteries.

[Vanquish]

All mine are 20c, and that works well. I'll show you the battery I'm using in my M4 next time I see you.