[FaceDeAce]

I am looking for some new LiPo packs to power my Trex450 helis and my electric planes. What I am after are 3 cell ~2000 mAh packs.

I have noticed that, like most everything, with a little shopping around and some creative thinking there are savings. What I have noticed is that on a cost per cell basis, some 6 cell packs are very reasonably priced. So, it has me thinking of buying a 6 cell pack and splitting it to get the two 3 cell packs that I am after.

For example: here is the specific 6 cell pack I am considering buying and splitting.
( http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXWNY8&P=SM )

Any thouhts for or against this idea?

[kwm]

Check out hobbycity in hong kong, they have great prices and if you pay for the express shipping it takes about 5 days to your door.

[Pangaea]

Originally Posted by kwm

Check out hobbycity in hong kong, they have great prices and if you pay for the express shipping it takes about 5 days to your door.

My thoughts exactly........it's cheaper to buy it from HobbyKing and have it shipped.
A 11.1V pack at 2200mah is about $17 +/-...buy in bulk and save on shipping.

The prices for LiPo batteries in the US and Canada are ridiculous. If it were not for HK lots of electric fliers would be cash strapped.

Cheers.

[FaceDeAce]

Is this the hobbycity you are referring to?

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_index.asp

and which pack to get (zippy, turnigy, or rhino) that will fit and run in my Trex450?

[Pangaea]

Originally Posted by Claude Paradis

Is this the hobbycity you are referring to?

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_index.asp

and which pack to get (zippy, turnigy, or rhino) that will fit and run in my Trex450?

Yes...try this link for the $17 bucks pack. I use the 6S for my Trex 500.
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...00mAh_3S1P_20C

[Pangaea]

Zippy will work fine for your heli.......I use it and FlightMax in my Blade 400.

The Rhino IMO has more oomph for the Trex 500 but can use the Zippy or Rhino also.

Make sure you choose express postage.......it will be at your door in 5 working days.

Don't know when the local hobby stores will smarten up so that we can keep business here.
They just don't seem to get it....their excuse is..."we cannot compete with online shopping". Lame excuse....online sites have to pay for their warehouse, staff, IT personnell, overheads etc....yet they sell cheap right to your door.
I find the Hobby shops in Alberta is doing much better though.

Cheers.

[FaceDeAce]

Thanks folks,
I will make out an order give this supplier a try. I am looking at order 4 packs.

Am I to assume shipping costs and customs/duties are reasonable or non-issue?

[Pangaea]

Originally Posted by Claude Paradis

Thanks folks,
I will make out an order give this supplier a try. I am looking at order 4 packs.

Am I to assume shipping costs and customs/duties are reasonable or non-issue?

Shipping should be around $22 express. Pssstttt.....you won't have to pay customs

Still way cheaper than the local hobby shops and safer than making the packs yourself.

cheers

[benjhind]

You can pick a percentage, and they will make an itemized list of your order detailing every item at a fraction of the true cost, just to avoid customs! I have had shipments in the $320 area with no customs paid

Just bought two of their $36 helis, can't believe they can sell them so cheap. I also run several of those 2200 mAh packs that the link was posted for.

Don't forget to grab some cheap CA if you have extra weight left over for your shipment!

I never pay for the express, orders are usually here within 5 or 6 business days anyways.

Ben

[Canamflyer]

Claude,

I get together with a few buddies and place larger orders at H-C. This way we lower the cost per gram of shipping. In total we've bought 24 of those 2200mAh 20-30C 3S Zippy packs.

My Cellpro 10S charger tells me that they are better than the Align packs for 1/3 of the cost.

We've made >$2000 in orders since August 2008 and haven't gotten a bad item yet. (knocks on head).

5-stars recommendation. **