When it comes to RC battery performance, not all packs live up to their promises. In a recent test, we put the 5200mAh Zeee 4S LiPo battery through its paces to uncover how it performs under real-world conditions. This in-depth analysis measured internal resistance, actual C rating, and performance under heavy load, offering insights into whether this battery is worth your investment.
If you would like access to all this data including data from every LiPo pack tested, support tests like these and become a Tier 1 member of our Patreon Community.
What Makes the Zeee 4S LiPo Unique?
The Zeee 4S LiPo battery is a hard-case pack rated at 5200mAh with a 120C discharge rating. On paper, this sounds impressive—ideal for high-power RC applications. However, as any seasoned RC enthusiast knows, manufacturer-rated C values can often be overly optimistic. That’s where this test comes in, breaking down the real-world performance to reveal the truth.
Initial Internal Resistance Testing
Internal resistance (IR) is a crucial metric for evaluating battery performance. It directly affects the voltage sag and heat generation under load, impacting how well the battery delivers power. Using a charger capable of measuring IR, we assessed the Zeee 4S LiPo before running it under stress.
Key Findings:
- The Zeee 4S displayed unusually high internal resistance for its capacity class.
- Compared to other batteries tested on the channel, its IR values were among the worst we’ve seen, raising concerns about its ability to sustain high-current loads.
Calculating the Actual C Rating
Using the internal resistance values, we calculated the actual C rating of the Zeee 4S LiPo. The results were staggering—its true C rating based on IR alone came out to just 12.7C, far below the advertised 120C. This discrepancy means that the battery’s maximum continuous current is limited to about 66 amps, far less than what its labeling would suggest.
Performance on the Dyno Test
The dyno test is the ultimate trial for any battery, simulating real-world RC conditions by applying a continuous 105-amp load. Here’s how the Zeee 4S LiPo fared:
- Voltage Sag:
The voltage dropped significantly during the test, with the pack struggling to maintain stable output. This voltage sag directly impacts motor RPM, reducing speed and power in RC applications. - Capacity Delivered:
The Zeee 4S only managed to deliver 774mAh of usable capacity before hitting the low-voltage cutoff—a far cry from its 5200mAh rating. By comparison, another tested battery, the Turnigy Rapid 5000mAh 100C, delivered over 2000mAh under similar conditions. - Average Power Output:
The Zeee 4S demonstrated poor energy delivery, with an average cell wattage of just 311W during discharge. This level of performance is inadequate for demanding RC scenarios.
Practical Implications for RC Enthusiasts
Based on these findings, the Zeee 4S LiPo is not suitable for high-power applications like 1/8-scale buggies or any vehicle drawing over 100 amps. The significant voltage sag and low capacity under load mean that it will quickly trigger low-voltage cutoffs, leading to frequent interruptions and reduced performance.
While the Zeee 4S LiPo offers the convenience of availability on platforms like Amazon and a budget-friendly price tag, its performance leaves much to be desired. Investing in a higher-quality battery with a verified C rating will save you frustration and provide better value in the long run as far as performance is concerned.
Final Thoughts
The Zeee 4S LiPo battery highlights the importance of thorough testing before trusting manufacturer specifications. Its underwhelming performance underscores why real-world tests are essential for RC enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their vehicles.
If you’re considering this battery, keep in mind its limitations and ensure your RC setup doesn’t exceed its modest capabilities. For those in search of reliable power, it might be worth exploring other options that offer verified performance metrics.
For more RC battery tests and in-depth reviews, stay tuned to our channel. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out our Patreon page to support ongoing tests like this one.