If you’re in the market for a 5000mAh lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack, you’ve come to the right place. Over the past year, I’ve tested eight battery packs in this capacity range, focusing on two critical metrics: performance and cost. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice for your needs, whether you’re seeking maximum performance, the best value, or a balanced approach.
The Metrics That Matter
To ensure fairness, I developed a scoring system to compare the batteries across four categories:
- Maximum Performance: Prioritizes power output, with an 80% weight on performance and 20% on cost.
- Balanced Value: Equal weight (50/50) between performance and cost.
- Best Cost: Focuses on affordability, with 80% weight on cost and 20% on performance.
- Overall Score: Averages the scores from the first three categories to find the best all-around battery pack.
Reliability, lifespan, and safety—though important—were not part of this evaluation due to the lack of measurable data. That said, I’ve experienced no safety issues with any of the batteries tested, even after numerous cycles.
The Contenders for this Buyers Guide:
Here’s a quick overview of the eight battery packs tested:
- CNHL G+: 4S, 5000mAh, 70C, $42.85
- Turnigy Graphene Panther: 4S, 5000mAh, 75C, $39.39
- Turnigy Rapid: 4S, 5000mAh, 100C, $22.99
- Traxxas LiPo: 2S, 5800mAh, 25C, $59.95
- SMC SRD V3: 4S, 5300mAh, 250C, $64.90
- Fyrework Carbon ECP+: 4S, 5300mAh, 120C, $65.00
- Zeee Battery: 4S, 5200mAh, 120C, $49.50
- Yumi Power: 4S, 5200mAh, 50C, $36.79
Note: Costs were converted to USD for consistency, with Canadian prices adjusted using a 1.4 exchange rate on packs purchased with Canadian pricing.
Category Results
Maximum Performance
For those who prioritize power, the top performers were:
- SMC SRD V3: Score 800
- Turnigy Graphene Panther: Score 713
- CNHL G+: Score 710
- Traxxas LiPo (2S): Score 404
These batteries maintained high voltage under load, making them ideal for high-demand RC vehicles. Aim for a score over 700 if maximum performance is your priority.
Balanced Value
This category provides a middle ground between performance and cost. The top choices were:
- Turnigy Graphene Panther: Score 674
- CNHL G+: Score 641
- Turnigy Rapid: Score 574
- SMC SRD V3: Score 501
The Turnigy Graphene Panther stands out for offering both power and affordability.
Best Cost
If budget is your primary concern, these batteries offer the best bang for your buck:
- Turnigy Rapid: Score 830
- Turnigy Graphene Panther: Score 635
- CNHL G+: Score 573
- Yumi Power: Score 566
The Turnigy Rapid’s low price made it the clear winner in this category.
Overall Score
Combining all three metrics, the best all-around batteries were:
- Turnigy Graphene Panther: Score 674
- CNHL G+: Score 641
- Turnigy Rapid: Score 574
- SMC SRD V3: Score 501
These options deliver solid performance and value, making them versatile choices for various applications.
What to Avoid
Batteries scoring below 200 overall are less competitive and may not meet the needs of most RC enthusiasts. Also, don’t rely solely on the manufacturer’s C rating, as it doesn’t always correlate with real-world performance.
Key Takeaways
- High-Demand Applications: Choose a battery with a maximum performance score above 700.
- Balanced Approach: The Turnigy Graphene Panther and CNHL G+ excel in both power and cost.
- Budget-Friendly Options: The Turnigy Rapid offers unbeatable value for less demanding setups.
By focusing on these metrics, you can confidently select the right 5000mAh LiPo battery for your RC vehicle. For a detailed comparison, watch the full video on my channel and subscribe for more RC content. Hope this buyers guide has helped. Happy driving!