Which is best? Lipo vs. NiMH Batteries in Arrma 3s cars. Big Rock, Granite, Senton, Typhon 3s

Hi all. Dom from RC-Dom-UK was asking me about the performance of the Arrma 3s cars with NiMH batteries and I didn't know the answer but I made it my mission to find out! Hope you find the results interesting. Basically 3s is the most fun but if you don't mind the lower speed then these cars would probably never wear out on NiMH. Many thanks for watching. Please like and comment :-)

[@RCBirds]

The result probably wouldn't suprise anybody. My main thought is that it works with NiMH. For sure not so fast, but fun's guarantied, too. Thanks for doing all the work Pete

[@PeteWylieRC]

Yeah I really wasn't sure how these would be on NiMH as I don't generally use those batteries nowadays. They were a bit better than I thought. Was an interesting experiment to do and kept me busy for a few days. Many thanks for watching and your great feedback. Much appreciated 😁👍👍

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hi Pete and what a comprehensive and well presented test! Very enjoyable too with a little Pete Wylie humour thrown in along the way! I've only really experienced 2 and 3S in little RTR's but the difference is always dramatic! I can see why you enjoy using 3S, as you said, you don't HAVE to go full throttle all the time but it's on tap when you want it! The difference between NiMh and 2S is definitely more pronounced when running higher KV brushless setups in my experience, especially compared to basic Tamiya ESC and Mabuchi motors. I usually get 1 mph more (sometimes 2) than a NiMh. However, in my Blitzer Beetle running a 12T brushless setup the difference was more like 4 or 5 mph! Anyway, I'll be interested to see the results you got with your Tamiyas! Great stuff as usual mate, hope you're having a great weekend! Cheers! 😎😎👍👍

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya matey. Yeah it was interesting for me to do this because I thought they'd be awful on NiMH but actually not too bad. 3s is definitely the way to go though because you can be cruising along at about 30mph on half throttle and then go full throttle and wheelie off into the distance. I can't quite remember what happened with the Tamiya cars so I need to review the footage and put a video together. I did decide to keep the Terra Scorcher brushless after my tests as the handling was really great. Ooh I did watch your latest run video which was excellent but I've not been back to leave a comment so I'll see you over there in a short while. Cheers for your great feedback mate 😁👍👍

[@DustyFingersRC]

Great video Pete, flowed really well. I haven't moved to Lipo yet but will do at some point. Enjoyed the usual humour whilst you provided this valuable information 👍🏻

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Damian. Thanks mate, I was interested to find out how these ran with NiMH and it was a bit better than I thought. Cheers for watching my friend 😁👍👍

[@rc-dom-uk]

Thanks mate . Absolutely an exhaustive test and really appreciate it . Great video . Tbf the amount of times I asked it probably did count as many people . 3s is really the way to go imo as you have to invest in the safety stuff - so might as well make it worth it . Having said that 2s seems a good option to . As always love your humour mate . Has me giggling . Thanks mate 😊👍

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Dom. Well thanks for the idea for a video. I'd defp go 3s because you can always dial down the throttle if you want to. They are definitely more exciting on 3s. Anyway there is another couple of tests coming up with Tamiya cars which I think I already told you. Less difference as I only ever run them on 2s lipo. Many thanks for watching mate. Much appreciated 😁👍

[@rccrawlersmid-wales645]

3S is definitely the way to go, and so long as you take a few basic precautions they're easy to deal with. I store mine in an old ammo case and charge them in a lipo bag (a balance lead extension makes closing the bag far easier and only costs a couple of quid). Oh, and I got a cheap little charge tester so I can see where any battery is at. 3S will give you way more punch as well as top speed, plus they're lighter too - should make a big difference in the sand! 👍

[@rc-dom-uk]

@@rccrawlersmid-wales645 thanks mate . I’m sorting out some storage but I reckon it will be next year due to cash flow thanks for the advice 😊👍

[@calinthematrix]

Is Lipo worth the fire risk over nimh

[@theoagrc]

Great stuff Pete. I always thought 2s and NIMH where close but your tests show there is a slight speed advantage to go with the longer and more consistent run time. Thanks for sharing

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Craig. Yeah I knew that the lipos worked better but it was interesting to see how much difference there was. Many thanks for watching mate. Much appreciated 😁👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Nice comparison Pete. I know that took an awful lot of time and effort to get all that worked so thank you for doing it all! It was cool to see the differences and they all looked fun but there are more fun as they get closer to the nutty fast side!!! I mean who doesn't like wheelies right?!?!!

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Addam. Oh yeah the videoing took longer than expected what with the various problems with the cars so a few visits to the test site. I'd never really thought about running these on NiMH until Dom asked me the question. Was interesting to find out. It's defo 3s for me with these trucks though. Great to be cruising at 30mph on half throttle and then give it the beans and wheelie away 😁 Many thanks for watching mate 😁👍👍

[@ChriswithaCrc]

Hey Pete , great video buddy, and cracking comparison, nice to see that you used the NiMH battery as loads and loads of us just have these knocking about doing nothing , quite tempted to get a few packs charged just for light bashing . I know that loads of reviewers and RC enthusiasts focus on Lipos but alot of companies still send the RTRs with Nimh so this video is handy for new starters to compare the performance differences . And ah the dreaded crown and pinion gear I've had my fair share of that recently ! Keep up the great work good sir . Stay Safe Chris 🤙

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Chris. Yeah it was interesting to see how these got on with NiMH but for me it's 3s all the way in these. I've done some more comparisons on little Tamiyas and the difference isn't as marked as they only ever run on 2s anyway. That will be coming up soon. One thing I am thinking is that NiMH would be safer if I was taking an RC on holiday for instance. Many thanks for your support as ever. Much appreciated 😁👍

[@NordicRC]

Hejsa Pete. Great thorough test! Must really take some time to make these videos. Appreciate it. Yeah, on my fast cars my ESC’s cut out too if the c-rating is too low. It was interesting to see the comparison. On the light stock’ish small 1/10 Tamiya models a fresh healthy 6S NiMH might actually beat a 2S LiPo (the first couple of minutes anyway). But with these power-hungry machines the LiPo is just so more efficient.

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Mikael. Oh yeah the videoing took even longer than it should have with the various little faults I had along the way. I did also video some brushed and brushless Tamiyas while I was at it and to be honest I can't remember what happened so I'll find out when I get round to editing it 🤣 Yeah the voltage on a charged NiMH seems to be higher than lipo so could be faster in theory. Yes lipo is definitely the way to go with the bigger stuff. I noticed that the 4s Outcast ESC hadn't even got a NiMH mode. Good to hear from you mate. Hope all is well 😁👍👍

[@UncleBobsRC]

Great job Pete!!!! Yes sir, there is a big difference between 7.2v (6cell) & 7.4v (2S) & 11.1v (3S). Lipo packs generally produce a faster top speed, as I say, voltage = speed. My buddy Kevin runs his Clod with stock motors but on 3S, it didn't just keep up with my Clod with 13 turn motors, it passed it with speed. Now, I know there are some OLD GUYS who really don't care for lipo packs but they are not as bad as people think. Sure soft case lipo packs I don't care for because one good hit on those could be a problem, even if it's in a chassis. Now hard case lipo's, those can be fun fitting into certain RC vehicles. Agree 100%, Stop Using those Molex Connectors (Tamiya style) as they heat up, heat causes power loss, power loss = less speed plus they can & do melt. Hell, even the high amp connectors are only good for a 1,000 times then need to be replaced. Here's a good test, run a brushless car with a 2S & Tamiya connector, run it hard for 5 mins, then take the temp on the connector, do the same test with any high amp connector. Awesome Video Pete!!!!!!!!!

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Bob. Yeah I've not been put off lipo batteries despite my little mishap. I am rather more careful with the charging and storage of them these days though. I do tend to get the hard case ones because they are more robust for knocking around with. Yes I have got rid of the Tamiya plugs on all but one or two brushed cars. They are a bit pants by modern standards. Don't think I'll try your heat test, I know it's going to be molten! Many thanks for your great feedback my friend. Best wishes to you and yours 😁👍

[@rc-dom-uk]

watching again mate . i noticed using the 8.4v nimh you get brilliant start speed but the drop off is really notable. 😂 i shall invest in a couple of lipos . also the nimhs get hot hot hot like you say . well accept with associated which runs cool 🤷‍♂️👍

[@madsrcbuggy]

Interesting comparison, and as always very well presented! I think this is great for a lot of people who won't like to have LiPo's, of course expect a little less power but still a fine run with these cool trucks. Happy to see a bit of Typhon footage, my favourite! Regarding the connectors, I also had to bodge up a temporary solution to run the Fireteam, so it was two 2s with Deans connectors in series, with EC5 adapter to the IC5 on the car. Everything got warm, but the Deans didn't seem to be doing badly. I can't understand why a lot of people say Deans is so bad, ha ha... Have a great rest of the weekend there!

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hi there. Yeah I think that the deans plugs are a big step up from Tamiya plugs obviously but I have had them become problematic after a while. The EC5 ones seem to be the most reliable ones I've used and the only issue I sometimes have is getting them apart as they fit so tightly together. Anyway, many thanks for your great feedback on this. Very much appreciated and enjoy the rest of your weekend 😁👍

[@JF-RC]

Hi Pete, what a comprehensive test of the various awesome Arrma’s on 3s,2s, NiMH’s (different capacities). That must have taken so much time to setup, drive, film and edit….all in the name of RC science👨🏻‍🔬😊 absolutely amazing details for all us geeks 😂😂 so glad you still managed to have some fun, especially with the Big Rock (eventually😊). Peter’s Granite performed well too, looked good as well. As usual my guru, a wonderful reference for those who want to know the difference between the battery technologies. I suppose the answer to the question of whether you can run NiMH in Arrma’s is YES, however, expect a performance change, however, if speed is not your ultimate goal and you’re looking for just a fun thrash / bash session, this can been achieved on NiMH, if that battery type is convenient. Great work Pete, best wishes to you and the family 😊😊

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya John. Yeah I think I was just going to do 2 cars to start with but because I had difficulties with a couple of them I used the ones that worked and then went back to the others once they were mended. Yes if you aren't too bothered about a high top speed then these running on NiMH would probably last forever, even in the hands of a child. Many thanks for your great feedback as ever John. Very best wishes to you and yours 😁👍👍

[@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC]

Great video Pete! Not guna lie, that 'famous' video of yours many moons ago seriously put me off of Lippo's big time! 🔥 😬 But,more recently have been venturing into 2s after doing much research! Learning about storage charges, and having a decent charger (imax B6), charging bag, and a heavy duty ammo tin have helped to put my mind at rest! Been very impressed with the faster power delivery, higher top end, and longer running times. It's really brought many of my vintage Tamiya/Kyoshos to life! I still use many NIMH's as well, but is great to have the option of either.... usually depending on what car I'm running. This was a great and highly informative video mate, very interesting to see the comparisons layed out nice and clearly. Cheers bud! 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@PeteWylieRC]

Oh yeah I possibly put a few people off lipos but funnily enough not myself. I did however completely change my charging and storage of them after the fire. I ought to do a video about lipo safety really. They do perform better than NiMH, especially in the bigger RC's and particularly ones with brushless motors. There are some more videos coming where I test the difference in top speed of the different batteries in brushless and brushed Tamiyas. Many thanks indeed for your great feedback. Best wishes mate 😁👍👍

[@MauzyrockRC]

Hey great analysis there! I must say I miss my Senton ( Sold it) but it never occured to me to run them on NiHm packs. I was good to see the differences all the same. Cheers!

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hi there. Ah I think that the Arrma 3s cars are ones that I wouldn't sell unless I was really in a tight spot financially. So much fun and pretty easy to mend. I wouldn't generally run them on NiMH but it was interesting to see how they were. Many thanks indeed for watching. Much appreciated 😁👍

[@mad-beerc3818]

Great stuff Pete and 3S is the daddy! But my wife is fussy about me burning down the house so l best stick to good old NiMH packs! Cheers buddy.

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hi there. Yeah these trucks on 3s are really all you could ever need from an RC I think. I've driven bigger ones but these are the perfect size and speed I reckon. Oh wives are a bit funny about their husbands burning down the house. I know mine was! It all worked out fine though and now I live in the garage 🤣 Many thanks for watching. Much appreciated 😁👍

[@MechanicallyFun]

I’ve got 2 arrma 3s motor with the same bearings problem. It looks like common problem with the 3s line. Once replaced it’s all good 👍 nice comparison. Thanks

[@PeteWylieRC]

Oh yeah this motor is a Hobbywing one but I have had the same issue with the Arrma ones. This one was already about 5 years old so I wasn't too upset about it. Many thanks for watching. Much appreciated :-)

[@shelly6482]

Just went with all the Spektrum smart batterys and chargers Pete kinda expensive i know! But really having a blast with the 3s Granite and Vortex.❤ The C rating matters btw

[@PeteWylieRC]

Yeah the smart batteries and chargers do look good. Mine are all old school at the moment. Oh yeah I didn't really get into C ratings but I think all of mine are 50c or higher and seem pretty good. Many thanks for your great feedback 😁👍👍

[@3DMOFO2020]

Awesome job on the testing Pete!👍👍😎😎👍👍

[@PeteWylieRC]

Many thanks indeed. Much appreciated. Best wishes to you 😁👍

[@Toopac84]

Hey Pete, May I ask how long exactly was the runtime with the 3800 Nimh and 5000nimh and how long was with the 2s on the Senton BLX? Do you maybe remember about the numbers? Thanks Mate

[@PeteWylieRC]

Oh I have to say that I was just getting the speeds and then changing to the next battery with this. I think you get about 30 mins with the lipo but that's a bit of a guess and depends how you drive. Sorry I can't give you better info but thanks for watching the vid 😁👍👍

[@Toopac84]

@@PeteWylieRC Ahh okay. :) May I ask your opinion or suggestion in one more thing? I am new to the Hobby. I recently got my hand on a new Senton BLX thanks to a huge sale. A have no charger nor batteries yet. In the past couple weeks I read thousands of articles how to maintain RC cars what to and what no to.. and when it comes to LIPO.. i admit the fear is there.. i have a house but no garage nor basement and I simply dont find a place where i could store my Lipos that would make me sleep good at night. I know this Senton BLX is designed to rip dirt on Lipos, speed, punch, longer drive time etc etc. Do you think i could enjoy it running only on Nimh? I am just wondering how many Nimh batteries would be needed to play lets Say 30minutes.? I Dont want crazy speed Just having fun, some small jumps and donughts in the dirt. :D Do you think it worth it? If not I will think about to sell it rather.. Or maybe should I overcome my fears using lipos and believe in with proper handling nothing bad should happen? I dont know. Anyways how long does it take to charge those 5000Nimh batteries with the proper smart charges. Thanks again for your help. ;) Peter

[@warthunderpokryshkin_dk3767]

what number of cells on the nihm battries? that is more important then knowing the mah on those batteries?

[@PeteWylieRC]

Oh yeah I should have said that I was using the usual 7.2 volt packs that you tend to use in Tamiyas and the like. Many thanks for watching and your feedback 😁👍

[@warthunderpokryshkin_dk3767]

you can get 9 cell nihm 10.8 volts that closer to the 3s lipo voltage?

[@PeteWylieRC]

Yeah I think if I wanted to go with NiMH for these it would be worth investing in some higher voltage packs like that. Be interesting to see how they perform. Many thanks indeed for your feedback. Much appreciated 😁👍

[@buffering7612]

I have 1 with a 3s 5400mah 100c Lipo but I can’t find them online just get a 5000mah? What’s the difference

[@PeteWylieRC]

The mah is the capacity so the higher the number the longer the run time 👍

[@buffering7612]

@@PeteWylieRC mines 200c burst as well I can’t find one like it or know if that’s the best but at the same time I’d like a battery with less burst for my nephew if burst is what I think it is like wheelie power I got a big rock with it the 5400mah and a crappy charger for $350 yesterday

[@PeteWylieRC]

@@buffering7612 Oh right. I've just had a look at my batts and I've got ones that are 50C and others that are 140C but I can't say that I notice much difference between then when the cars are running. If you want the car to be less wild then the handset has 50% and 75% settings to slow it down for a beginner 👍

[@buffering7612]

@@PeteWylieRC okay thank you I was worried a less than what I got would suck; I really need a good charger and one for the car.. my current charger won’t work even on one amp charge through a stout dewalt car/wall outlet rated for 3.1amps possible the $20 car chargers I’ve seen for rc are just tenders too and it can’t really be done 🤷🏻 subbed btw

[@PeteWylieRC]

@@buffering7612 Yeah if you are getting a charger make sure it can charge at 5 amps. the general rule is 1 amp per 1000mah although I tend not to go above 4.5 amps. Also you need it to be able to put the batteries to a storage charge as you shouldn't leave these fully charged for more than a few days or they will fail on you. Hope you get it sorted and many thanks for the sub 😁👍

[@bradkalman2353]

Lipo is the way to go people need get over there lipo fears they could also do liio.

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hiya Brad. Yeah they are the best although if I lived on the 30th floor of a tower block I might be a bit wary of them. Many thanks indeed for watching 😁👍