Cheap Lipo Batteries-Introduction, Storage, and Buying

LiPo is the initials for lithium polymer batteries. Some people refer it as lithium-ion polymer while others call it a Li-Po battery. It is a rechargeable battery that uses a polymer electrolyte lithium-ion technology. This is unique from the typical liquid electrolytes.

The lipo electrolyte is made of semisolid polymers that are highly conductive. Lithium polymer batteries can produce higher specific energy than the other counterpart lithium batteries. Besides, it is one of the most recent lithium technologies and yet so many devices have already adopted it.

Lithium polymer batteries are becoming popular especially in the radio control industry. Although they are also spread out to others in other industries and have become favorites for people in search of high power and long run times.

With the influx of many manufacturers of these cells, you can find very expensive or very cheap batteries. The increased number of manufacturers has led to competitiveness in prices. For instance, you can find a very good quality lipo battery that costs a fairly low price. Let us find out who makes such batteries, their storage capacity, and how to avoid the fakes.

Who makes cheap LiPo batteries with good quality?

There are so many companies that make cheap and quality lipo batteries. Besides, some very established brands also make budget batteries but with lesser capacity. Note that they do not tamper with quality but rather the capacity. So these cells will be able to serve you for a very long period as usual.

1.HRB

If you are looking for a cheap lipo for your drone, FPV, Quadcopter RC, and many more devices then HRB might the best pick for you.  This company is found in China and has been putting a lot of effort in research and developing affordable UAV batteries.

For example, the HRB 11.1V has a capacity of 5000mAh and has a long cycle life. It recharges quickly and also it has a continuous discharge rate of 50C.  HRB batteries are cheap but quality. This can be evidenced by the many positive reviews on Amazon and other online websites.

2.Energy

Energy is a high capacity brand that is popular for manufacturing quality LiPo cells. This is a company that was created in Silicon Valley back in 2004 to provide total power solutions. Since then it has created many products both premium and budget to satisfy the power needs of their customers.

Apart from Lithium polymer batteries, Tenergy also makes other types of batteries such as NiCd, LiFePO4, NiMH, and li-polymer. This brand has been able to satisfy the battery market such as consumer products, medical communication, industry, and military equipment over the years.

3.Powerextra

Powerextra is a leading brand that manufactures cheap quality batteries. It produces batteries for gadgets such as vacuum cleaners, cameras, and power and hand tools. Powerextra 7.2V 3600mAh is a good example.

This battery costs $20.99 and is compatible with RC Helicopter, RC Airplane, RC Truck, RC Boat, and many other devices.  It is designed uniquely for high racing performance and it will last for many years.

Not all cheap Lipo batteries that you see in the market are fake.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

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If you think all cheap LiPo batteries that you see in the market are fake then you are wrong. Some cheap batteries have more quality than most expensive batteries. This does not apply to LiPo cells only but also other products in the market.

You cannot tell a fake product by just looking at its price. But rather, you can investigate and find out if the product is quality. One of the easiest ways is by reading through customer reviews on online shops such as Amazon. Besides, you can look up the battery manufacture and check how long they have been serving in the industry. Well, not that new companies manufacture low-quality lipo batteries but long-serving companies will probably have better and improved quality.

Manufacturers especially from China have come up with improved ways to make cheap LiPo batteries. This has highly been contributed by high-level research and improved technology. The reason why most people associate cheap with a fake is that most of them always feature exaggerated specs.

What is a good storage voltage for LiPo batteries?

Lipo batteries are different from the other types because they can release a high amount of charge at once. You need to store your LiPo cells properly if you are not going to use it for a long time. First, you need to discharge or charge it to the recommended voltage.

Just like other batteries, the LiPo cells will discharge too but at a lower rate. So if you leave it discharged then it will discharge way below its recommended range.  This will in turn make it dangerous or useless on the next round you try to charge it. Also when you leave it fully charged, the LiPo cells will unbalance.

A good storage voltage for LiPo batteries is 3.85V per cell. Some batteries though feature a function can discharge or charge it to the recommended storage voltage of 3.85V. Also, note that LiPos are supposed to be stored in a relatively cold place (40-45 degrees F). Also, you should put them in a lipo bag for protection against fire.

How do you avoid buying fake LiPo batteries?

Due to the increased demand for Lipo batteries, some manufactures have started making fake batteries. Others put higher capacity to the labels just to lure more customers. It’s not easy for some people to detect the fakes because they have filled the market. Besides, they have also made their way to some of the leading online platforms.

The best way to avoid buying fake lipo batteries is by buying from the official website of the manufacturer. Companies that sell fake products usually make use of a third party website. Also, you can carry a voltmeter with you just to check if the voltage matches the description.

Always read customer reviews when you are buying online. Original products usually have the highest ratings. If you are not so sure of the brand, do not buy it unless if it has been recommended by someone that you trust. Also sticking to one brand is a good way to avoid buying fakes.