2x 3s or 6s lipo packs: which is better?

staft

10 mW
Joined
Mar 16, 2012
Messages
33
Location
Sarasota, FL
Please tell me if my thinking is correct on this: If the prices are equivalent ( and they seem to be) between 2x 3s 20c lipo packs and 1x 6s 20c pack, the 3s might be the better way to go, because they can always be "permanently" paired in series or parallel, and won't cause any more trouble when charging with a 6s charger, but offer more configuration flexibility and cheaper dud cell replacement. Am I missing any considerations? Any reason to consider a higher C rating? Grazie!
 
I prefer the 6s packs. For one it cuts down on how much harness wiring needed for a 48V battery fer instance.
 
Well, you have a good point. There is the dud rate to consider. If one cell in a 3s pack dies and needs a replacement, a 3s pack is cheaper. So buying a pile of 3s, you'd be able to order an extra pack or two cheaper than ordering some extra 6s packs.

Once you put the batteries into a permanent series connection, you'd have a 6s pack, with no more wiring than any 6s pack. You'd have a minimal cost of some 6s jst extensions to connect, and some time and hassle to do the conversion.

But here's the rub, your time is money, and your homebrew 6s packs could just as easily have two dud cells, one in each pack. I just don't see it being so worth it, if the prices are basicly the same. If the price is really lower, as it was with the 4s hardcases, then it can make a lot more sense to buy a different thing. In this example, buy one extra 6s. If you end up with a pack that dies after 50 cycles, you have a spare. Spend your time riding the bike unless your work is saving you real money.

One thing I wish you could do at HK, is order specially built packs. I think a 3p 1s or a 2p 1s pack would make a cool building block for bike batteries. But buying your own 3s packs and converting them would be a huge pita.
 
I'm with DM 4s or 6s if you're going to jump into lipo.

if you're going to parallel packs I would suggest checking out these sites as they can make this much easier:

http://epbuddy.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=26_14&zenid=fnekct1idss1re9utupic3bkv4

http://www.progressiverc.com/adapter-cables-and-boards/parallel-cables
 
OK, I'm convinced. Is it still cheaper to buy from HK, even with shipping? Do you guys buy from US warehouse only, or does it work out to be the same?
 
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