Today’s topic is batteries. We will cover the two types of batteries you will find the most, the pros and cons of these types, and what they are best used for.
All information in this video will be very simplified, and it is best you develop your understanding before using airsoft batteries. We will not be held responsible for misuse.
NiMH and Lipo batteries are the two types of batteries you will find the most used in airsoft. Yes, there are other types before you light up the comment section.
Before we start, I want to review the terminology we’ll use. Starting from the plug itself, this is the basic Tamiya-style plug.
There is a large and small version, but the small plug is the most common in airsoft. You also have T-style or Deans connectors. This is another rare style, but it is an upgrade because it is more durable and provides a better connection.
These are often considered upgrades because the standard Tamiya-style plugs can handle only so much current, so if you use a powerful battery or your gun is upgraded and demands a lot of battery power. These plugs will not only be a bottleneck but could melt.
Left to right: 9.6v Nimh battery with Tamiya-style connector, 9.6v Nimh battery with Deans-style connector, 9.6v Nimh battery with Tamiya-style connector, 11.v Lipo battery with Tamiya-style connector, 11.v Lipo battery with Tamiya-style connector
Batteries have a capacity, and they are rated in maH - milliamp hours. Think of it as the amount of gas in your tank. Stock guns will use a normal amount of battery juice to power the gun. Upgraded guns might draw more of this so that you will experience a shorter life between charges in exchange for that upgraded performance. Voltage is another thing you will find; you will have options on what voltage to run an airsoft gun. NimH is nickel metal hydride and will use conventional chargers.
Lipo is a lithium polymer and a different type of battery that charges with its specialized charger. Lipo batteries require more care and attention, so only purchase these for people who will be attentive with their equipment or yourself if you hate complicating things. One more specification on a battery pack is a discharge rate, particularly on Lipo batteries.
This is like the possible peak output of current that the battery can provide to your gun. This can be a performance bottleneck if the number is extremely low but also not good if you get something rated for something suited for RC cars requiring a high constant discharge rate. Most airsoft guns will work fine, upgraded or not, within the 15C to 35C range.
NiMH is what we would consider the standard batteries in the airsoft world. They are easy to use and provide adequate performance for powering most airsoft guns.
You will commonly find these in 9.6v, but you will also see 8.4 and 10.8. Each cell in this battery is 1.2 volts. Most guns will run with the 9.6v, no problem. These will be what people will start with, and if you value simplicity, they will work great.
A Lipo battery has two connectors: One is to power your airsoft gun (Tamiya-style or Deans-style connector), and the other is to charge the battery (balance plug). Do not charge with the wrong plug. The battery will explode!
A Lipo battery is trickier to use but might provide a performance boost at the cost of some durability. Lipo batteries are a bit volatile, so you must use the correct type of charger specific to them; otherwise, they could be damaged or catch fire.
Your gun should be in good condition for the electrical systems, otherwise, a damaged wire or a short in your gun can destroy the Lipo battery or cause it to burn up and destroy your actual gun. Lipo batteries have two plugs: the Tamiya plug and a small plug to accompany it. The small plug is for charging and balancing the cells. Do not accidentally use this port to charge (by itself); otherwise, you will encounter a serious problem.
With the scary parts out of the way, what is the benefit of Lipo batteries? These batteries deliver consistent output and higher discharge rates than NiMH batteries.
Lipo batteries for airsoft come in a two-cell or three-cell configuration, depending on the voltage. Each cell in the battery pack is 3.7v’s, and in airsoft, you will find them commonly in 7.4 volts or 11.1 volts. Though you might not be able to tell how many cells the battery has, sometimes, physically, you can identify it by the markings or type of balancing plug. A 4-wire setup is a 3-cell battery, and a 3-wire setup is for 2 cells. Sometimes, the number of cells is referred to in shorthand as 2S or 3S for 2-cell and 3-cell batteries.
The discharge rates will often be listed with these batteries, and again, you’ll want to stay in the 15C to 35C range if you want to keep your gun happy. A higher number is preferable when your gun is tuned for performance or a high-end model. A lower C battery will sometimes perform a bit like a weaker battery despite voltage.
If you want to use Lipo batteries without adding more wear and tear to the gun, use a 7.4v Lipo. These perform like 9.6v NiMH batteries.
For those who want more oomph, you would like an 11.1v Lipo. The extra voltage for high-discharge applications will help turn guns with extreme upgrades. When your gun cycles faster due to the higher voltage, you add more wear and tear to your rifle over a shorter period, so if your gun is not built up, your long-term durability might be questionable.
High voltage batteries such as these 11.1v types also tend to wear out the trigger switches in the gun due to arcing. The moment this contact has completed a circuit, that high voltage might cause a spark that burns these contacts out. As they build up or wear out, they lose their conductivity, resulting in your motor not getting adequate power.
The switch in an airsoft gun is not just a switch but the conduit through which all the power runs to reach the motor. With worn contacts and without consistent power output going to the motor, you might get incomplete cycles, or the gun may act like it's locked up. This is addressed by the addition of airsoft MOSFET, which mitigates this by turning the switch assembly into an actual switch, using only enough electricity to signal the MOSFET, allowing the electricity to flow straight to the motor. Some guns come pre-equipped with MOSFETs, which makes them suitable for Lipo batteries.
To charge a Lipo, use a Lipo charger. These will have multiple ports with which to charge. Do not use a standard charger, which only uses the one plug. This will cause the battery to charge continuously without stopping, and the pack will catch fire or explode.
A proper Lipo charger will use the small plug to charge with and balance the cells. Lipo batteries need these chargers to charge each cell evenly; otherwise, the pack won’t work. Some will also use the Tamiya or deans plug, but they must be used together. Read the charger’s manual carefully before using it.
Special professional-level chargers are available, which we have from ASG. We will do a video on those specifically.
Whether you're a newcomer to the airsoft world or a seasoned player looking to boost your gun's performance, understanding the differences between NiMH and LiPo batteries is crucial. By selecting the appropriate battery type for your needs and handling it carefully, you can enhance your airsoft experience, ensuring reliability and performance in every skirmish. Remember, safety and informed usage are paramount when dealing with airsoft batteries. Embrace the power of knowledge, and let it guide you to victory on the battlefield.
