LiPo batteries come in different sizes and shapes. So, choosing between a hard case and a soft case LiPo can be a challenge.
So, It is important to know the differences between hard case vs soft case LiPo.
One of the differences between a hard case and a soft case LiPo is size. Hard case LiPo is bigger than soft case LiPo. However, soft case LiPo can have more capacity and cell counts. The heat dispensation of a soft case LiPo is also better. But, hard case LiPo is more durable than soft case LiPo.
Even though the information is useful, it isn’t quite enough. To choose the right LiPo battery type, you need to dig deeper.
So, let’s get started.
Short Head-to-Head Comparisons
You may think that choosing any LiPo battery case can be effective. But, you should consider all the factors of choosing a LiPo battery case. It is as important as considering the amperage to charge LiPo.
So, let’s see a short comparison table for hard case LiPo and soft case LiPo.
| Differentiating Factors | Hard Case LiPo | Soft Case LiPo |
| Battery Size | Bigger than Soft Case Lipo | Smaller than Soft Case Lipo |
| Battery Capacity | Least | Most |
| Battery Cell Counts | Least | Most |
| Durability | Most | Least |
| Heat Dispension | Least | Most |
| Weight | Heavyweight | Lightweight |
| Transparency | Least | Most |
| Racing Advantage | Least | Most |
| Bashing Advantage | High | Low |
This short table may help you reach a verdict. But, this isn’t enough. Hence, an in-depth head-to-head comparison is discussed in the next section.
In-Depth Head-to-Head Comparisons
Here things will get interesting. This in-depth comparison will help you to choose the right LiPo case.
Choosing the right LiPo battery can dramatically enhance performance. Just like this person’s RC car that runs very fast!
So, let’s start the in-depth comparison.
Battery Size
While thinking of a compatible LiPo battery for RC, the size comes to our mind first. Hence, let’s discuss this topic.
The hard case LiPo battery has a big shell-like case covering the battery. Thus, the overall size of the LiPo is big for the case.
On the other hand, soft case LiPo batteries are covered with a thin layer of protection. As a result, the soft case is smaller than the hard case LiPo.
Summary: Hard case LiPo is bigger than small case LiPo.
Battery Capacity
RC cars have a longer operating time with higher battery capacity. Hence, let’s see which LiPo batteries pack more battery capacity.
As discussed before, the hard case takes a vast majority of space. So, for your standard dimension of a LiPo battery, you may not get the ideal capacity.
However, soft case LiPo battery’s thin layer protection allows them to pack more capacity. So, you may get 5000 or more mAh battery capacity with soft case LiPo. Whereas, the hard case LiPo battery will be bigger and may not fit your RC.
Summary: Soft case LiPo batteries have more battery capacity than hard case LiPo batteries.
Battery Cell Counts
Another important factor is the battery cell counts. With more battery cells, you can get better performance from RC.
With that said, for the shell case, the hard case LiPo battery fails to fit more cells. Because the hard case takes up the necessary space.
However, you get more cell counts for soft case LiPo. It is because the soft case doesn’t take chunks of space as a hard case.
Summary: Soft case LiPo batteries can fit more battery cells than hard case LiPo batteries.
Durability
RC cars tend to flip and hit surfaces hard. It can damage the battery. So, let’s see how durable these two cases are.
A hard case LiPo battery can protect the batteries from any sort of damage effectively. The case absorbs the shock from hitting the surface. As a result, a hard case LiPo battery doesn’t get that damaged.
Nevertheless, soft case LiPo batteries aren’t as effective to protect as hard case LiPo batteries. Due to the thin layer of protection, the battery can get heavily damaged.
Summary: The hard case LiPo battery is more durable than the soft case LiPo battery.
Heat Dispersion
We all know that LiPo batteries get hot over time using the RC. Without an effective heat dispersion system, the performance can drop. In many cases, the battery can even go bad.
A hard case LiPo battery gets heated up more. The worse thing is, that the heat dispersion system for this LiPo battery is very bad. Because the hard case doesn’t allow for air to circulate properly. Hence the battery gets hot inside the case.
However, due to proper air circulation, a soft case LiPo battery won’t get much hot. Hence, a soft case LiPo battery is less hot than a hard case LiPo battery.
Summary: Hard case LiPo battery gets hotter than soft case LiPo battery.
Weight
A battery can make your RC car heavy. The extra added weight will have a huge disadvantage to gaining speed.
A hard case LiPo battery’s weight is heavier than a soft case LiPo battery. Because of the shell-like protection layer, it happens. But. a soft case LiPo battery’s thin layer protection won’t have much weight.
Summary: A hard case LiPo battery is heavier than a soft case LiPo battery.
Transparency
You might wonder how is this relevant? Well, it is to see if your battery got swelled or leaked.
Due to the hard case, you will not have any transparency for hard case LiPo. As a result, you need to manually open up the case. And only then you will be able to see the battery.
However, you will see the batteries with a soft case LiPo. The thin protective layer is very clear and transparent. You will be able to see the battery without even taking out the case.
Summary: A hard case LiPo isn’t transparent like a soft case LiPo.
Price
Wheather you choose a LiPo battery or NiMH battery, it should be within your price range. The same thing applies to a hard case LiPo or soft case LiPo.
Regardless of the case type, LiPo battery price depends on battery capacity and cells. So, you will be able to find good hard case or soft case LiPo batteries within $100.
So, some of the best hard case LiPo batteries on the market are recommended below.
- One of the best RC batteries is Zeee 2S Lipo Battery Hard Case Battery.
- For the best current supply, go for HOOVO 5200mAh 80C RC LiPo Battery Hard Case.
- An ideal 3S LiPo battery for your RC is HOOVO 3S RC Lipo Battery Hard Case.
Now, let’s see some of the best soft cases LiPo batteries.
- A budget-friendly option is Ovonic Lipo Battery 2200mAh SoftCase.
- I use Zeee Lipo Battery Soft Case Battery for my Traxxas Revo. It provides great performance and long battery runtime.
- For a powerful 3S battery, go for GOLDBAT 3S Lipo Battery RC Battery Soft Case.
Summary: Case format won’t affect the pricing.
That’s all regarding the in-depth comparison. Remember to wash your RC car properly for constant and great performance.
If you are still confused to choose one LiPo battery, the next section is just for you.
Which Battery Pack You Should Go For?
Now the upshot thing to discuss is, which battery you should go for?
Well, soft LiPo batteries feature some of the best performance factors. For overall performance, soft LiPo RC will be great. You can even add battery packs to this factor. However, soft case LiPo for bashing isn’t ideal.
On the other hand, you get durability with a hard case LiPo battery. The hard case LiPo battery for bashing is extremely good. You can off-road without worrying about damaging your battery with it.
It depends on your style to ride an RC car. For racing or on-road performance, soft case LiPo is great. For bashing or off-roading, hard case LiPo is better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Hard Case LiPo Safe for an RC Car?
Yes, hard case LiPo is a safe option for an RC car. Unlike soft case LiPo, Hard case LiPo batteries can save the battery. So, in off-roading, it prevents from taking damage to the battery. Furthermore, they are tough so it is a safer option than soft case LiPo.
How Can You Figure Out a Bad or Dead LiPo Battery?
To figure out a bad or dead LiPo battery, look at signs of abnormality. Swelled or ballooned LiPo battery is one of the signs of danger. It means the battery is already bad and you should avoid using it. Dropping performance, overheating quickly, etc. are other symptoms.
Can You Over-Discharge a LiPo Battery?
Yes, you can over-discharge a LiPo battery. Using the battery little by little even after fully discharged can cause over-discharge. It can permanently damage the LiPo battery. However, this internal damage can not be visible always. So, avoid over-discharging of LiPo battery.
