While most racers in 17.5 will consider the latest wave of “certified” and “hand-built” motors as the next big thing, what a lot don’t account for is those motors must have the available power to make the most of their numbers. Since the introduction of LiPo technology, and the most recent move to LiHV versions, waves of new batteries have been hitting the market almost monthly. However, a few months ago a hidden gem was released to the public, and only a few caught on to the fantastic numbers and overall durability. New from ProTek RC is the Silicon Graphene series of HV batteries, available in ten different configurations from 1S to 4S packs. I was recently able to sample two of their most popular offerings, the 6100mAh shorty as well as the 4900mAh shorty, both in traditional 2WD buggy sizes.
ProTek RC Silicon Graphene HV 6100mAh Shorty LiPo Pack
#PTK-5114-17, $100
ProTek RC Silicon Graphene HV 4900mAh Shorty LiPo Pack
#PTK-5102-17, $80
All science talk aside, how does this battery stack up in the ever-competitive 17.5 class that dominates the amateur racer ranks? The two examples I’ve taken to task are not only outrageously lighter than other shorty packs on the market, they provide the ability to be charged safely up to 4.35 volts per cell. Now, we can go back to a science-y break down of discharge curves and internal resistance numbers, but the difference is what it shows on track - and this is where the Silicon Graphene batteries excel over the previous class-leading ProTek RC 4250.
Photo: amainhobbies.com
With the added capacity, the punch the battery has holds longer and is much more consistent, something easily felt on the ultra-high grip tracks on today. The 6100, though a bit heavier than the 4900, is merely a few grams heftier than the old, trusty 4250 pack. Since my first cycle with these batteries, they've managed to set themselves farther and farther apart. Since my local track is super-high-bite astroturf, these batteries take a lot of abuse over just a single race day. As the race days have worn on, these batteries refuse to puff or quit in any way. Now nearly 4 months old, the batteries feel just as good as they did the day they were delivered, and I'm still winning races with them.
Photo: amainhobbies.com
So, that science talk, I guess I should bring it up. With respect to internal resistance (IR), these batteries - from new - measure .7 per cell on my trusty iCharger 406b, and kept this number well past the 300 cycles I put through both batteries. This included long 10-minute mains, and even a few 15-minute practice runs which demanded a lot from the packs. Still to this day, the numbers themselves have only sagged slightly to about 1.0 per cell, and still balance like the day they were new.
Pros:
Top notch performance
Long battery life
Excellent internal resistance
Includes rubber plugs for the bottom side bullets.
Cons:
Cost; the 6100 is listed at $99
5mm plugs, but it does include new bullets
Final Call:
In all, ProTek RC have put the battery industry on notice. Not only are the new Silicon Graphene batteries class leading in performance, but as well in the durability and selection department. I can buy the same high performance battery for my 1S 1/12-scale car, as well as a 4S for my ebuggy. I would rate this battery a 4 out of 5 on the value scale, as the 6100 is fairly expensive, but it does last a long time. For performance, the Silicon Graphene packs are a solid 5 out of 5. From the hardcore 17.5 racer to the casual 1/8-scale eBuggy racer, these batteries earned “gotta have” status.
Beacon Rating: 5/5
Eng / Usd
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Recent comments