LiPo Battery for my Optima Mid Re Re?

[vtvette]

Hello all,

A seemingly common story here: I was into R/C cars when I was a kid and dreamed of owning the higher-end Kyosho models but of course didn't have the money (Kyosho Raider was as close as I got). Got out of R/C around the late 80's, and recently discovered the re-re's so I'm building several models of the Optima.

It's a steep learning curve as I'm learning about brushless motors, new radio technologies, modern electronic speed controllers, etc but it's all been very educational.

I'm running a Le Mans Gold 240 13.5t motor and Le Mans 240s ESC, at least in my first build, a Optima Mid 60th World Edition. I also bought a Futaba 10PX controller.

I'm pretty much down to battery selection. I am leaning heavily towards LiPo technology, but even searching the forum here I cannot determine what physical size will best fit my Optima?

From what I understand I need a 2S in the 4000 - 5000mAh range?

I can't really tell if there is a sizing designation for LiPo batteries i could go by?

Any advice is appreciated thank you!

[vtvette]

Upon a bit of research I'm finding they make 2S LiPo's in the "classic" (80's) R/C Battery size. I think that's my best bet. Should fit perfectly.

[rraeford]

You might look at Gens-ace 2S packs. They make what they call Smart Packs that work really well with their charger (Gens ace IMARS D300. The pack isn’t square and is about the same size as a NiMH pack. Lighter too.

[rraeford]

Also, they’re on a flash sale today at Amain Hobbies.

[carloco8]

I use a shorty 2s lipo in my stock and custom optima mid rere's. It fits just fine with the stock velcro straps and on the custom chassis conversions it can be placed in the original position or inline and off center. Lastly, shorty lipos will work in many other modern rc cars now should you decide to add more to the stable.

[Xoid]

I use a shorty 2s lipo in my stock and custom optima mid rere's. It fits just fine with the stock velcro straps and on the custom chassis conversions it can be placed in the original position or inline and off center. Lastly, shorty lipos will work in many other modern rc cars now should you decide to add more to the stable.

This was also going to be my recommendation for all of the aforementioned reasons. Nice pic for the car, motor, ESC, and TX by the way—that’s a really sweet set of gear to get back into the hobby with. I think that you’ll really enjoy driving the Mid and the long drive times per charge will be quite shocking at first. Don’t let that stop you from messing around with different terrains and tracks, tires, etc. just because you can lap your backyard a hundred times per charge!

Lots of people will stick the modern wheels on the Mids (these are 2.2” as compared to original 2” diameter) because the rubber is cheaper and readily available though if you find an urge to run nice off-road tires on your Optima Mid check out the Egress ReRe pin spike tires or get the actual reproduction OT66 tires direct from Kuwait. MarwanRC.com will hook you up with the correct rubber. It is worth the wait and IMO, the proportions of the old models look best run in the correct tires. Or do both—display wheel/tire set and run on 2.2? Dunno, a thought.

—XOID

[azone]

I recently found a 2S Lipo for the Wild One and it was not nearly as easy as I thought it would be. Most 2S, even ones that are stick-shaped, are a few mm too long. I finally found this one that is absolutely perfect.. but it is hard to find. I found some at Tower and had to cut off the XT60 connector to install a deans (can't find it in stock w/ any other connector).

GensAce 7.4V 5000mAh 2S 60C Shorty Hardcase LiPo Battery
https://www.towerhobbies.com/product/7.4v-5000mah-2s-60c-shorty-hardcase-lipo-battery-xt60/GEA50002S60X6.html

[terry.sc]

Upon a bit of research I'm finding they make 2S LiPo's in the "classic" (80's) R/C Battery size. I think that's my best bet. Should fit perfectly.

The battery mounts with the re-release Kyoshos are designed to take modern square packs, both full length and shorty, and there are plenty of third party mounts designed to fit shorty packs more solidly than a velcro strap. The classic stick pack style batteries doesn't fit as well as there isn't , and the length of those packs means the wires from them can interfere with body fitment.

Hard case square lipos for rc cars are all standard sizes. Any 2S shorty battery will ft in any modern race buggy.

You will also need a lipo battery charger. make sure you choose a decent name brand one. Don't choose one of the cheap Imax copy chargers that are all over Amazon and Ebay, they aren't calibrated and you are taking a gamble on whether they will damage your batteries.

[sundevil67]

Anyone running a 3S?