ORIGINAL: wojtek
A123 is just a brand .. , so no worries on anuyone going out of business ... LiFe is the battery chemistry A123 uses. I myself have been using Hobbico LiFe-Source batteries with a lot of success lately, and I find they offer better size and capacity options. Pricing is great as well
~V~
A123 uses a proprietary LiNP nano phosphate chemistry that is ONLY available from A123. The negative plate technology is much better and more stable. Life are not the same. When you buy an imported LiFe battery it is not an A123 LiNP that we have come to rely on for high end RC model use. You will likely not get the same long term use and cell quality control A123 uses. Discharge should be no lower than 2.5 per cell under controlled conditions. You can cycle them safely when doing formation charging by discharging at no more than 1 amp down to 2.5 to 3.0V per cell then follow with a full charge.