BD5wingnut
I am not sure I recognise a 'short shelf life' with LiPo. With the correct storage charge level (between (about 40%) and storage temperature conditions their 'shelf life' is measured in years.
They do have a relatively limited working life - say 500 cycles under ideal conditions. Their biggest weakness is they are sensitive to how they are charged and discharged. High discharge rates and discharging below 70% capacity are likely to significantly shorten their useful life.
A situation made worse by some questionable manufacturer claims on maximum discharge rates. They avoid mentioning what state the battery might be in if used at the claimed maximum rate!