I'm highly offended!!! No problem Steve you are right, I don't have a big name... in fact, I don't have a 'name' at all in this arena, so I don't think I should be on the list for testing FMA products. My honest advice is for them to go with somebody they know, or can get to know, who does have some sort of name recognition. Not only that, but somebody who is willing to put in the time and give them some honest feedback and good data. It could very well be that the Kokam batteries are the best kept secret... but if you don't have a name, who is going to listen to you?

I have been on here touting AXI motors and how much power they have, and how little they cost etc... (and I paid for all mine, small discount that covered shipping costs but very much appreciated) and seriously, how many guys out there have tried them or switched over? Not many... and that's okay, you'll all learn!

Now, if somebody who competed in the FAI or even Masters finals at the Nats last year came out and said the same thing... wouldn't it sink in just a little deeper?

And again that's okay... I plan on working my way up the ranks, but if I never make the FAI finals at the Nats that will be okay too... I am in this for fun and comraderie this time, and it's made all the difference.

Now back to the subject at hand. I don't totally disagree with some of Gregs assertions... Thunderpower batteries may very well be overrated... but if you don't have a feasible solution that's competitive, how can anybody make the switch? Come out with at LEAST 4500 mah but preferably 5000 mah(ish) at or below 40 ounces, and you just might corner the market if the cells are as good as you say they are. Bashing Thunderpower without a viable alternative is just not professional. Especially since the majority of us are using them in the real world and, AND they have proven to be extremely reliable in almost all circumstances. And I'm talking about pattern here, not park flyers... I know of a few cases where packs have failed early, but TP has stood behind them and either replaced the pack, or given a huge discount.

In the case of pattern when we have power, weight, and reliability requirements that exceed those of most sport flyers... battery manufacturers have to come to US and show us what they have... we make a sizable investment when we buy our batteries, and we need more to go on than just 'lab results'... we need people in the field giving us actual numbers of cycles, current draw, temperatures after a flight etc... we need our peers, using your products to give us the formula for success.

If you cruise the old threads here on RCU and look at TonyF's thread on the Partner you'll see what I mean. He published his successes and failures and gave all a recipe for success. How many of those who are flying electric have copied his system? The majority I think...

FMA, FlightPower, Thunderpower, Apogee... whoever... show us what your products can do in competition and at the practice field... and you just might earn our business. Until then, it's all theoretical.

But then again, I could be wrong...

Tom