I haven't seen anything on the threads about it so I figured I'd post it. I found out today that my favorite batteries, DURALITES, are going back into permanent production!!! They are being made in the U.S. and are being called Duralite Plus. Production should start in the spring! I can't wait...... How bout you guys?

After many many flights on my packs (some with 600 in one summer), I found that they are not that great and a Nicad put under similar conditions will outlast them, so I went back to Nicads. The beauty of it is since I really only need to run 4.8V and 1000 mah, I only gained .5 oz over the 6V 1600 mah Duralite that I ran, are they worth it, I dont think so and I certainly wont be going back to them. All my packs eventually failed due to use, 4 - 1600's , 1 - 800, 1 - 1600 TX pack, and a 12V 800 pack on my IFO. I have never lost that many Nicads in such a short period of time.

What were you using the duralites in? Electric planes under a high load? How did you charge them? I had 2, 6.0v 1800mah in a couple fun fly's to cut down on weight (I saved about 4oz). They lasted me 2 years and just died last fall. For me that's as long of a life as any nicad.. Just my experience though. Maby you got a bad run... I dunno. Sorry they craped out on you Thats a lotta $$$$$!

All of my packs were used in 2M pattern models with 5 of Futaba's higher end servos (ie: 9402). The pack on my electric plane only lasted 40 flights. I came to the conclusion that as you increase the load on the packs the shorter life they have simple as that. I can run (and have) a Nicad for 1200 flights with proper cycling before I change it out, at that time I usually stick it into another plane cause it is still working fine. I run all the Duralite chargers etc etc. If you are happy with a 2 year life out of a $65 battery, thats ok but you will get a lot more out of a NiCad that is properly cared for (for a lot less $$$) and if you are using the right size you wont gain a lot of weight.

I'm gonna give the Powerflite Lithium Ion's a whirl.

Scott

HMMMM.... THere is more to the story. THe Duralite Plus is a different technology. Emory will not say what it is but I will bet it is Lithium Ion. Powerflight is Lithium Ion and the technology is not perfect for our large loads. I have been a Duralite user for several years but I am now using the NiMH packs with great success. They work well and are very trouble free. Moreover I can rig a bird for less than the cost of one 800 mah Duralite.

Bean

I also like the NiMH batteries. I've been running the 2700 mAH A-cells. They weigh 5.5oz for a 4-cell pack, cost less than $25, and can be quick charged with the proper charger (Ace Smart Charger works fine by me).