RE: Battery longevity
David,
Your experience back in 04 was about average back then. The new technologies that have come out this year may push them alot longer. Let's hope.
I have no experience with the cells you are using. My experience is with the Tp's and The Flight Powers.
And honestly I had good experiences with both. It would seem to me that there is a reason you keep puffing cells. With the Hacker, I've seen demagging problems, and other issues with them that cause cells to puff. Even esc's to blow.
I'm not picking on Hacker, just pointing out that you should possibly have your motor checked.
Now, all that said, possibly your friends Kokams are the same type of cells as my flight powers. I puffed a cell on the second cycle. My dealer told me that it's rare for it to happen to these packs, but that if it did it would happen by the 3rd cycle. I have had no other problems with my three sets.
BTW, how much do the Hyperion 5s1p's cost and weigh?
Thanks,
Chris