The radio and the 123 cells are a whole other story
first the 123 cells - are they heavier?
yes
BUT
they will do what no LiPos or other LiIons will do -- they will put out far greater amperage and with out dropping dead doing it -
they also recharge on the spot using very high charging rates
they don't explode and cost is much lower
That's for openers - new lighter ones are bound to pop up in near future
If you have not used em or really studied them -it is easy to believe that the LIPos are "better ".
At the moment - the Li Pos weigh less
end of their advantage
Now the radio -and servos
I know some will really not go for this
BUT
the new DX7 tx and rx will make even inexpensive non digital servos work beautifully
also, as the rx can stand 9 volts and 30 amps to the buss - no regs are needed
next part ---
the 123 cells (2) provide 2000 usable amperhrs without recharge
recharge takes LESS time than it does to refill your gas tank .
so no regs - no expensive battery paks
just 4.5 ounces of 123's
and
the output of the two cells is far far greater than any combinations of servos can pull - add dual feed to the receiver and you will have a very constant power (not just unloaded voltage reading) throughout the flight(s) tho there is no regulator - th servos can suck all they want - th cells will put out up to 60 C (way over what a servo can pull with out smokin
so - let's say you have to recharge every flight or every other flight
whatever - who cares - you simply plug in th charg lead and if you are usingthe CELLPRO charger - th charger looks at the two cells balances (really not that necessary ) and loads up th cells again as you crank or let th fuel pump refill the tank.
Whatabout letting the pack cool ? not necessary
what about charging in the plane? Why not no danger
how fast can you charge it ?
if you have ANY 123 charger properly designed - you can cram in the charge as fast as the charger supply will allow -10 amps charge rate is just fine.