From an electronics efficiency standpoint, i'll explain how it works so you can better apply the information your self.

When we measure the power output of our motors, we measure it in watts. Watts is the sum of the voltage times the amperage (V x A = W)

If our model is flying on 11 volts, and is pulling 20 amps in a hover (11 x 20) the motor is putting out approximately 220 watts of power.

The important thing to remember about this is that if the PHYSICAL LOAD on the motor does NOT change, amperage will always increase with the voltage. Obviously, the higher the amps you're pulling, the harder you're taxing your electrical system and batteries. The goal is always to keep amp consumption as low as possible while still maintaining the performance you desire.

So, if we decided to simply crank the voltage up to 14 volts without making any gearing changes to our setup, now the helicopter might be pulling 30 amps in a hover, and likewise, be producing 420 watts of power.

With this information, you can go in two directions, efficiency or more power.
If you already know that your helicopter was flying fine on the previously mentioned 220 watts of power, then by dropping your pinion size until you get your amperage draw to around 15 or 16 amps will end up giving you a lower overall power consumption compared to flying on 11 volts, but producing the same power the 11 volt battery was. (14x15 = 210 watts). The end result is happier electronics and longer flight times without a performance sacrifice (minus the extra weight of the battery, but that's for a different topic).

Likewise, if you were happy with your flight times before on 11 volts but wanted more power, you could drop your pinion to get amperage draw to around the previous mentioned 20 amps and then increase voltage to 14 volts to give you a boost to 280 watts output versus 220 without sacrificing any flight time. Or you could cut your flight time shorter all together and go for a massive power increase by using a larger pinion.

This is one of the strongest points of electric flight versus nitro in the sense that it's endlessly adjustable to get the exact performance you want, it just takes some time to get your head wrapped around the logistics of it all .


Note that all my figures in this post are entirely theoretical and are just meant to get the idea across. Theres also other factors that need to be figured in such as battery weight (4 cells are heavier than 3).

Not to mention that 14 volts with a high amp draw is probably highly unsafe on a micro heli. I know guys have run 3500+ headspeeds before but I don't think i'd want to be anywhere near that thing..