The LiPo's are in my opinion required. Not only do they give you a reasonable flight time, but the heli is way more stable and consistent.

I bought the Great Planes 910 ma (recommended by Heli-Max) (GPMP0709) and the Great Planes 1250 ma. (GPMP0713) The 1250's make it imposable to put the canopy on. I get about 7+ minutes on the 910ma. Also, the bigger batteries move the CG a bit. Not a big deal, but it does affect the flight charastics a bit. I would recommend getting 2 (or more) of the 910.

I also bought this charger [link=http://shop.boomtownhobbies.com/displayProductDocument.hg?productId=11&categoryId= 6]DN Power G2 Li-Polymer Balanced charger[/link] The guy at boomtownhobbies is GREAT and very helpful. I needed an AC charger and this one was fantastic for the price. It is a great charger. And the Balancer is built right in! The LiPo's are barely above room temp. when the charging is complete and you can easily see the amperage being pumped in and the current voltage of each cell.

I purchased my batteries (along with a bunch of other stuff) from OmniModels. Have done and will do more business with them.

Other things for upgrades.

JCS Hobbies Flat Trainer Blade AXE CP Yellow (JCHE1302). - These made the heli a bit calmer and they are much more resistant to damage.

Ben