I am very happy to tell you all my oldest TP5300 reached 200 flights during the Hollister contest a week ago. I added 4 more since the 200th. I fly FAI so the P07 sequence has given them a serious workout during practice and competition.

When I bought the 5300s early in 2006, I was hoping to get 100+ flights on each 10S set. That was where I calculated my break even point would be vs glo (fuel, servo maintenance, engine maintenance, glo plugs, etc). I am not saying the 100 flight number is correct, it was what I had calculated and was very curious to see where I would end up total flight count on the 5300s. I bought 2 at the time, the second is nearing 175 right now. Actually, I bought 2 sets from a fellow electric flyer who wanted to move to 3700s. One set (the one with 200 on it now) had about 15 flights on it, the second set was new.

I try to treat my batteries 'right', not over discharge, not overheat, not leave fully charged for more than a few days at a time, keep them in cool storage. I wish I could say I was totally successful at all those, but I slipped from time to time. I flew one of my batteries without recharging once. Got all way down to the Jeti reducing power due to low voltage. I have forgotten and left them fully charged a few times. I have left them in my 'safe' in the back of my SUV for a couple days in the heat. etc, etc, etc. I didn't abuse them in anyway intentionally, but I did slip up.

Are they as strong as they were early on? Probably not. I haven't cycled them to determine capacity loss, but I can tell they get a little 'tired' near the end of a flight in wind when I am pushing them thru the Horizontal Eight and the 6 sided loop. They get a little warmer than they did originally. Remember, these are 13C batteries. I can really tell my new 10S 17C battery is much quicker to respond in mid range throttle, seems to just jump while the 5300s are slower to spool up, but they get me to the top of any maneuver with adequate response. They will still accelate going vertical with a 20.5x14 prop pulling a 10.75 lb plane. but yes, they are getting a little 'tired'. Maybe a little grey like their owner ;-)

There are now several good battery brands out there now. ThunderPower paved the way for all of us using lipos and I want to thank them for that. Competition is a good thing but this is not about whose battery is better, stronger, lighter, etc. I just wanted to acknowledge reaching the 200 flight level with at least one of my 5300s. The second is only about 25 flights behind.

Woodie (Don Atwood)