I'm not sure of the AUW yet but I would guess over 9# with the A123 cells. I estimate a 8s2p M1 pack coming in at about 43oz. That seems like a lot of weight for this plane when I think about it. I really don't want to go lipo since I already have a few untouched DeWalt packs lying around waiting for conversion.

I think you're right about the overkill comment. That set up would be approximately 200watts per pound. Too much for my ability and flying style preference. I'm mainly into IMAC type stuff with the occasional blender or inverted flat spin thrown in. I'm not a "hucker".

Maybe a Power 60 on 5s or even 6s would be a better fit for my style of flying and this plane. That would get the pack weight down to about 28oz (for a 5s), which may be a better fit for this airframe. I would think that would give me 7-8 minutes flights. I'll have three batteries so that short of a flight time doesn't really concern me that much.

The batteries you mentioned that you have on hand, how much does one pack weigh?