I personally prefer lipo's over any other battery for my 1/2a's. They are light and there is no fear of voltage drop while using them. I usually run a diode or 2 inline depending on the rx I use. They are light and drop the voltage .7v for each diode used. I also use TP chargers for home and the field. They are top notch but expensive. I also use A123's for my .40 size and larger planes. It is nice to be able to charge in under 15 minutes safely. I only use one diode with them. I guess it depends on how much your willing to pay for the change. Some sell lipo chargers for as little as 20 bucks but they are not the best quality. I have 2 of the 610C's from TP and 2 of the 1010C's from them as well. Never had a single issue and they out perform most any charger out there. They also charge Pb so it comes in handy for the field battery once home too.

Kevin