Dan - The E-Tec 1200 Lipos are good up to 12 amp bursts (10c) and work fine at around 6-8c Run time is a bit reduced at the higher amp draws, but 90% of the 3D type flying done with these small airframes is well below 8c on the E-Tecs. I have not had a problem with motor life with the 3s E-Tecs with a stock timed motor (re-timed, yes, they draw too many amps). Actually, the motors last longer than on my Slow Stick with 8 HE cells. The Kokam Lipos cannot handle the amp draws that the E-Tecs can. If you want even more amp capacity, the Thunder Power Lipos are beyond the E-Tecs.

With the ET lipos, a stock motor, 12x6 prop, "D" gearing I can get over 20 min flights and the pack and motor are quite warm, but nowhere near the temp of my NiMh packs (and that is during 90-100 degree outside air temps)

Now, I'm not saying it's not pushing the motor, it is. Motor life varies considerably. Remember these are probably 50-75 cent (wholesale) motors. They are built in huge quantities and quality is not job one... I've had stock motors burn up in 2 flights, and I've had stock motors last over 100 flights. It's the luck of the draw with these Mabuchi motors.

Brushless is the way to go, but the stock combo is still a potent power choice.

Tim