If you want better performance from your starter then always start first with voltage. Thats the magic bullit. If you are using a portable unit with 12 volt then that is hopeless especially if its a geared unit. 14.4 is better and 16.8 is about optimum. Of course the largest capacity batterys you can carry are part of the equation.

If buying new lipos frequently for your starter turns you off I would avoid lipos like the plague for starters. There is simply no easy way to keep track of and avoid deep discharges which of course destroys the battery almost every time. This is what will happen when your starter is the best performing at the field and constantly being borrowed.
John

I use two seven cell nimh packs from around 1900 mah to 5000 mah Which provides 16.8 volts in my three primary starters.

John