If I am running a 6 volt system (5 cells at 2300 mah), do I need a voltage regulator? If so, are there any recommendations? Also, any other comments about the basics of voltage regulators would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

going to assume this is a larger scale aircraft? When I run 6v, I use a voltage regulator, because a fully charged 6v batt will be a lot higher, and can damage your RX and Servos.

I use [link=http://www.duralitebatteries.com/accessories.html#Regulator]Duralite[/link] voltage regulators.

I have been flying 1/4 or larger planes for 4 years. All were on 6 volts. None had regulators. I have logged over 600 flights with no problems due to not having regulators.

its gotta be these voltage regulator manufacturers that give out this info, so you will purchase them.

The thing about it is if you do the math and you look at the change in speed or torque, you will get more torque and speed out of a unregulated system 5.6 volt reg and 6.6 volt unreg. The change in speed or torque for an operating range of 6.0v to 6.8v is a little over 10% but still better than a regulated supply. It is just not needed and most of us will not see the difference in servo speed from lets say .1 second over 60 degrees (6.8 volts) to maybe .12 seconds over 60 degrees at 6.0 volts.

I don't use a regulator either...

BUT many Giant scale flyers use Li-Ion batteries to save weight... those DO require a regulator
(i've researched, it is not worth switching to LiIon until you are in the 30 - 35% range or larger)

I will say that I have seen this trend and I will give you one person's opinion.
I have a 24lb plane that puts out 48lbs of thrust. My two NiCad packs weigh 18 oz or just over one lb. If I go to LiON packs and regulators, I can drop about 8 to 10 oz. Lets say it is 8 oz. I can greatly increase my flight time from 8 flights a charge to maybe 20-25 flights a charge. (Most for me in one day has been 9) The packs will cost me over $100 and require a special charger ($50). My packs now cost me $48 and I use my existing charger. In theory I will get up to 1000 charges per pack but historically I have only gotten about 125 charges and 600 flights on a pack. If this holds true for LiON then I should get only about 125 charges and 1200 flights on these packs since I will not need to charge them as often. In both cases, I don't see where the reduction of 1/2 lb is going to make over $100 difference in my enjoyment of the hobby.
I JUST DON"T GET IT!

Flame Suit "ON"

I agree with Geistware, but you haven't stated what servos you're using. Most servos will be fine with the higher voltage but there are some that can't take more than a 4-cell pack. Check the specs on your particular servos or check with the manufacturer.

Not saying I am running them,..... just saying that there are some who do...

But this is more at the upper echelon competition level...

The more research I did agrees with You, Geist.... for the sport flyer, it just doesn;t really make sense...yet