is there a real difference between a matched and unmatched pack from pro match? <u>i am never going to be racing</u>. thanks in advance

*** is it longer runtime, more power, etc

yes, longer run time, more power.
Of course just how much better is debatable, if you aren't racing I'd just get unmatched. Of course it depends on the price difference, if matched is only an extra dollar, I'd get matched.

i forgot to mention i only have a onyx 220 charger, which cant charge a single cell.

if you're charging single cells you can make a harness or something. But if you mean charging just 1 cell then I don't think so. I have the onyx 220

It's better to have matched cells for both longevity of the pack and for performance. Matched cells are less likely to false-peak or otherwise mis-charge, and they also discharge more safely in the vehicle. Basically in a series wired pack, you ideally want to have all cells as to the same voltage as possible all the time, including charge and discharge.

You don't need to be able to charge single cells, matched packs or not. Your charger would work fine for either.

A matched pack is simply a pack that was assembled out of cells that all were tested to have as similar as possible of discharge rates, peak charge voltage, etc. This does make a difference in pack performance. It may be noticeable if you are really looking for it, but it's not huge. As Brainanator said, if the price difference is very big it may not be worth it for you. When it becomes worth it is for racers that have maximum cell count and mAh ratings to adhere to. Any extra advantage they can get is worth it for them.

The object is to have all of the cells run down at the same rate. This will allow the car to run the fastest up until the end of the race. It also allows us to fast charge the battery more efficiently. The key is that in a series wired battery pack, the same current flows through each cell regardless if the battery is being charged or discharged. By choosing cells of similar capacity and impedance (resistance to current), all of the cells will reach their maximum charge at the same time. Likewise they will run out of charge at the same time.
When charging a mismatched battery, some cells will reach their full charge state before the others. To get all the cells charged, we must keep the charge current flowing. When a cell is charged past its full charge state, it can no longer convert chemicals internally to store electrical energy. Instead the excess charge is converted to heat energy. This heats up the cell. If the current is low enough, as in trickle charging, this heat is dissipated as fast as it is generated.

You probably thought i wrote this..............i didnt, got it off the web.

thanks guys a matched pack is looking good now. and i always thought i needed to be able to charge a single cell for them!