MaxAmps Multi-Voltage Packs Review

From: MaxAmps
Direct Link: MaxAmps Multi-Voltage Packs
Cost: About $50 per cell

So the latest thing from MaxAmps is their Multi-Voltage LiPo Packs. It’s a very interesting concept, so let us explain how it works.

The idea behind the the multi-voltage packs, is that you can run with a 2S setup all the way to a 6S setup, just by adding more cells. It helps eliminate the need to have a 3S pack, a 4S pack… depending on what vehicle you are running and what your needs are, you can create the pack that with the cells you need on the fly.

Once you get the packs, you are going to need to charge them up. Charging needs to be done in parallel. It’s sort of like you are charging one giant 1S pack. So when we were charging a 2S setup, you charge it for 10,500mah, a 3S setup is 15,750mah. For amps, a 2S can be charged at 10.5A, a 3S at 15.75 (5.25 per cell). You get the idea. Some people may not have chargers that allow them to charge at these sorts of rates. Most top end newer chargers will let you charge up at 20+ amps, but if you have an older charger, you may want to check out our Charger Shootout!. Even with decent chargers, getting all 6 packs fully charged took a decent amount of time.

After getting all of our packs charged, we started with a 2S pack. We followed the instructions carefully to make sure we were plugging everything in right. MaxAmps has a VIDEO online that you can follow also. I highly recommend checking it out if you are thinking about getting these packs.

The packs are a good size, and fit well into our Traxxas Slash 4WD test truck with room to spare. The packs felt very fast in the vehicle. You could tell there was plenty of power getting to the ESC. The drive times were also lengthy, and seemed longer then normal for a 2S pack.

We then built up a 3S pack, and got in a good amount of time as well. When you build up the packs, it’s always good to let them sit for a few minutes as they balance themselves to be the equal voltage across the pack. The packs didn’t get any warmer then expected, they probably ran a little cooler because we had a little space between each cell, and they are not just sitting on top of each other when stacked perfectly up and down.

The concept behind the packs is a good one. Not having to buy a bunch of different cell counts, but just be able to build what I need is a cool idea, especially around the office here! We are always looking for different size packs to test vehicles with.

As bashers, I have to say that I’m not a fan of the small space in between the packs when you build them up in series. You can offset the packs a little bit which gets rid of the space, but creates a longer pack sort of like a stair step. While it’s a better option if you have the space, some vehicles don’t have a hole lot of breathing room to do that with.

If a cell goes bad, the ability to just pick up a single cell, instead of a whole new 4s or 5s pack is a big money saver, and we like saving money!
The way the cells are connected seems to work well, but only time will tell if those connections start to become loose, or loose some connectivity after many multiple plug ins and re-arrangements. So far we haven’t had an issue, but a lot of people do anything they can to make sure they have good battery connections (Deans, Traxxas..) so that may be a turn off for those guys.

One more note, these are not for newbies! If you are new to LiPo’s or the RC scene, check out some of the other fine pre-build packs MaxAmps has to offer. You really need to know what your doing with these things. If you are confident with following directions, wiring and handling LiPo’s then these may be exactly what you are looking for!

As with all of our stuff, if you see us at the track or at a bash, stop by and say hi! We’ll probably let ya drive/test whatever we seem to have our hands on. At the very least you’ll get some stickers out of it.

SUMMARY

Time To Bash – 7.0/10 – Charging to 31500mah for our 6 cells takes a long time.

Workability – 9./10 – All the options of being able to run a vehicle on 2s, 3s, and 4s in a few minutes is great.

Car Show Rating – 8.0/10 – You will turn some heads running these.

Bash-A-Bility – 8.0/10 – No problems yet, but those joints do worry us a little.

Big Squid Rating – 8.0/10 – Tentacles.. Good concept, can save money in the long run, but not for the new people, or those not confident about their wiring skills.