HRB Power 11.1 V (3S) LiPo Batteries

HRB 3S packs deliver a noticeable jump in torque and top speed versus 2S, while keeping current draw lower than an equivalent 2S setup at the same power. They are a strong fit for 1/10 stadium trucks, short-course trucks, bashers, small boats, wings, and select FPV builds—provided your ESC and motor are rated for 3S (12.6 V max).

When to Choose 3S

• Use if you want stronger acceleration and higher wheel speed without moving to 4S.
• Use for 1/10 SCTs, stadium trucks, and bashers that list 3S compatibility.
• Use for aircraft and wings that need more thrust than 2S but must keep weight moderate.
• Avoid if your race class limits you to 2S or your electronics are only rated up to 2S.
• Avoid if your drivetrain runs hot or strips gears on 2S—fix gearing and cooling first.

Choosing the Right HRB 3S Pack

Capacity (mAh)

• 1/10 cars and trucks: 4000–6000 mAh (hardcase) for 8–20 minutes depending on driving style.
• Crawlers/trail rigs: 3000–5000 mAh for long runtimes at low current.
• FPV and planes: 1300–2200 mAh (softcase) to balance weight and flight time.

Discharge Rating (C)

Ensure the pack can supply your model’s peak and average current. Estimate continuous current from C rating with:

Max continuous current (A) ≈ Capacity (Ah) × C. Example: a 5000 mAh (5 Ah) 50C pack ≈ 250 A theoretical. Real usable current is lower; choose a comfortable margin above your expected draw.

Case Type

• Hardcase: Best for off-road cars and trucks; protects cells from impacts.
• Softcase: Lighter for aircraft/boats; mount securely and avoid impacts.

Connectors and Leads

• Match your ESC connector (XT60, Deans/T-plug, EC3/EC5/IC5, etc.). Adapters add resistance and heat.
• 3S balance lead is typically JST-XH; required for balance charging.

Size and Fit

Measure your battery bay before buying. A common 1/10 3S 5000 mAh hardcase is roughly 135–138 × 45–47 × 24–26 mm and ~330–380 g (varies by model). Confirm dimensions and wire exit orientation.

Compatibility and Setup

• Voltage: 11.1 V nominal, 12.6 V fully charged. Verify ESC and motor support 3S.
• Gearing: Moving from 2S to 3S, drop pinion 2–3 teeth (or reduce final drive) to control temps.
• Low-voltage cutoff (LVC): Set 3.4–3.5 V per cell under load (≈10.2–10.5 V total) to protect the pack.
• Temps: Keep motor/ESC and battery under ~140°F (60°C). Gear down or reduce punch if hotter.

Runtime and Performance Estimates

Use: Runtime (min) ≈ [Capacity (Ah) ÷ Avg current (A)] × 60

• 1/10 short-course truck: 5000 mAh, avg 25–40 A → ~7.5–12 minutes.
• Trail crawler: 4000 mAh, avg 5–10 A → ~24–48 minutes.
• Small boat: 5000 mAh, avg 40–60 A → ~5–7.5 minutes.
• FPV 3S 1500 mAh quad, avg 15–20 A → ~4.5–6 minutes.

Pros and Cons of 3S

• Pros: Higher torque and speed, stronger voltage under load, lower current than 2S for the same power.
• Cons: Greater drivetrain stress, more heat if gearing is unchanged, not legal in some racing classes, requires 3S-rated electronics.

Care and Safety

• Balance charge at 1C unless the manufacturer states higher is allowed (e.g., 5000 mAh → 5 A).
• Charge in a LiPo-safe bag on a nonflammable surface; never leave charging unattended.
• Store at 3.75–3.85 V per cell; check monthly and top up storage charge as needed.
• Stop use if the pack is hot, swollen, punctured, or if voltage sags excessively.
• For off-road use, prefer hardcase packs to protect against impacts and abrasion.

Alternatives

• 2S (7.4 V): Better control and cooler running; common race limit; longer runtime for the same capacity.
• 4S (14.8 V): Maximum performance for rated systems; requires gearing down and robust drivetrains.

FAQ

• Will 3S damage my car that came with 2S? Only if electronics aren’t rated for 3S or if gearing/cooling is insufficient. Verify ESC/motor ratings, gear down, and monitor temperatures.
• What C rating should I choose? For 1/10 cars, 40–60C is a practical target; higher for high-draw setups. Ensure the pack’s continuous current comfortably exceeds your expected draw.
• How fast can I charge a 3S LiPo? 1C is the safe default (capacity in Ah = charge amps). Increase only if the battery’s datasheet explicitly allows it.
• Can I use connector adapters? Yes, but they add resistance and heat. Matching the battery connector to your ESC is more efficient and reliable.
• What voltage is “full” vs. “empty”? Full is ~12.6 V (4.20 V/cell). Stop your run around 3.5 V/cell under load; at rest this typically rebounds near 3.7–3.8 V/cell.