Many RC car enthusiasts often wonder about the differences between hard case batteries and soft case batteries. In fact, a hard case battery typically has a shell made of ABS or similar plastic, and beyond this casing, there isn’t much structural difference. However, why do so many people prefer one over the other? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the best choice.
Hard Case vs Soft Case LiPo: In-depth Comparison
Durability
Compared to soft case batteries, hard case batteries offer superior physical protection in various situations. For example:
When RC cars are running at high speeds, especially off-road cars during bashing, the battery may shake inside the battery compartment. The hard case helps protect the battery cells from impacts.
If the battery is accidentally dropped, the hard case ensures the battery remains safe and intact. In contrast, soft case batteries can deform easily when dropped, potentially leading to swelling when reused, which shortens the battery’s lifespan.
Additionally, well-made hard case batteries can prevent sand, dirt, and water from entering and damaging the battery.
Therefore, in the long run, hard case batteries tend to have an edge in terms of durability.
Weight
For casual RC car enthusiasts, the slight extra weight of hard case batteries is negligible. Unlike professional RC racing, where weight balance is crucial, Hobby RC cars are less sensitive to battery weight.
Capacity and Size
It’s important to note that within the same dimensions, the cells inside a hard case battery are slightly smaller than those in a soft case battery, which means the capacity is a bit lower. So, in practice, you’ll find that in limited battery compartment space, you can fit a higher capacity hard case battery.
Battery Health Condition
Soft case batteries allow you to visually inspect if the cells have swollen or deformed, something you can’t do with hard case batteries. So, what can you do? You can determine the health condition of a hard case battery by checking the cell voltage gaps and internal resistance provided by your charger, which will help you make informed decisions.
Which should I choose?
As mentioned above, hard case and soft case batteries each have their pros and cons. Your choice should be based on your personal usage habits. Additionally, budget is another consideration since hard case batteries tend to be more expensive.
