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Hi, I have very little knowledge of lithium ion and lipo batteries as I have always just used NIMH with my Tamiya kits. I recently bought a Blackzon Smyter monster truck for my son for Christmas (at least, that's what I keep telling myself). It came with a Lithium Ion 1500mah 7.4v battery (https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/blackzon-smyter-battery-pack-li-ion-74v-1500mah-w-t-plug-1347537). The hobby shop also sold me this lipo as an extra battery as apparently this car will take a 2s lipo. (https://www.modelsport.co.uk/product/ftx-tracer-lipo-74v-1000mah-25c-t-plug--1333706). So my question is, how should I store the lithium Ion battery when not in use? Fully charged or do I have to discharge it to a 3.8v before storing? If so, is there a cheapish lithium ion / lipo charger that can display the voltage? Secondly, the lipo battery is only very small. Should I buy a lipo charging firesafe bag or is there no need? Same question applies to this battery, regarding storage and how to check the voltage? The car came with a USB charger cable and I was told by the hobby shop that the charger will also charge the lipo. I was questioned that but was told it would be fine. Many thanks

Obviously the answer is YES! But really I guess I'm asking should I, and can I do it safely? The reason I'm considering it is that I was looking for a couple of extra batteries for my son's WLtoys 12429 and there didn't seem to be much available that provided greater capacity than the included 1500mAh 2S Li-Ion. Looking around I found quite a number of high capacity 18650 cells (3000-3500mAh) but noticed the spec discharge rates varied widely between parts, from 5A-20A, which got me wondering how to determine what the C rating of the stock battery was and what the current draw of the stock (540 I think?) motor, or at least what was the ESC handling. Younger me would just experiment a little, but these days I've kinda had my fill of the magic white smoke so thought I'd reach out and see what you guys think. These LG DB 18650 HG2 Brown give a greater capacity and with a decent punch Battery Size: ∅18.5 x 65.2mm Weight: 47g Nominal Capacity: 3000mAh Maximum Continuous Discharge Current: 20A Maximum Burst Discharge current: 30A Recommended Charge Constant Current: 1.5A Maximum Charging Constant Current: 4A But then I wondered if anyone has tried other form factors....the world of vaping seems to be ahead of RC here! This Efest 26650 might be twice the weight but does that really matter for bashing? Battery Size: ∅26.1 x 66.3mm (so a little bigger) Weight: 90 gr (maybe too heavy for drones?) Nominal Capacity: 4200mAh Maximum Continuous Discharge Current: 35A Maximum Burst Discharge Current: 50A Recommended Charge Constant Current: 1.25A Maximum Charging Constant Current: up to 4A But maybe this Sony VTC6A is a good compromise? Battery Size: Ø21.2 x 69.7mm Weight: 73gr Nominal Capacity: 4100mAh Maximum Continuous Discharge Current: 25A Maximum Burst Discharge Current: 40A Recommended Charge Constant Current: 1.5A Maximum Charging Constant Current: 9A So I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience of making up battery packs using anything other than the ubiquitous 18650? Any thoughts gratefully received!! NB: Whilst writing this post I stumbled onto battery university which is worth a look around if you want to learn more about what powers the more sparky of the hobby...although I have to confess it was a little overwhelming for me!