Choosing the proper LiPo battery could make or break your FPV expertise, particularly in relation to efficiency. On this overview we examined the most recent GNB 6S LiHV and LiPo batteries to see how they stack up towards one another, and different in style manufacturers. With guarantees of greater vitality density and energy supply, these high-voltage (LiHV) packs carry loads to the desk—however do they ship? Let’s discover out. Moreover, there’s typically confusion about LiHV batteries and the ever-inflated C-ratings. On this overview, I’ll share insights and findings based mostly on real-world testing.
New to FPV? Take a look at our battery purchaser’s information to be taught the fundamentals: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/
Overview of the Batteries Examined
I examined 4 batteries from GNB (model new), 1 battery from BetaFPV (nearly 1 12 months outdated), and 1 battery from Tattu (2 years outdated).
GNB 6S 1100mAh 160C LiHV
- Weight: 177g
- Dimensions: 81x39x30mm
- Advertized Capability: 1100mAh
- Measured Capability (From 4.35/cell): 1049mAh
- Measured Capability (From 4.20/cell): 909mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
GNB 6S 1300mAh 160C LiHV
- Weight: 198g
- Dimensions: 82x39x34mm
- Advertized Capability: 1300mAh
- Measured Capability (From 4.35/cell): 1227mAh
- Measured Capability (From 4.20/cell): 1044mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
GNB 6S 1500mAh 160C LiHV
- Weight: 222g
- Dimensions: 83x39x39mm
- Advertized Capability: 1500mAh
- Measured Capability (From 4.35/cell): 1375mAh
- Measured Capability (From 4.20/cell): 1180mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
GNB 6S 1530mAh 160C LiPo
- Weight: 251g
- Dimensions: 82x39x44mm
- Advertized Capability: 1530mAh
- Measured Capability: 1457mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
Tattu R-Line V3 6S 1050mAh 120C LiPo
- Weight: 199g
- Dimensions: 77x40x36mm
- Advertized Capability: 1050mAh
- Measured Capability: 1078mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV LAVA 6S 1100mAh 100C LiPo
- Weight: 192g
- Dimensions: 77x39x35mm
- Advertized Capability: 1100mAh
- Measured Capability: 1100mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
Capability Testing
I discharged the batteries at 2C till they reached 3.1V per cell. This low present draw saved voltage sag and warmth minimal with little wasted vitality, permitting for correct capability measurements. For outcomes, see “Measured Capability” within the battery overview earlier.
The outcomes confirmed that GNB batteries constantly fell barely in need of their marketed capability, with the 1500mAh LiHV being probably the most notable at 8% beneath its said worth. Nonetheless, given their light-weight, this end result isn’t totally stunning. For instance, the GNB 1300mAh LiHV (precise 1227mAh) weighs almost the identical because the BetaFPV 1100mAh and Tattu 1050mAh packs.
It appears GNB might have barely overstated their capability—probably simply wanting a pleasant, rounded quantity on the label. Nonetheless, due to the upper vitality density of LiHV in comparison with customary LiPo, you’re getting barely extra capability for a similar weight. I don’t see this being a dealbreaker actually, nevertheless it’s essential to maintain the true capability in thoughts when utilizing them.
Voltage Sag Testing
Within the second take a look at, I discharged the batteries at a continuing 12A till they attain 3.3V per cell, and in contrast the voltage sag all through your entire discharge cycle. Decrease voltage sag signifies a extra highly effective battery. Admittedly, 12A is a comparatively small load for a 6S 1000-1500mAh battery pack, as a typical 5″ FPV drone can draw as much as 80A and even 100A throughout a punch-out. Sadly, that is the utmost discharge present my testing gear (SkyRC BD350) can deal with, so whereas the end result might not be as drastic as a better present take a look at, it nonetheless demonstrates relative efficiency variations to a level.
Moreover, bigger batteries of the identical C-rating are sometimes extra highly effective as a result of the utmost discharge present is proportional to the battery’s capability. Subsequently, bigger batteries will usually exhibit decrease voltage sag. For that reason, it’s essential to match equally sized batteries.
Let’s evaluate batteries of comparable capacities within the diagram:
- GNB 6S 1530mAh LiPo vs. GNB 6S 1500mAh LiHV – The LiHV clearly demonstrated higher efficiency within the first half of the discharge cycle, delivering greater voltage and extra energy. Nonetheless, the LiPo caught up within the second half and even surpassed the LiHV towards the top.
- GNB 6S 1100mAh LiHV, BetaFPV 1100mAh, and Tattu 1050mAh – An analogous sample emerged: the LiHV confirmed stronger efficiency within the first half of the discharge, however within the second half, its efficiency leveled out and was corresponding to the LiPo counterparts.
Key Observations and Insights
Excessive Volt LiHV vs. Customary LiPo
- LiHV Benefits: LiHV packs supply greater vitality density, storing extra vitality per gram of weight, making them best for pilots prioritizing lengthy flight instances. In addition they present noticeably greater energy supply throughout the first half of the discharge cycle, which is especially advantageous for racers looking for most efficiency.
- LiHV Limitations: The efficiency advantages of LiHV batteries are primarily noticeable within the first half of the discharge cycle. Within the second half, their voltage drops to ranges comparable to plain LiPos, which reduces the perceived profit.
In the case of longevity, I carried out testing that confirms LiHV batteries degrade sooner than customary LiPos. After 100 discharge cycles, LiHV batteries exhibited a 5.4% capability discount, whereas LiPos solely confirmed a 3.8% discount.
It’s price noting that you should utilize a LiHV battery like a regular LiPo by charging it to 4.20V per cell as an alternative of 4.35V. This could lengthen its lifespan, however you’ll solely use roughly 85% of its capability.
C Rankings
GNB makes nice LiPos, however the marketed “160C-320C” C-rating is undoubtedly inflated. There’s no approach these batteries can output 170A to 340A of present with out damaging themselves. In actuality, the XT60 connectors and wires would soften lengthy earlier than reaching these currents.
From my testing, the GNB 6S 1100mAh battery carried out equally to the BetaFPV Lava 6S 1100mAh, which is just rated for 100C. Whereas the GNB pack may seem stronger initially, that’s primarily as a result of it’s a LiHV battery. Within the second half of the discharge cycle, its efficiency intently matched the BetaFPV pack.
Subsequently, C-ratings must be taken with a grain of salt, particularly when evaluating totally different manufacturers. Every producer appears to observe its personal customary for figuring out C-ratings, making them unreliable as a sole shopping for issue. Nonetheless, inside the similar model, C-ratings can function an inexpensive indicator of the place a battery ranks by way of efficiency.
Variation in Voltage
LiHV batteries have barely greater voltage variation all through the discharge cycle. This may be impactful as a result of motor KV is straight proportional to battery voltage, that means variations in voltage will have an effect on the quad’s energy, throttle response, and general dealing with. One work round is to activate “VBAT Sag Compensation” in Betaflight.
Charging LiHV
Earlier than shopping for LiHV batteries, make certain your charger can deal with them—particularly, test for a “LiHV” battery kind within the menu or the power to manually set the top voltage to 4.35V per cell. If you happen to cost LiHV batteries utilizing customary LiPo settings (charging to 4.20 per cell), you’ll solely be utilizing 85% of their capability. If you happen to want a brand new charger, try my battery charger suggestions—all of which help LiHV: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/#High-LiPo-Charger-Suggestions
Ultimate Ideas: Are GNB’s New 6S Batteries Price It?
Whereas GNB barely overstates the capacities of its 6S batteries, the LiHV packs ship on vitality density and powerful energy supply—notably within the first half of the discharge cycle. These are an awesome selection for:
- Pilots prioritizing flight time and weight discount.
- Racers needing an preliminary voltage enhance for fast acceleration.
Positive, LiPo’s do last more than LiHV, nevertheless it’s not as dangerous as you may assume, see my longevity testing right here: https://oscarliang.com/lihv-battery/
With that stated, the usual LiPos stay a price range and stable choice for on a regular basis flying. In addition they last more, exhibit much less voltage variation, and carry out equally to LiHV packs within the latter half of the flight.
It doesn’t matter what you select, GNB continues to be a trusted drone battery model providing wonderful worth and high quality. Whether or not you decide LiHV or LiPo, these batteries stay a stable selection for the FPV neighborhood.
