Selecting the best LiPo battery could make or break your FPV expertise, particularly in the case of efficiency. On this overview we examined the newest GNB 6S LiHV and LiPo batteries to see how they stack up towards one another, and different standard manufacturers. With guarantees of larger power density and energy supply, these high-voltage (LiHV) packs deliver loads to the desk—however do they ship? Let’s discover out. Moreover, there’s usually 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? Try our battery purchaser’s information to study 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 yr previous), and 1 battery from Tattu (2 years previous).
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 power, permitting for correct capability measurements. For outcomes, see “Measured Capability” within the battery overview earlier.
The outcomes confirmed that GNB batteries persistently fell barely in need of their marketed capability, with the 1500mAh LiHV being probably the most notable at 8% beneath its acknowledged worth. Nevertheless, given their light-weight, this end result isn’t totally shocking. For instance, the GNB 1300mAh LiHV (precise 1227mAh) weighs practically the identical because the BetaFPV 1100mAh and Tattu 1050mAh packs.
It appears GNB could have barely overstated their capability—probably simply wanting a pleasant, rounded quantity on the label. Nonetheless, because of the upper power 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, but it surely’s vital to maintain the true capability in thoughts when utilizing them.
Voltage Sag Testing
Within the second check, I discharged the batteries at a continuing 12A till they attain 3.3V per cell, and in contrast the voltage sag all through your complete 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 tools (SkyRC BD350) can deal with, so whereas the end result is probably not as drastic as a better present check, 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. Due to this fact, bigger batteries will typically exhibit decrease voltage sag. Because of this, it’s vital to check 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 larger voltage and extra energy. Nevertheless, 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. Commonplace LiPo
- LiHV Benefits: LiHV packs provide larger power density, storing extra power per gram of weight, making them perfect for pilots prioritizing lengthy flight occasions. In addition they present noticeably larger energy supply in the course of the first half of the discharge cycle, which is especially advantageous for racers in search of 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.
Relating to longevity, I carried out testing that confirms LiHV batteries degrade quicker 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 need to use a LiHV battery like a regular LiPo by charging it to 4.20V per cell as a substitute of 4.35V. This may prolong 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 means 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 would possibly 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.
Due to this fact, C-ratings must be taken with a grain of salt, particularly when evaluating completely different manufacturers. Every producer appears to comply with its personal customary for figuring out C-ratings, making them unreliable as a sole shopping for issue. Nevertheless, throughout the identical model, C-ratings can function an inexpensive indicator of the place a battery ranks when it comes to efficiency.
Variation in Voltage
LiHV batteries have barely larger voltage variation all through the discharge cycle. This may be impactful as a result of motor KV is straight proportional to battery voltage, which means variations in voltage will have an effect on the quad’s energy, throttle response, and total dealing with. One work round is to activate “VBAT Sag Compensation” in Betaflight.
Charging LiHV
Earlier than shopping for LiHV batteries, ensure your charger can deal with them—particularly, test for a “LiHV” battery sort within the menu or the flexibility to manually set the top voltage to 4.35V per cell. For those who cost LiHV batteries utilizing customary LiPo settings (charging to 4.20 per cell), you’ll solely be utilizing 85% of their capability. For those who 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 power density and powerful energy supply—significantly within the first half of the discharge cycle. These are an incredible selection for:
- Pilots prioritizing flight time and weight discount.
- Racers needing an preliminary voltage enhance for fast acceleration.
Certain, LiPo’s do last more than LiHV, but it surely’s not as dangerous as you would possibly assume, see my longevity testing right here: https://oscarliang.com/lihv-battery/
With that stated, the usual LiPos stay a finances and strong possibility 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 strong selection for the FPV neighborhood.
