When you’re looking for a battery, there are a lot of things to take into account. This becomes even more of a process when you upgrade your airsoft gun. Here are some of the basics you need to know about batteries and how you can use the right one to get the most performance out of your airsoft gun.
Battery Form Factors
If you’re running using an internal battery, the first thing you need to make sure of is what fits with your gun. If you have questions about which batteries will fit in your airsoft gun, please contact AirRattle.com. Here are some of the form factors of available batteries.
- Brick: All cells are in contact with each other and wrapped together giving you your ‘brick’ shape.
- Stick: All of the cells are arranged in a single column. These batteries are common amongst AK series guns that do not have full stocks.
- Nunchuck: Nunchuck batteries split in two with a wire connecting them- These are typically used in M4 series front hand guards and in crane stocks.
- PEQ: These batteries designed to fit externally in a PEQ box.
Though it’s always suggested that you use a smart charger, depending on what battery you have, you using one may be a requirement. Please do not use trickle chargers. *Lipo & LiFePO4 batteries do require special smart chargers.*
Battery Technology Types
There are many different types of batteries used in airsoft today. Just to name a few; nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lithium polymer (LiPo or Li-poly), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4).
Nickel-cadmium batteries are somewhat a thing of the past. They require a complete discharge after usage that have low charge and discharge rates, but they are less expensive.
Most beginners use the NiMH batteries, which usually offer 1.2 V per cell. These batteries typically come in two different sizes, large and small. Large type battery packs usually have a higher voltage output, which we’ll cover later. Many airsoft guns lack the available space to store a large battery, especially the very large 9.6 volt and higher.
Small type NiMH/NiCd batteries use fewer cells, they still most of us experienced users have long lost interest in large type batteries and switched to the more powerful and smaller LiPo batteries which I will cover later.
Milliamp Hours
Milliamp hours (mAH) is the measure of the amount of current that can pass through an electric circuit over an hour’s time, before going dead. The higher the mAH, the more shots you will get out of your AEG before your battery dies. You will also get a more consistent the output with each shot with a higher. Generally speaking, you’ll be able to shoot one airsoft BB for each mAH rating on your battery. This will vary from one airsoft gun to another, and depend on the electrical resistance that your airsoft gun draws.
Battery Voltages
In short answer, yes. Higher voltage will increase your rate of fire and improve trigger response. You’re motor is more turbo charged and will increase the torque and speed of the motor. Most all stock AEG’s can easily handle up to 9.6 volts. Any higher and you will need the necessary upgrades to support the higher voltage. MOSFET, any plastic spring guide, bushings, will need to be metal, etc.
Some people out there become rather bored of the traditional NiMH batteries and have turned their attention to Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. These are the batteries you will find in laptops and cell phones; the reason for this is because they offer powerful batteries using only a fraction of the size of a traditional NiMH battery.
Commonly used in airsoft are the 7.4 v lipos (2 cells) and 11.1 v LiPos (3 cells). These cells come in all different shaped and sizes so they can be used in all different AEG platforms. These three cell LiPos and higher are harder on your AEGs internal components and will increase the rate of wear and tear on your gearbox. Before opting for a LiPo battery, you’ll have to have a fire control unit Installed.
Safety Notes About LiPo Batteries
Many users have seen the photographs of fires that LiPo batteries have caused. LiPo batteries allow for a higher voltage to be stored in a smaller battery than a NiCd or NiMH battery. This increases the likelihood that the battery will become unstable. If that happens, toxins are released; potentially starting a fire or causing chemical burns. Please use caution by reading and following all manufacture’s instructions and safety tips when using LiPo batteries. Most issues arise during charging. In order to help lower risk, purchase a LiPo charging safety sack.
Battery Disposal
Properly dispose of your batteries: After your battery has ‘bit the dust’ do not throw it in the trash. Batteries contain toxic chemicals that can pollute the surrounding environment. Please recycle the battery by putting it in a bin for toxic materials and batteries.
Which Battery Is Right For You?
As you can see from the information above, choosing a battery has several different factors. If you aren’t sure of the answers to some of these questions, please contact us.
