What is an airsoft battery?

Finally, your new airsoft gun arrives on your front porch, and you're all excited to endeavor information technology, but likely information technology doesn't take standard AA batteries. Virtually Electrical Airsoft guns require loftier-power rechargeable batteries, and you also need a bombardment charger to juice it up. The most pop Airsoft batteries are Lithium Polymer (LiPo) and Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion). But do you know how long to charge an Airsoft battery? Non all battery chargers are intelligent and know when to stop charging. Will I fry the bombardment, or worse yet, burn down the firm? Read on every bit nosotros requite y'all a quick crash grade on airsoft batteries and how to charge them.

Electric Airsoft Guns (AEG) need rechargeable batteries to operate
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Well-nigh automatic electric guns (AEG) these days do not come with a battery or charger, so information technology's a good idea to do some inquiry before swiping that card. Depending on which AEG you buy, the connector type is different from brand to brand too. There are several different kinds of connector plug types, so keep in heed which i your gun uses when purchasing a battery. To save from buying all kinds of different batteries, you should consider standardizing on 1 plug type across all your AEGs so that your batteries are cross-compatible on all your Airsoft guns.

Mini Tamiya connector commonly found in R/C cars
Mini Tamiya Connector.

Near standard AEGs come up with a standard plastic semi-translucent connector plug known as mini-Tamiya. This plug type is very popular in R/C cars and planes. The benefit of using this type of plug is that they have a locking machinery that prevents adventitious disconnection. This connector physically isolates the positive and negative wires, which ways it'southward safer to use in damp environments. Condom for utilize in relatively depression-current applications (up to about 15 A), the design provides condom and is fool-proof. If you similar crawling around in the clay or going prone, and so the mud or water shouldn't be able to penetrate this connector.

Traditional Tamiya plug connector
This is NOT a Mini Tamiya Connector! It's a Tamiya connector.

The upshot with these connectors is that the surface area of contact is pocket-sized. Thus it can cause problems with the current flow, slightly decreasing your trigger response! Since they are made from softer nylon-based plastic, they can pause quite hands and are not as durable equally deans. Tamiya plugs are as well bulky compared to deans plugs, which we will talk more than near beneath. But Tamiya plugs are still popular in Nippon, and hence Japanese made Airsoft guns volition unremarkably come with them.

Deans plugs are sometimes called T-plugs are the preferred choice for serious players
Deans connector.

Moving on to the other type of connector is Deans. The connectors are based on large metallic pieces shaped in the alphabetic character 'T', which lock into each other when connected. This provides a huge area of contact, which results in a higher menses of electrical electric current to the motor. Say hi to a higher burn rate and consequent electricity menstruum! They last longer than mini Tamiya every bit it'south constructed out of better materials. Slowly being phased out, Mini Tamiya is replaced by Deans.

In the airsoft community, one of the virtually mutual questions regarding airsoft batteries is "How long do I charge my battery for?". Every battery is different, so there are no gear up rules on how long to accuse it for.

We at Redwolf Airsoft have all kinds of batteries available, not to misfile y'all, we volition stick to the ones nosotros offer. If you lot ain an RC model then y'all may notice they use very similar batteries. In fact, they are the same batteries!

What is the purpose of an airsoft battery?

Think of your AEG equally an electronic device, mobile telephone, shaver, wireless headsets, etc. They are all powered by one affair, a battery. This brings life into the products we utilize on a daily basis which applies to an AEG also. Without it, your AEG is as good as a mantlepiece in your domicile.

Known as mAh, or milliamp Hour, this is the number of energy batteries can store. Commonly used to mensurate the energy capacity of a battery, it'south a unit that measures (electric) power over fourth dimension. In full general, the more mAh at that place is, the longer the battery life which ways more pew.

Let in that location exist life!

So does this mean y'all'd desire to find the one with the most capacity? Yep, but yous take to brand sure it can fit into your AEG! In most cases the more than mAh, the bigger size of the battery. A good rule of thumb is to stick to something effectually 1500 mAh as they will about likely last a full day and fit nigh regular stocks. Only go along in mind if you're trigger happy and enjoy beams of BBs at full motorcar then it may non last an entire day. Nosotros recommend a backup bombardment just in example; at that place's nothing worse than running out of power during the last moments of a game and without a spare in sight!

Unlike kinds of airsoft batteries?

Nickel-metal hydride (NiMh), lithium-ion polymer (LiPo), nickel-cadmium (NiCad), and alkaline metal are the four types of batteries used in an AEG. Barely anyone uses NiCad or alkaline anymore every bit they are not equally efficient or cost-constructive.

With so many different types of batteries and a choice of plug types, deciding the right battery can be daunting
Where do I start?

Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries (NiHM)

NiMH batteries are similar your everyday rechargeable AA batteries, common, very condom, withstand cold weather, and hold charge well which can concluding for 1 to two years even when charged frequently. In recent years the trend in this type is transitioning abroad to current generation batteries which are similar to tablets or mobile phones (LiPo). NiMH batteries will cocky-discharge when left alone, especially in a warm environment. To clasp more life out, it shouldn't exist fully depleted every game, though once in a while discharged fully.

Using a fast charger will likely oestrus it up before fully charged, unfortunately, they cant be apace charged. A slow charge is much safer and healthier for these types.

One step up from the classic NiCD batteries, NiMh boasted greater charge capacity, but they are still bulky and heavy.
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They as well discharge much faster than any other when left standing, in high belch applications it tin't attain their full potential. Charging them with more than than i.5 amps or quick discharges will damage the battery.

Y'all may have heard the term "Memory Effect", older generation batteries had problems equally they memorized when information technology was discharged to a certain point repeatedly, causing a reduction in capacity. Fear not every bit current NiMH batteries on the market will not do that! Information technology will come up dorsum to its total capacity after each and every accuse. When overcharged information technology can be brought dorsum to life by safely discharging, that'southward why it'south preferred by many airsofters for its sheer reliability.

  • Affordable
  • Commonly used in many AEG airsoft guns
  • Withstand common cold weather
  • Longer lifespan
  • Slow charge
  • Discharge at a college rate than other types
  • Slowly phasing out of the marketplace
  • Lower energy chapters

Lithium-Ion Polymer Batteries (Lipo)

RWA 7.4v 1000mAh (20C) AK Stick Type Lipo Rechargeable Battery (Small Tamiya)
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Holding fashion more charge and lasting longer compared to NiMH batteries, LiPo batteries are the most avant-garde battery on the marketplace. Used practically everywhere including your mobile phone or tablet these are the current-gen of batteries. They come in two voltages, 7.2v or eleven.2v perfect for an upgraded AEG that has a loftier rate of fire. If overcharged they can explode and crusade chemical burns, fires, or even death in some cases. With an average price tag of $63 or more for merely the battery and another $54 for the charger, it can exist expensive. A lot of fraudulent sellers out in that location label their bombardment ratings incorrectly making them even more than dangerous. So residue assured as nosotros simply sell quality, safe batteries, and chargers.

Different the NiMH battery blazon, there are no methods for optimal and healthy life of the LiPo battery, but brand sure to never allow it fully discharge. So as soon as your AEG starts to slow downward and the gears plough slower with each shot, return to the rubber zone and pop some new ones in.

  • Unaffected by hot/cold
  • Commonly used in many AEG airsoft guns
  • Supports fast charge
  • Lighter than NiMH
  • Expensive
  • Unsafe if overcharged
  • Fragile
  • Require specific charger

Nickel-Cadium Batteries (NiCad)

Intellect 12v Battery 4200mAh High-Volt 10 Cells - M16 Pack
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You may accept heard of nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, they are like to the NiMh batteries but bulkier, heavier, and cant handle farthermost temperatures well. What's impressive about these is that they are able to quick charge and belch with most no damage done to the cells, perfect for guns that describe big energy and high rates of burn down! Overcharging it tin can cause battery cells to split, leak, and even cause a burn then they should never be left alone fifty-fifty with a smart charger.

  • Undamaged cells via charging/discharge
  • Lowest charging time out of all other types
  • Bulky and heavy
  • Prone to temperature changes hot/cold
  • Outdated
  • Merely recharge when empty

Alkaline Batteries

Some Airsoft Electric Blowback Pistols and BOYS Series rifles use regular AA and AAA batteries.
Variety Of Alkaline Batteries.

The OG of batteries, alkaline. You won't see this in airsoft these days because they cannot take the energy consumption from an AEG nor provide a high rate of fire. If stored in a room temperature (70F), or colder environment they can terminal years earlier losing even a sliver of a charge! Being very common this makes them way more affordable compared to NiMh or LiPo. Due to the chemic property, they can't be recharged numerous times and can't accept the high voltage pull that AEG requires. Your pew fourth dimension would be cut brusque as they barely have the chapters!

  • Common
  • Hold accuse for a long time
  • Limited chapters
  • Limited AEG support
  • Weak output
  • Cannot recharge

But Wait, There'due south More than!

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To find out which battery voltage is best suited, be sure to check out the replica's manual. The majority of AEG rifles that can run a 7.4V LiPo volition be able to run either of the NiMHs; the reason being, a 7.4V LiPo is more powerful than a ix.6B NiMH. Do proceed in heed only the expensive replicas or upgraded ones with better motors and gearboxes are able to run 11.1V LiPo batteries due to their immense power.

C Rating

You lot may have heard of C rating, it's ordinarily displayed next to the voltage number on a battery typically shown as 10c to 25c. How much ability is discharged from the bombardment is all it means.

Basically, the higher that number is, means more than burst of power the battery sends to the motor. The gears spin faster, thus providing a college burn down rate and trigger response. However, this will issue in the battery running out of charge quicker. So in the end it'due south a balance of looking for lifetime and performance. The bulk of AEG out there are not able to handle anything more than than 15c, and so be sure to check the replica manual beginning!

Lithium Ion batteries from Titan are popular for their stable performance and safety
Brick – Shaped similar a flat/circular rectangle, information technology's commonly used for compact guns.

The battery connector is usually located in the buffer tube, inside the handguard, or even outside the handguard. Then best inquire around or visually audit the replica to identify the battery space and which one volition fit. As at that place are many dissimilar appearances and styles of batteries around. Choosing the correct battery that's able to run it and fit in is essential, equally about airsoft AEG have limited bombardment infinite.

Nunchuck batteries are named aptly by their appearance and are designed for small handguards and crane stocks.
Nunchuck – Designed to fit in two small tubes in the stock.
Crane battery
Crane – Similar to the nunchuck, except it's fastened to two or three tubes of batteries.
Stick type battery - usually suited to go into stock tubes or narrow handguards
Stick  – Batteries lined up looking like a stick, e'er come as a single tub.
These large NiCD or NiMH batteries are a bit outdated but some people still use them
Large – Well-nigh like the stick only lined up side by side and not every bit long.
This is a small size NiCD or NiMH battery which is a bit outdated nowadays
Mini – This is a apartment bombardment, smaller than the larger cousin.
This LiPo battery is small enough to store inside a PEQ box - for guns that do not have a battery compartment
PEQ – These types are stored in a battery pack and can be curtained in a PEQ box

How long to accuse the airsoft battery?

Worried you lot'll set your house on fire? Blowing yourself upwards with a battery? We will guide you through how to safely charge and handle your batteries! But commencement things first nosotros recommend using a smart charger if possible, as it takes a lot of hassle and danger out of the equation. Don't take ane? Nosotros have a secret method to notice out if your battery is fully charged and how long it should exist charged.

Titan Digital Charger is the most foolproof intelligent Airsoft battery charger we've come across
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Don't use an extension cord or a power strip if possible, this may be obvious but exist certain the charger is plugged directly into the wall. If the power strip doesn't accept a built-in surge protector, a surge can potentially destroy the bombardment. Being prophylactic is important!

How long to charge your airsoft bombardment depends on how many mAh it has. Of course, a 1400mAh will charge much faster than a battery with 2800mAh. Take a await at your charger, you will notice some information on the sticker. There should exist an output rating on that sticker, something along the lines of  "OUTPUT: DC 8.4v 300mA'' which varies from brand to brand. The 300mAh means how much charge per hour so if you have a 3000mAh bombardment and a 300mAh charger, it's uncomplicated mathematics from this point.

Battery Chapters (mAh) ÷ Output from charger = Hours

3000 ÷ 300 = 10

Information technology'll take ten hours to charge this completely dead/new battery to its full chapters. But but dissever the mAh from the charger to the mAh of the battery! It can be left and claimed after but exercise keep an eye on it from time to time. This is a quick way to detect out, simply exist enlightened this isn't accurate since the battery might not be completely empty earlier charging.  The temperature is also another factor that tin touch how long a bombardment would accept to charge. Using this formula is easy, but if yous arent there whilst it'south charging or make the incorrect calculations, in that location's a chance the battery could get damaged.

How Practice I Know The Battery Is Full?

How exercise we know if the battery is fully charged without a smart charger or voltmeter? Unproblematic! Simply bear on the battery from time to time to check its temperature. Most likely fully charged if it's warm, not lukewarm! Though if information technology's hot to the bear on so you may have damaged the battery, which isn't skilful for your skin or battery. A stove that's left on is like to your bombardment being charged. Chances are chaos will be waiting for your render if it'due south left unattended whilst yous are abroad. So please guys if you do accuse it like this, we ask you to watch over it similar a baby!

Never always rely on this method 100 pct of the time, we know it'due south a lame technique just effective to check if the battery is charged. It'due south non foolproof and in some freak situations, it may not work at all. If yous plan on getting serious into airsoft, nosotros recommend a smart charger should be the kickoff major investment to your ever-growing collection of airsoft gear.

How to know when the airsoft battery is charged? The all-time and safest way to know when the airsoft battery is fully is past using a smart charger. Just keep in mind that do not try to charge ii battery packs at the same time unless the charger can support it. If the battery charger has more than 1 input, you should accuse one at a time or you might damage the charger. Don't skimp out on a charger, equally the cheaper ones provide constant charge even when the battery is full!

Be careful not to puncture batteries as they may catch fire or explode
Information technology's going to blow!

Here are a few things to take note of to protect yous and others effectually in case something goes wrong. As using the incorrect charger or wrong bombardment things tin can go south very fast so be careful if it's your starting time fourth dimension charging airsoft batteries. If your battery dies, think to notice a place to recycle them. This will prevent any harm washed to kids or animals!

  • Never attempt to charge a non-rechargeable battery, the characterization on the sticker unremarkably states what blazon information technology is.
  • Be sure to use the correct charger: await at what type of battery it is and what type of charger.
  • If at that place's a hole in the battery or burn down marks, dispose of them safely as they are faulty or damaged
  • Swollen upward or fat batteries. This is the end of the line for the battery, go rid of it immediately.
Swollen or fat batteries are damaged and cannot be used again
If it's swollen upwards like this, get rid of it fast!

If you lot programme on not using the airsoft batteries for several months (such as winter), it can ruin their lifespan. With some TLC, it'll be kept for many years. Batteries naturally gradually discharge themselves if they are non in apply for a long time. Especially if y'all go out the battery connected in your airsoft gun when not in use, this can bleed them much faster. There'south a risk minor electronic parts could corrode which results in permanent damage if unused daily. Not only that but if someone doesn't know there'south a bombardment inside they might shoot someone by accident or break something. To be certain information technology works side by side time it's out, fully accuse the battery and left in an surroundings where the temperature is stable.

We hope this gives you lot a deep insight into how to charge an airsoft battery and wisdom about how they piece of work. To detect out more and learn more variety of batteries and chargers nosotros accept available.