It has been a while since we tested a Gens Ace pack, so we grabbed one of their 2S 5000 LiPo Batteries
to put it through the gauntlet. Does it have plenty of power? What
about runtime? Can it take a standard basher style beating? Read on to
find out…
Quick Specs:
- Capacity – 5000mAh
- Voltage – 7.4
- Discharge Rate – 100C
- Max Burst Discharge Rate – 200C
- Cell Configuration – 2S1P
- Net Weight – 305
- Length – 139mm
- Width – 47mm
- Height – 25.1mm
- Connector Type – 4.0mm bullet to Deans
- Wire Gauge – 12
- Balance Connector Type – JST-XHR
Set-Up Notes: We used
the Gens Ace in a variety of vehicles to check out its power. The trucks
used included an RC4WD Marlin Crawlers Edition TF2 RTR, a Pro-Line
PRO-MT 4×4, and a Losi SCTE.
Fit: The Gens Ace uses a
standard sized case. This allows it to be used in a plethora of
different bash oriented vehicles. As far as fit goes, we didn’t have an
issue with the pack’s form factor. It fit excellent in all three of the
trucks that we used it in. Because the Gens Ace uses bullet connectors
at the case, that can cause issues in some tighter installs where height
is limited (because of how the bullets stand up), otherwise, if your
truck has a standard sized battery tray, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Power: Ya, this is what
most people care about when looking at a battery pack. The Gens Ace we
got for testing was a “normal” LiPo, meaning it was not a LiHV design.
Its maximum voltage is set at 8.4 volts, just like every standard LiPo.
The heaviest load that we put on the
Gens Ace was when using it in our Pro-Line PRO-MT 4×4. The Pro-Line is a
4wd monster truck, which means it sports a whole lot more rotating mass
than something like a 2wd buggy or touring car. When using the Gens Ace
in our Pro-Line truck we noticed that we had some Serious power on tap.
From a dead stop the Gens Ace provided some pretty spectacular torque
(can you say wheelie monster?) and it kept on pulling like a beast until
the motor ran out of gearing. Later we went on to use the pack in our
SCTE and TF2. The Trail Finder 2 draws very little current, but we
appreciated the pack’s solid power and runtime. In our SCTE, the Gens
Ace also did a fantastic job of trying to blow all four tires off the
rims.
We were not able to compare the Gens Ace
directly with a brand new pack from another company. However, from
memory we could just tell that the Gens Ace was certainly at no loss for
yank.
Runtime: We measured
capacity on our test pack at 5088mAh (on a 1C charge/discharge), which
is a good thing. Too much over, or under, either means poor quality
control or marketing shenanigans, thankfully the Gens was fairly close
to spot on.
While driving, we received good runtimes
with the pack. We saw around 18 minutes on our Castle powered SCTE,
which is right where it should be compared to other packs we’ve driven
it with.
Durability: Yes, we put
the Gens Ace through our normal testing. It withstood several roof
jumps, multiple hard slams, plus plenty of water action when we used it
in our TF2. At the end of the review, the Gens Ace was still working
fine, we experienced no issues of any type. Also, we are nearing 50
cycles on our test pack and it still puts out plenty of voltage while
under a load, just like a good pack should.
Final Verdict: From our
testing, it looks like Gens Ace has not lost a step from the days when
they were winning our LiPo battery shootouts. We found the 100C Gens Ace
2S 5000 to be a solid battery pack. It put out great power, it had
solid runtime, and it put up with our abuse without venting internally
or dying. If you are in the market for a great quality, yet affordable,
2S LiPo, we think it is well worth your time to try out the Gens Ace.