How to choose your battery?

Picking the right battery can be the difference between a triumphant win or a premature exit in your airsoft game. The right type of battery ensures a consistent power supply to your airsoft gun, improving performance, reliability and longevity. In this guide, we help you navigate the technical labyrinth of airsoft batteries, explaining differences, and giving you the insights needed to make an informed choice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding your batteries is key to optimizing your game. At Evike Europe, we're committed to giving you access to the best battery options for your needs.

In the field of airsoft, your choice of battery can impact performance, reliability, and even the lifespan of your equipment. Nickel-Metal Hydride, or NiMH, batteries, are a time-tested solution and remain a staple of many players' arsenals.

NiMH batteries were the de facto power source for airsoft guns before the widespread use of Lithium-based batteries. They offer several compelling benefits:

Simplicity: NiMH batteries are plug-and-play. They don't require a balance charge, meaning they can be charged with a simple charger, making them easier to use than some Lithium-based alternatives.

Safety: NiMH batteries are quite resilient. They can endure overcharging without major risks and are less likely to catch fire or explode if mistreated, making them a safer choice for beginners or for those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach to battery management.

Size and Weight: NiMH batteries are physically larger and heavier than other battery types with the same capacity. This means they may not fit into more compact or custom builds and can add to the overall weight of the setup.

Lower Energy Density: They have a lower energy density compared to Lithium-based batteries. This means that for the same size, a NiMH battery will run out of power faster, possibly leaving you in a lurch in the heat of a game.

Despite these potential disadvantages, NiMH batteries still have a role to play in today's airsoft world. They're commonly found in starter kits due to their simplicity and safety, and they serve as reliable backup batteries for many seasoned players.

Check out our wide collection of NiMH batteries at Evike Europe, where we cater to all your airsoft needs.

A more recent advancement in battery technology is the Lithium Polymer, or LiPo, battery. LiPo batteries have rapidly gained popularity within the airsoft community due to their numerous advantages over older technologies like NiMH. However, they also come with their unique set of considerations.

Higher Energy Density: LiPo batteries have a higher energy density than NiMH batteries, which means they can store more energy in a smaller space. This allows them to be lighter and more compact, an ideal feature for airsoft guns where space for battery storage can be limited.

Higher Discharge Rates: LiPo batteries are capable of higher discharge rates, meaning they can deliver power more rapidly. This feature can improve trigger response and rate of fire in electric airsoft guns.

While LiPo batteries offer substantial benefits, there are a few drawbacks that should be considered:

Requires Careful Management: LiPo batteries require careful charging, discharging, and storage practices to maintain their performance and safety. For instance, they require a balance charger to ensure each cell is charged equally. Overcharging or discharging a LiPo battery can result in a significant safety risk.

Potential for Damage: LiPo batteries can be damaged if dropped or punctured, which could potentially lead to a safety risk. Therefore, they require more careful handling and storage than NiMH batteries.

Shorter Lifespan: Generally, LiPo batteries have a shorter lifespan than NiMH batteries, with their performance often starting to decline after 300-500 charge cycles.

To conclude, LiPo batteries can provide superior performance in terms of energy density and power delivery, making them an excellent choice for many airsoft players. However, they require careful management and are better suited to users willing to invest in the appropriate equipment and follow the necessary safety precautions.

Check out our comprehensive range of LiPo batteries and balance chargers at Evike Europe for your airsoft power needs.

When it comes to airsoft batteries, their capacity is equally as important as their voltage. It determines how long you can use your battery before it needs recharging. Let's delve into the concept of Amp-hours (Ah), the common measure of battery capacity.

The capacity of a battery refers to the total amount of energy stored within it. This capacity is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), especially for smaller batteries like those used in airsoft. Milliampere-hours represent how much current a battery can provide over a specific period. A higher mAh rating means the battery can supply a certain current for a longer time, translating into longer playtime between charges.

For instance, if your airsoft gun draws an average current of 200 milliamperes, a battery rated at 2000 mAh should theoretically provide enough power for approximately 10 hours of playtime (2000 mAh ÷ 200 mA = 10 hours). However, keep in mind this is an ideal scenario, and in reality, several factors like the battery's efficiency and the gun's varying power draw during play can affect this calculation.

Choosing the correct battery capacity for your airsoft gun is vital. It's a balancing act between getting enough playtime and ensuring the battery physically fits in your gun.

High-capacity batteries, those with higher mAh, will give you extended playtime, but they are also larger in size. This means they might not fit in all airsoft guns, especially those with compact or unconventional battery compartments.

Low-capacity batteries, on the other hand, are smaller and fit in more compact guns. However, they provide a shorter playtime, which means you might find yourself needing to swap batteries in the middle of an event.

So, when selecting a battery, consider your airsoft gun’s battery compartment size and how long you typically play in one stretch. If you generally play for extended periods, it may be worth finding a high-capacity battery that fits your gun.

At Evike Europe, you can find a wide selection of both NiMH and LiPo batteries with various capacities to suit your specific needs. Always remember, the key to choosing the right battery is understanding your playstyle, your airsoft gun's specifications, and balancing them with the right voltage and capacity.

When shopping for airsoft batteries, you'll often come across the term 'C rating' or 'discharge rate.' Understanding what it signifies is crucial to ensuring you select a battery that can deliver the power your airsoft gun requires.

The 'C' rating of a battery refers to its discharge rate — the maximum rate at which a battery can be safely discharged. It's an indicator of how quickly a battery can deliver its stored energy without harming its internal components.

The higher the C rating, the more current the battery can supply at once. This feature is important for airsoft guns that require a high initial power surge, such as those using high-speed motors or powerful springs.

A battery's C rating is calculated by multiplying the battery capacity (in Ah) by the C rating value. For instance, a 2000mAh (or 2Ah) battery with a C rating of 20 can deliver a maximum continuous current of 40A (2Ah x 20C = 40A).

Choosing the right C rating for your airsoft gun involves understanding your gun's power demands. High-powered AEGs, particularly those upgraded for high ROF or FPS, may need a battery with a higher C rating to provide enough current.

However, most standard AEGs will work perfectly fine with a moderate C rating. Just ensure the C rating isn't too low for your gun's power draw to prevent potential battery damage and power issues.

Keep in mind that a higher C rating will not harm your airsoft gun. Your gun will only draw the current it requires, so having extra available won't cause damage. The downside to batteries with high C ratings is they often have a higher price tag and may be slightly larger.

Whether you need a high or moderate C rating, Evike Europe offers a broad range of batteries with various C ratings to suit all types of airsoft guns, from standard AEGs to high-powered custom builds. Understanding your gun's power requirements and matching it with the right battery will ensure optimal performance on the field.