From racing quads to long-range cruisers, these are the configurations drone pilots actually fly.
6S1P Molicel P42A
Voltage: 22.2V nominal
Capacity: 4.2Ah / 93Wh
The go-to long-range setup. P42A handles high current without excessive sag. 45-60 min flights on efficient 7" builds.
4S2P Samsung 30Q
Voltage: 14.8V nominal
Capacity: 6Ah / 89Wh
Budget-friendly endurance pack for 5" quads. Two parallel 30Q cells share the current load for minimal sag.
6S1P Samsung 30Q
Voltage: 22.2V nominal
Capacity: 3Ah / 67Wh
Lighter 18650-based pack for weight-sensitive builds. Less capacity but lower AUW for better efficiency.
6S2P Molicel P42A
Voltage: 22.2V nominal
Capacity: 8.4Ah / 186Wh
For large frames (8"-10") chasing maximum range. Heavy but delivers 90+ minute flights at cruising speeds.
6S1P Samsung 40T
Voltage: 22.2V nominal
Capacity: 4Ah / 89Wh
When you need Li-ion capacity with near-LiPo burst current. 40T handles aggressive flying better than most Li-ion cells.
4S1P Molicel P28A
Voltage: 14.8V nominal
Capacity: 2.8Ah / 41Wh
Compact 18650 pack for 3"-4" micro long-range builds. P28A punches above its weight on current handling.
Know exactly how much voltage drops during punch-outs and climbs. Simulate burst loads and see if your pack can deliver the current your motors demand without browning out.
Every gram matters in the air. Compare 18650 vs 21700, 1P vs 2P, and different cells to find the configuration with the best Wh-per-gram for your frame size.
See exactly where Li-ion makes sense and where LiPo still wins. Simulate your typical cruising current and your peak burst current to understand the real-world differences.
Cruising at 10A is very different from freestyle at 40A. Run simulations at your actual current profiles to find cells that won't let you down mid-flight.
High-drain cells that drone builders trust for reliable flights.
4200mAh / 45A
The king of drone Li-ion packs. Incredible current handling with minimal voltage sag. The default choice for long-range builds.
4000mAh / 35A
Excellent high-drain alternative to the P42A. Strong burst performance for aggressive flying styles.
2800mAh / 35A
Best 18650 for drones. When you need 18650 size for a smaller build but still want high current capability.
Li-ion cells like the Molicel P42A and Samsung 40T offer much higher energy density by weight compared to LiPo packs at moderate discharge rates. For long-range cruising, a Li-ion pack can deliver 2-3x the flight time of an equivalent weight LiPo. The trade-off is lower burst current, making Li-ion better for cruising and long-range than aggressive freestyle.
The Molicel P42A (4200mAh, 45A) is widely considered the best all-around cell for FPV Li-ion packs. It handles high current draws without excessive voltage sag while offering excellent capacity. For lighter builds with lower current needs, the Samsung 50E (5000mAh) maximizes flight time.
A 6S pack uses 6 cells in series for 22.2V nominal. Most long-range builds use 6S1P (6 cells total) to keep weight down, or 6S2P (12 cells) for extended range on larger frames. For 4S builds, you need 4 cells in series (14.8V nominal).
Voltage sag under load directly impacts motor power and throttle response. High-drain cells like the P42A and 40T maintain voltage better at high currents, meaning more consistent power delivery. CellBench lets you simulate your expected current draw and see exactly how much voltage sag to expect throughout the flight.