Overview
The Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V SMART G2 50C IC3 battery represents the latest generation of intelligent LiPo technology, designed specifically for RC enthusiasts who demand reliability, convenience and outstanding performance. Whether you're powering an RC car, truck, or buggy across the UK, this advanced Smart G2 battery takes the guesswork out of battery management whilst delivering the raw power and endurance your model demands. The innovative Smart technology automatically uploads charging parameters and health information to your Spektrum Smart charger, making it one of the easiest batteries to use in the RC hobby today.
Drivers and pilots enjoy even more Smart advantages when using Spektrum Smart G2 50C LiPo batteries to power their vehicles. These generation 2 packs feature a powerful 50C continuous discharge rating that delivers high performance and longevity, making them ideal for everything from casual weekend bashing to competitive racing. The new generation brings genuine improvements over previous models, including a dramatically faster auto-discharge function and thicker internal metal side plates that protect cells and improve heat dissipation during intensive use. For anyone looking to upgrade their RC setup in the UK, this battery offers proven reliability and user-friendly operation that makes ownership hassle-free.
What truly sets Smart G2 batteries apart is the elimination of complex setup procedures. When you connect your Smart G2 battery to a Spektrum Smart charger, it automatically communicates its unique parameters, capacity, C-rating, cell count and health status. No balance leads, no manual configuration, no second-guessing whether you've set the right charging rate — it simply works. This is the future of RC battery technology, and it's available now through RC Model Shop.
Key Features
- 50C Continuous Discharge Rating — This powerful discharge capability ensures your RC vehicle receives consistent, reliable power delivery even during aggressive acceleration, high-speed runs and demanding manoeuvres, making it suitable for both basher and racer applications across the UK RC market.
- Smart G2 One-Connection Technology — Balancing information travels through the unique data wire of the IC3 connector, allowing you to balance charge your battery with just a single connection; no separate balance lead is required, saving time and reducing setup complexity.
- Integrated Memory Microchip — Each battery stores vital information including battery brand, type, capacity, C-rating, cell voltage, temperature data, charge and discharge cycle counts, and a comprehensive error log of over-heat, over-discharge and over-charge incidents, helping you make informed decisions about your battery's suitability and condition.
- Auto Storage Discharge Function — Factory-programmed to automatically discharge to a safe storage voltage of 3.90V after 72 hours of inactivity, this feature significantly extends battery life, maintains better performance over time, and provides peace of mind knowing your Smart battery is being maintained automatically without any user intervention.
- Three Times Faster Storage Discharge — Compared to previous generation Smart G1 batteries, the G2 offers dramatically faster auto-discharge at up to 1.5A, which means shorter storage discharge times and quicker battery maintenance routines.
- Thicker Internal Metal Side Plates — These reinforced internal structures improve heat dissipation during high-demand use and provide crucial protection for cells against punctures and damage during rough landings or impact situations common in RC car use.
- IC3 Connector Compatibility — The innovative Smart IC3 connector has been engineered from the ground up to provide a more solid connection, superior heat resistance, and effortless installation, whilst remaining backwards compatible with EC3 style connectors for use with older systems.
- Hard Case Construction — The hard case housing protects your battery during transport, storage and use, providing durability and structural protection that soft-case alternatives cannot match.
- User-Customisable Charge Rates — Whilst preset parameters upload automatically from your Smart G2 battery, you retain full control to customise charge rates on your Smart charger, and the battery's integrated microchip remembers your last setting for automatic application on the next charge.
- Customisable Auto Storage Settings — You can adjust the battery's Auto Storage discharge preferences based on your specific usage patterns and storage requirements, giving you complete flexibility in how your battery is maintained.
- Requires Spektrum Smart Charger — Smart G2 batteries work exclusively with Spektrum Smart chargers, ensuring optimal charging performance and access to all advanced features, health monitoring and data logging capabilities.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V Smart G2 50C battery delivers impressive technical specifications that make it suitable for a wide variety of RC applications. With a capacity of 5000mAh and 11.1V nominal voltage (3.7V per cell across three cells), this battery produces 55.5 watt-hours of energy, providing substantial runtime for extended RC sessions. The powerful 50C continuous discharge rating means the battery can safely deliver 250 amps of current continuously (5000mAh × 50C), with maximum burst discharge capability also rated at 50C, ensuring consistent power delivery even during aggressive driving. The battery supports a maximum charge rate of 5C, which equates to 25 amps at standard charge current (1C), allowing for relatively quick charging at up to 5A when used with compatible Spektrum Smart chargers. Construction utilises a hard case design measuring 138mm in length, 46mm in width and 35mm in height, with a weight of 430 grams, making it compact and manageable for mounting in most RC vehicles. The 12 AWG wire gauge provides excellent current carrying capacity whilst remaining flexible for installation. Built-in charge protection circuitry safeguards against overcharge conditions, and the G2 Smart battery technology incorporates comprehensive temperature monitoring to ensure safe operation across varying UK weather conditions. These engineering specifications combine to create a battery that is both powerful and practical, suitable for competitive racing, casual bashing, and everything in between across the RC car market in the UK.
What's in the Box
- SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V Smart G2 50C LiPo Battery with IC3 Connector
- Integrated IC3 Connector with Smart Data Wire
What You Need to Complete
- Spektrum Smart Charger (required for charging and accessing all Smart G2 features)
- RC Model or Vehicle Compatible with 3S LiPo Batteries (11.1V nominal)
- Charging Cable Assembly (if not already included with your Spektrum Smart Charger)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes the Spektrum Smart G2 50C battery different from standard LiPo batteries? — Unlike conventional LiPo batteries that require manual charging parameter setup, the Spektrum Smart G2 automatically uploads its unique charging parameters, capacity, C-rating and health information directly to your Spektrum Smart charger through the integrated memory microchip. This means you simply connect the battery and charging begins automatically with the correct settings — no manual configuration required. Additionally, Smart G2 batteries come factory-programmed to automatically discharge to a safe storage voltage after 72 hours of inactivity, which dramatically extends battery life and eliminates the common problem of over-discharged batteries that have lost capacity.
- Can I use this battery with my existing RC charger? — No, the Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 3S Smart G2 battery requires a Spektrum Smart Charger to function. Smart G2 batteries are designed exclusively for use with Spektrum Smart chargers, and attempting to charge them with standard LiPo chargers will not access the advanced features such as automatic parameter detection and data logging. If you don't already own a Spektrum Smart Charger, you'll need to purchase one separately to use this battery.
- What does the 50C rating mean and why does it matter? — The 50C rating refers to the continuous discharge rate of the battery, meaning it can safely deliver current equal to 50 times its capacity continuously. With a 5000mAh (5Ah) capacity, this battery can deliver 250 amps continuously (5Ah × 50C = 250A). This high discharge rating ensures your RC vehicle receives consistent, unrestricted power during aggressive driving, rapid acceleration and demanding use, making it suitable for both racing applications and high-performance bashing without voltage sag limiting your vehicle's performance.
- How long will this battery last on a single charge? — Runtime depends entirely on your RC model's power draw, driving style and throttle usage. The 5000mAh capacity provides substantial energy for extended use, but a high-performance brushless motor system will drain the battery faster than a lower-powered setup. Typical runtime ranges from 15 to 25 minutes during aggressive driving, and potentially 30+ minutes during lighter use. Check your specific RC model's specifications and motor current draw for more precise runtime estimates.
- What is the auto-discharge feature and why is it useful? — Smart G2 batteries are factory-programmed to automatically discharge to a safe storage voltage of 3.90V per cell (11.7V total for a 3S battery) after 72 hours of inactivity. This automatic maintenance prevents the battery from being stored at full charge, which significantly extends overall battery lifespan and preserves performance over time. The feature can be customised based on your preferences, and it works entirely automatically — you don't need to do anything after your last use. This is especially valuable for UK RC enthusiasts who may not use their batteries frequently.
- Is this battery suitable for beginners? — The Spektrum Smart G2 is actually ideal for beginners because it simplifies battery management considerably. The automatic charging parameter upload and one-connection charging system eliminate common beginner mistakes like setting incorrect charge rates or damaging the battery through improper storage. However, beginners will need to invest in a Spektrum Smart Charger to use this battery, which is an additional cost compared to standard LiPo batteries. If you're new to RC and already have a different charger system, you might want to start with batteries compatible with your existing charger before upgrading to Smart G2 technology.
- What is IC3 and why does it matter? — IC3 is Spektrum's intelligent connector system that incorporates a data wire alongside the standard power connections. This data wire carries battery health information and charging parameters from the battery's integrated microchip to your Spektrum Smart Charger. The IC3 connector design provides a solid connection with high heat resistance and effortless installation. It's also backwards compatible with EC3 connectors, so if you have older RC equipment, you can use an adapter without compatibility issues. The IC3 connector is specifically designed for Smart technology and enables the single-connection charging that eliminates the need for separate balance leads.
- How does the integrated memory microchip work? — Each Spektrum Smart G2 battery contains an integrated memory microchip that stores detailed information about the battery including its brand, chemistry type (LiPo), capacity (5000mAh), C-rating, cell count, individual cell voltages, temperature data, total charge cycles, total discharge cycles, internal resistance and a comprehensive error log. This data is automatically uploaded to your Spektrum Smart Charger whenever you connect the battery, allowing the charger to automatically set optimal charging parameters. The error log also tracks over-charge, over-discharge and over-temperature events, helping you understand the battery's history and make informed decisions about its continued suitability for your application.
- What is the difference between G2 and G1 Smart batteries? — Spektrum Smart G2 batteries represent the second generation of Smart battery technology with several improvements over G1 models. Most notably, G2 batteries feature a dramatically faster auto-discharge function at up to 1.5A (three times faster than G1), meaning storage discharge to safe voltages happens in significantly less time. G2 batteries also include thicker internal metal side plates for improved heat dissipation and cell protection. Additionally, G2 technology is more user-friendly with simplified charging procedures. For new purchases, G2 batteries are the recommended choice as they represent the current standard in Smart battery technology.
- Can I customise the auto-discharge settings? — Yes, whilst Smart G2 batteries come factory-programmed with standard auto-discharge settings (3.90V storage voltage after 72 hours), you can customise these parameters through your Spektrum Smart Charger. The battery's integrated microchip remembers your custom settings, so once you configure the discharge preferences to suit your usage patterns, they automatically apply to every subsequent charging cycle. This flexibility allows you to optimise battery maintenance based on your specific requirements and how frequently you use your RC vehicle.
- What safety features does this battery include? — The Spektrum SPM 5000mAh 3S Smart G2 includes integrated charge protection circuitry that prevents overcharging, which is a common cause of battery damage and failure. Additionally, the battery's memory microchip continuously monitors temperature and logs any over-temperature, over-charge or over-discharge events. When connected to your Spektrum Smart Charger, the charger can detect these logged incidents and alert you to potential battery issues. The comprehensive data logging allows you to identify batteries that are experiencing problems and remove them from service before they fail catastrophically.
- Is this battery waterproof? — Whilst the battery itself has robust hard-case construction, LiPo batteries are not waterproof components and should not be submerged or exposed to water. The hard case provides good protection against moisture ingress during normal use, but you should avoid dunking the battery in water or exposing it to heavy rain. If your battery gets wet, allow it to dry completely before charging or using it again. For waterproof RC applications, ensure your vehicle's battery compartment seals properly rather than relying on the battery itself to be waterproof.
- How much does this battery cost compared to standard LiPo batteries? — Smart G2 batteries do command a premium over standard, non-Smart LiPo batteries because of their integrated microchip technology, automatic charge parameter detection, advanced data logging and superior build quality including thicker internal metal side plates. However, this premium is justified by the convenience, safety features, extended battery lifespan through automatic storage discharge, and elimination of manual charging setup. For UK RC enthusiasts who value reliability and ease of use, the investment in Smart G2 technology often pays dividends through reduced battery failures and maintenance hassles.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the SPM 5000mAh 3S 11.1V SMART G2 50C IC3 O-SPMX53S50H3 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
