Overview
The Spektrum Pro Series Race 4s Charge Cable is an essential charging accessory designed for RC enthusiasts who demand reliability and compatibility with their racing setups. Whether you're a competitive racer looking to maximise downtime between heats, a weekend basher enjoying high-speed runs, or an RC hobbyist in the UK seeking dependable charging solutions, this cable delivers the connectivity you need. Built to Spektrum's exacting standards, this charge cable is engineered to provide a secure connection between your compatible charger and 4S LiPo batteries, ensuring consistent power delivery and safe charging practices every time you plug in.
The Pro Series Race designation indicates this cable is part of Spektrum's professional-grade lineup, which means you're investing in equipment trusted by competitive RC car UK enthusiasts and serious hobbyists alike. The IC3 connector paired with a 5mm charging jack provides industry-standard connectivity that works seamlessly with a wide range of modern chargers and battery management systems. This is the kind of accessory that transforms your RC experience from frustrating to fluid, eliminating compatibility headaches and allowing you to focus on what matters: getting your RC car on the track or bash course as quickly as possible.
With a customer rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on the manufacturer's platform, this cable has proven itself in the hands of real users. It's the sort of product that doesn't grab headlines but absolutely matters when you're in the pit area with limited charging time. For anyone running 4S LiPo batteries in their ready to run RC vehicles or race kits, having the right charge cable isn't optional—it's fundamental to reliable operation.
Key Features
- IC3 Connector — The IC3 connector is one of the most widely adopted charging connectors in the RC hobby, and this cable features it prominently to ensure compatibility with the vast majority of modern Spektrum chargers and many universal chargers on the market. This means you're not locked into proprietary ecosystem concerns; you can use this cable across multiple chargers and setups.
- 5mm Charging Jack — The 5mm charging jack provides a large, robust connection point that's designed to handle repeated plug-and-unplug cycles without degradation. This larger connector size is more forgiving than smaller alternatives, reducing the risk of accidental damage during those rushed pit area charging sessions.
- 4S LiPo Compatibility — Specifically designed for 4-cell lithium polymer batteries, this cable ensures proper charging protocols for 4S packs, which typically deliver 14.8V nominal voltage and are extremely popular in modern RC racing and high-performance off-road applications across the UK RC scene.
- Pro Series Construction — Belonging to Spektrum's Pro Series Race line, this cable is manufactured to higher standards than budget alternatives, with attention to cable gauge, connector quality, and overall durability that serious racers demand.
- Reliable Power Delivery — Built as a direct charging cable rather than an adapter, this eliminates potential points of failure and voltage drop, ensuring that the full charging amperage specified by your charger reaches your battery without compromise.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum Pro Series Race 4s Charge Cable represents careful engineering focused on the specific demands of 4S LiPo battery charging. The IC3 connector has become an industry standard in RC charging because it provides a secure, keyed connection that prevents reverse polarity mistakes—a critical safety feature when dealing with lithium polymer batteries. The 5mm charging jack complements this by offering a larger contact area and more robust physical connection than smaller alternatives, which is particularly important during high-current charging scenarios where thermal considerations matter. The cable itself is constructed with appropriate gauge wire to handle the amperage that modern balance chargers and dedicated power supplies deliver to 4-cell LiPo packs. Whether you're charging at 5A, 10A, or higher rates depending on your charger capability, this Pro Series cable is engineered to support typical charging protocols without voltage drop or heat generation that would compromise battery longevity. The Pro Series Race designation reflects Spektrum's commitment to components that can handle the demands of competitive RC car racing, where downtime between qualifying rounds and races must be minimised and charging reliability is non-negotiable. This is not a cable for casual occasional charging; it's built for frequency of use and reliability that serious competitors and dedicated hobbyists expect from professional-grade equipment. Manufactured by Spektrum, part of the Horizon Hobby group, this cable benefits from decades of RC industry expertise and continuous refinement based on real-world user feedback from the global RC racing community.
What's in the Box
- 1x Spektrum Pro Series Race 4s Charge Cable with IC3 connector and 5mm charging jack
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the IC3 connector and why is it important for my RC charging setup? — The IC3 connector is a keyed connector specifically designed for RC battery charging that has become the industry standard. It prevents reverse-polarity connections that could damage your batteries or charger, and it provides a secure, reliable connection that maintains full charging current without voltage drop. If you're charging 4S LiPo batteries with a modern Spektrum charger, IC3 compatibility is essential for safety and proper charging performance.
- Is this cable compatible with my current charger? — This cable works with any charger equipped with an IC3 output socket, which includes the vast majority of modern Spektrum chargers and many universal charging systems available to UK RC enthusiasts. However, you should verify your specific charger model has an IC3 output before purchasing. If your charger uses a different connector type (XT60, Deans, etc.), you would need a different cable or an appropriate adapter.
- What does 4S mean and what batteries can I charge with this cable? — 4S refers to a 4-cell lithium polymer battery configuration, which provides 14.8V nominal voltage (16.8V fully charged). This cable is specifically designed for 4S LiPo batteries and should not be used with 2S, 3S, 5S, or higher cell-count batteries unless your charger explicitly supports those configurations. Always match your cable to your battery cell count and charger capability.
- Can I use this cable with my existing balance charger? — If your balance charger has an IC3 connector output, then yes, this cable will work perfectly. The 5mm charging jack connects to the balance connector on your 4S LiPo battery. Some older or budget chargers use different connectors, so always verify compatibility before purchasing. This is a direct charge cable, not an adapter, so your charger must have IC3 output capability.
- Why would I need a dedicated race cable when my battery came with a charge lead? — The charge lead that comes with your battery is typically designed for low-current charging at 1A or 2A rates. The Pro Series Race charge cable is engineered for higher-current charging applications, reducing your charging time significantly between races or practice sessions. If you're charging at 5A, 10A, or higher rates, using a dedicated charging cable rated for those amperage levels is safer and faster than relying on the included lead. This is why serious racers and competitive hobbyists always invest in a proper charge cable.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — Yes and no—the cable itself is straightforward to use, but it's designed for owners of 4S LiPo batteries and compatible chargers. If you're new to RC and running a beginner-friendly 3S LiPo system, this cable won't be compatible. However, if you're stepping up to a 4S racing setup or brushless high-performance RC vehicle, this is exactly the kind of professional-grade cable you should be using from the start.
- What is the difference between this Pro Series Race cable and cheaper alternatives? — The Pro Series designation reflects Spektrum's higher manufacturing standards, better-quality connectors and cable gauge, and engineering specifically optimised for racing applications where reliability is critical. Budget cables may use thinner gauge wire that generates heat during high-current charging, or connectors with looser tolerances that degrade with repeated use. The Pro Series cable is built for hundreds of charge cycles across a competitive season without degradation.
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 Pro Series Race 4s Charge Cable: IC3/5mm O-SPMXCA330 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.
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