Overview
The Overlander 4500mAh 3S 11.1V 55C Low Profile LiPo Hard Case Sport Track battery (model 2956) is a high-performance rechargeable battery pack engineered specifically for RC car enthusiasts across the UK who demand reliable power delivery, consistent performance, and dependable runtime. Whether you're racing on the track, bashing off-road, or competing in competitive events, this hard-cased LiPo battery provides the energy your RC car, buggy, or monster truck needs to perform at its best. Built with the demanding requirements of RC racers and hobbyists in mind, the Overlander 2956 combines robust engineering, practical safety features, and excellent value for money—making it an ideal choice for anyone serious about their RC experience.
This battery is specially designed for a wide range of RC vehicles including RC cars, buggies, monster trucks, touring cars, and short course models. The hard case construction protects the battery pack against the impacts, abrasions, and vibrations common in RC environments, whilst the low-profile design ensures it fits seamlessly into most battery compartments without compromising vehicle balance or handling. The Overlander Sport Track range is recognised for delivering dependable performance at competitive pricing, making professional-grade power accessible to RC enthusiasts at every level.
Supplied ready-fitted with a Deans (T-plug) connector as standard, the battery also offers connector flexibility through custom options including EC5, XT90, and Traxxas connectors, ensuring compatibility with virtually any RC setup you might own. With a capacity of 4500mAh and an impressive 55C burst discharge rate, this battery delivers the sustained power and rapid acceleration bursts that competitive RC drivers expect from a premium battery pack.
Key Features
- 4500mAh Capacity — The 4500mAh capacity strikes an excellent balance between extended runtime and manageable weight, allowing you to enjoy longer track sessions and extended driving periods without the battery adding excessive bulk to your RC vehicle. This capacity is particularly suitable for competitive use where both endurance and vehicle responsiveness are essential.
- 11.1V 3S Configuration — The 3S (three-cell) 11.1V output is one of the most popular voltage configurations for RC cars, trucks, and buggies, offering significantly more power than 2S packs whilst remaining manageable for hobbyists of all experience levels. This voltage level delivers faster acceleration and higher top speeds compared to lower-voltage alternatives, whilst providing sufficient energy for demanding conditions whether you're racing on-road or bashing off-road.
- 55C Burst Discharge Rate — With a continuous 30C discharge rate and an impressive 55C burst rating, this battery can deliver powerful bursts of current when you need it most. The 55C burst capability ensures rapid acceleration response, consistent throttle delivery, and the ability to handle quick, sharp manoeuvres essential in competitive racing. This high discharge capability also helps reduce voltage sag under load, maintaining efficiency and safe operating conditions throughout use.
- Hard Case Protection — Unlike soft-pack batteries that are vulnerable to damage, the hard case design shields the battery pack against the impacts, abrasions, and vibrations commonly encountered in RC environments. This protective casing extends battery lifespan and maintains structural integrity even during rough track sessions or off-road bashing, providing peace of mind and better long-term value.
- Low-Profile Design — The compact dimensions (138 x 46 x 24mm) and lightweight form factor (317g) ensure the battery fits comfortably into standard battery compartments whilst maintaining optimal vehicle balance and weight distribution. The low-profile design is particularly important for competitive RC racing, where every aspect of vehicle handling and performance counts.
- Multiple Connector Options — Supplied standard with a Deans (T-plug) connector, the battery can also be ordered with EC5, XT90, or Traxxas connectors upon request, ensuring compatibility with virtually any RC model in your collection and eliminating the need for adapter leads.
- JST-XH Balance Connector — The integrated JST-XH balance connector type allows proper cell balancing during charging, essential for maintaining battery health, ensuring consistent performance, and extending the lifespan of your battery pack. Proper balance charging is critical for safe operation and maximum reliability.
- 10AWG Wire Gauge — The 10AWG wire gauge provides excellent current carrying capacity and minimal resistance, ensuring efficient power delivery from the battery to your RC model's motor and electronic speed controller without excessive heat generation or voltage drop.
Technical Performance
The Overlander 4500mAh 3S 11.1V 55C Low Profile LiPo battery represents a carefully engineered balance of performance specifications designed for serious RC enthusiasts. The 49.95Wh energy capacity combined with the 30C continuous discharge rate delivers 135A of maximum continuous current, whilst the 55C burst rating provides 247.5A of maximum burst current for those critical acceleration moments and tight cornering situations. These specifications demonstrate engineering that prioritises both sustained power delivery and dynamic performance. The battery utilises Lithium Polymer (LiPo) chemistry, which offers significant advantages over older battery technologies: exceptional energy density meaning more power in a lighter package, zero memory effect so you can charge at any state of discharge without capacity loss, and consistent voltage output throughout most of the discharge cycle to maintain predictable model performance. The 317g weight is carefully optimised to provide substantial capacity without creating the bulk that can negatively impact RC car handling and responsiveness. The hard case construction employs durable materials that withstand the mechanical stresses of racing and off-road use, whilst the low-profile geometry allows integration into even tight battery compartments. The 10AWG wiring and quality connectors (Deans standard with optional alternatives) ensure minimal voltage drop and efficient current flow, critical factors that allow the battery to deliver its full rated power to your motor and electronic speed controller without performance degradation.
What's in the Box
- Overlander 4500mAh 3S 11.1V 55C Low Profile LiPo Hard Case Battery (model 2956)
- Deans (T-plug) connector fitted as standard
- JST-XH balance connector lead
What You Need to Complete
- Compatible LiPo battery charger (set to LiPo mode) — absolutely essential for safe, balanced charging
- Voltage checker or battery monitor — recommended to track cell voltage and ensure safe storage charge levels
- RC car, buggy, truck or other compatible RC model with suitable motor, electronic speed controller, and 11.1V (3S) compatibility
- Protective LiPo battery bag or safe storage container for charging and storage
Understanding LiPo Batteries and This Product
What are lithium batteries and why should I use them in my RC models? Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries have become the standard power source for modern RC models including RC cars, buggies, trucks, drones, planes, and helicopters throughout the UK and worldwide. These batteries stand out from older technologies like NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) and NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium) because they combine high energy density—packing tremendous power into a small, lightweight package—with the ability to deliver quick bursts of power essential for rapid acceleration and sharp manoeuvres. LiPo batteries maintain consistent voltage throughout their discharge cycle, ensuring your RC model performs predictably and responsively until near the end of the battery's charge. They charge significantly faster than alternative battery types and offer zero memory effect, meaning you can recharge them at any state of discharge without capacity loss. The versatility of connector options available (Deans, EC5, XT90, Traxxas and others) makes it straightforward to match batteries across multiple RC models in your collection.
What do mAh and voltage mean and why are they important? Milliampere-hours (mAh) represents the battery's energy storage capacity—essentially how much power the battery can hold. A higher mAh rating directly translates to longer runtime, allowing you to enjoy extended driving sessions before requiring a recharge. The 4500mAh capacity of this Overlander battery provides an excellent duration for competitive RC racing whilst remaining lightweight enough for optimal vehicle handling. Voltage, expressed in series cells (like 2S, 3S, 4S), represents the electrical pressure or "push" the battery delivers. The 3S 11.1V configuration of this battery provides more power than lower-voltage 2S packs, resulting in faster acceleration and higher top speeds. However, it's essential that your RC model's motor, speed controller, and other electronics are specifically rated for 3S operation—using incorrect voltage can damage components or cause poor performance. Always verify voltage compatibility before use.
What is the C rating and why should I care? The C rating indicates how quickly your battery can discharge energy and represents its power delivery capability. Think of it as the battery's ability to keep up with demanding performance situations. The Overlander 2956 features a 30C continuous rating and a 55C burst rating—meaning it can continuously deliver substantial current whilst also providing a "turbo mode" power boost for critical moments. The continuous 30C rating ensures the battery reliably powers your RC model during sustained high-throttle driving, whilst the 55C burst capability activates during rapid acceleration, tight cornering, and all-out sprints where maximum current demand occurs. For high-performance RC racing applications, these ratings ensure the battery never becomes the limiting factor in your model's performance, delivering power exactly when needed without voltage sag or performance loss.
How do I choose the right battery for my RC model? Selecting the perfect battery involves balancing several factors. Capacity (mAh) determines runtime—higher capacity means longer sessions but typically greater weight. For this battery, the 4500mAh provides excellent balance between extended operation and manageable weight for RC cars and buggies. Voltage (series cells) must match your model's electronics specifications—the 3S 11.1V of this battery suits the vast majority of RC cars, trucks, and buggies available in the UK market. The C rating should reflect your driving style: racing and aggressive driving demands higher C ratings like the 55C burst rating here, whilst casual driving can work with lower ratings. Physical dimensions and weight must fit your model's battery compartment without disrupting balance. Always consult your RC model's manufacturer specifications and recommendations before selecting a battery—they will specify compatible voltage and capacity ranges essential for safe, optimal performance. The Sport Track range of Overlander batteries is engineered to provide excellent value whilst maintaining the performance standards serious RC enthusiasts demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Overlander 4500mAh 3S LiPo suitable for beginners? — This battery is suitable for intermediate to advanced RC enthusiasts rather than complete beginners, primarily because LiPo batteries require proper charging equipment and safety awareness. You'll need a dedicated LiPo-capable charger, understanding of safe storage practices, and familiarity with voltage monitoring. However, if you already have experience with LiPo batteries and own a compatible charger, this is an excellent battery for expanding your RC car collection. Beginners should ensure they understand LiPo safety requirements before purchasing.
- What charger do I need for this battery? — This battery requires a dedicated LiPo battery charger set to LiPo mode—never use a standard charger or incorrect chemistry setting. The charger must support the JST-XH balance connector for proper cell balancing. A balance charger that monitors and equalises individual cell voltage during charging is essential for maintaining battery health, ensuring consistent performance, and preventing safety hazards like overcharging or uneven cell charge. Many quality LiPo chargers from brands like Hobbywing and others are available at RC Model Shop.
- How long will this battery last between charges? — Runtime depends on several factors including your RC model's motor type, driving style, terrain conditions, and speed controller efficiency. The 4500mAh capacity provides substantial energy for extended track sessions—typically 15-30 minutes of continuous driving depending on load. Higher-powered motors and aggressive driving consume battery energy faster, whilst casual cruising extends runtime. For competitive racing, many drivers own multiple batteries to maximise track time.
- Is this battery suitable for off-road RC trucks and buggies? — Yes, this battery is specifically designed for RC cars, buggies, and monster trucks. The hard case protection is particularly valuable for off-road use where impacts, vibrations, and rough terrain are common. The 3S 11.1V voltage and 55C burst rating provide the power needed for challenging off-road conditions and climbing, making this battery ideal for both track racing and off-road bashing.
- Can I use this battery in multiple RC models? — Yes, provided your RC models are all rated for 3S 11.1V compatibility and equipped with compatible connectors (or you use appropriate adapter leads). The standard Deans (T-plug) connector supplied can be changed to EC5, XT90, or Traxxas upon request, allowing you to match the battery to different vehicles in your collection. This flexibility makes the Overlander Sport Track range excellent value across multiple RC models.
- How should I store this battery? — Store the battery at approximately 50% charge (around 3.7V to 3.85V per cell) in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and extreme cold. This storage charge level minimises cell stress and maintains optimal battery health during periods of non-use. Check the battery's charge status every couple of months and top it up to 50% charge if needed. Never store fully charged or completely drained—both extremes degrade battery health and create safety risks.
- What is voltage sag and why does this battery help prevent it? — Voltage sag is the temporary voltage drop that occurs when high current flows through a battery. The 55C burst rating and 10AWG wiring of the Overlander 2956 minimise voltage sag, ensuring your motor receives consistent power even during maximum acceleration or demanding manoeuvres. Reduced voltage sag translates to better throttle response, more consistent performance, and more efficient motor operation—critical advantages in competitive RC racing.
- Is this battery waterproof? — Whilst the hard case provides excellent impact protection and the sealed construction offers some moisture resistance, LiPo batteries themselves are not fully waterproof. Protect the battery from direct water immersion, heavy rain, or submersion. The hard case does provide meaningful splash protection during light rain or wet grass driving, better than soft-pack alternatives. For water crossings or very wet conditions, use appropriate waterproof battery boxes or cases.
- What does the burst discharge rate mean practically? — The 55C burst rating means the battery can deliver short bursts of exceptionally high current (247.5A maximum) when you push the throttle hard. This burst capability provides immediate, responsive acceleration and sharp steering response—exactly what competitive RC racers demand. Whilst the battery can't sustain this burst rate indefinitely, it provides the power boost needed for those critical racing moments where performance counts most.
- How do I prevent overcharging or over-discharging? — Always use a charger with built-in voltage cut-off set to stop automatically at maximum safe voltage (typically 4.2V per cell). Never charge unattended, and establish the habit of monitoring your battery during use with a voltage checker. Stop driving before the battery voltage drops below 3.0V per cell—modern voltage checkers cost just a few pounds and are essential safety equipment. Many RC enthusiasts use battery monitors that alarm when voltage reaches minimum safe levels, preventing accidental over-discharge.
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 Overlander 4500mAh 3S 11.1V 55C Low Profile LiPo Hard Case Sport Track – 2956 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.