Overview
The Spektrum SPM Charge Lead with Balance Extension 24 inch IC3, 2-4S (model O-SPMX-1014) is an essential charging accessory for RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand flexibility and convenience when maintaining their LiPo battery packs. Whether you're a serious RC car racer, a weekend basher, or someone who enjoys RC helicopters and drones, this charge lead extension solves one of the most common frustrations in the hobby: limited reach when charging batteries. If you've ever struggled to position your battery pack safely in a LiPo charging bag whilst keeping your charger at a safe distance, or wanted more freedom to charge your RC batteries exactly where you want them, this Spektrum extension lead is the perfect solution.
Spektrum is recognised worldwide as the leader in spread spectrum technology for RC applications, and their attention to detail extends to every accessory they produce. This balance extension lead represents years of engineering expertise designed specifically for RC enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on safety or convenience. The 24-inch length provides substantial reach, allowing you to charge your 2S to 4S LiPo packs whilst keeping them safely contained in a dedicated LiPo charging bag, away from your main work area. For RC car UK enthusiasts, whether you're running a ready to run RC monster truck, a competition-grade buggy, or any other LiPo-powered model, this extension lead offers genuine peace of mind during the charging process.
What truly sets this Spektrum charge lead apart is its comprehensive compatibility across multiple battery generations and connector types. This isn't a one-trick accessory that only works with the latest Spektrum G2 Smart batteries—it includes both a standard balance lead for traditional G1 Smart batteries and non-Smart batteries, plus a dedicated grey Smart wire specifically engineered for use with Spektrum's advanced SPM G2 Smart battery system. This dual-functionality approach means your investment in this extension lead will serve you reliably whether you're charging legacy battery systems or investing in the latest smart charging technology.
Key Features
- 24-inch extended length — The full 24-inch (approximately 61 centimetre) extended reach provides substantial flexibility in how and where you position your RC battery during charging, allowing you to safely charge within a dedicated LiPo bag whilst maintaining comfortable distance from your charger and work area.
- IC3 connector compatibility — This charge lead features IC3 connectors, which are widely used across many modern RC applications including ready to run RC cars, trucks, and aerial models, ensuring broad compatibility with popular hobby equipment available in the UK market.
- 2-4S LiPo battery support — Designed to work reliably with 2-cell, 3-cell, and 4-cell LiPo battery configurations, this extension lead covers the vast majority of hobby-grade RC applications from entry-level ready to run RC models through to serious competition racing vehicles.
- Dual connector system — Includes both male and female connectors in a single package, providing complete flexibility for whatever charging setup or configuration you're running, whether you're connecting directly to your charger or using the extension as part of a larger charging harness.
- G1 and G2 Smart battery compatibility — Includes a standard balance lead for use with conventional batteries and Spektrum G1 Smart batteries, plus a grey Smart wire specifically designed for the advanced SPM G2 Smart battery ecosystem, ensuring future-proof compatibility with Spektrum's latest smart charging technology.
- Non-Smart battery support — In addition to Spektrum's proprietary Smart battery systems, this extension lead works equally well with traditional non-Smart LiPo batteries from any manufacturer, making it a truly universal charging solution for RC enthusiasts in the UK.
- Enhanced charging safety — The extended length allows you to position your valuable LiPo battery pack inside a dedicated fireproof charging bag or safe container whilst your charger remains outside and easily accessible, significantly improving safety during the charging process.
Technical Performance
The Spektrum SPM Charge Lead with Balance Extension is engineered with the same precision and quality standards that have made Spektrum the recognised leader in RC technology. The 24-inch extension employs high-quality wiring and connectors that maintain reliable electrical contact whilst resisting the wear and tear of repeated use—essential when you're charging multiple battery packs across many RC vehicles. The connector design ensures secure, repeatable mating with both JST-XH style balance plugs (found on most modern LiPo batteries) and Spektrum's proprietary Smart battery connectors. The inclusion of both standard and grey Smart wire options demonstrates Spektrum's commitment to future compatibility; the grey Smart wire carries the additional data signals required by SPM G2 Smart batteries, enabling advanced charging features like individual cell voltage balancing, temperature monitoring, and smart charge profiling. Whether you're charging a single 2S pack for your ready to run RC quadcopter, managing multiple 3S batteries for your RC car UK racing schedule, or running the full 4S packs required by high-performance brushless RC models, this extension lead delivers the reliability and precision your hobby demands. The robust construction ensures thousands of charge cycles without degradation, making this a genuine long-term investment in your RC charging infrastructure rather than a disposable accessory.
What's in the Box
- Spektrum 24-inch Charge Lead with Balance Extension featuring IC3 connectors
- Standard balance lead connector for G1 Smart and non-Smart LiPo batteries
- Grey Smart wire connector for SPM G2 Smart batteries
- Both male and female balance connectors
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the standard balance lead and the grey Smart wire included with this extension? — The standard balance lead connects to traditional LiPo battery packs and Spektrum G1 Smart batteries, providing basic charge balancing functionality. The grey Smart wire is specifically engineered for Spektrum's newest SPM G2 Smart batteries, carrying additional data signals that enable advanced features including real-time cell voltage monitoring, temperature-aware charging, and intelligent charge profiling. By including both in this single package, Spektrum ensures you're prepared whether you're charging legacy batteries or upgrading to the latest smart battery technology.
- Can I use this Spektrum charge lead with non-Spektrum LiPo batteries? — Yes, absolutely. The standard balance lead included in this package works with any JST-XH style balance plug found on conventional LiPo batteries from any manufacturer. This makes the Spektrum SPM Charge Lead with Balance Extension an excellent universal charging solution for any RC enthusiast in the UK running multiple brands and battery types, whether you're charging packs for your ready to run RC truck, racing buggy, or aerial platform.
- What is the maximum battery size this extension lead supports? — This charge lead is designed for 2S to 4S LiPo battery configurations, covering the vast majority of hobby-grade RC applications. Whether you're running a modest 2S pack in an entry-level ready to run RC model or a full 4S configuration in a high-performance brushless RC car, this extension provides the necessary reach and connectivity.
- Why would I need a 24-inch charge lead extension? — The extended length serves multiple practical purposes. Most importantly, it allows you to safely position your valuable LiPo battery pack inside a dedicated fireproof charging bag or safe container whilst your charger remains positioned outside where you can easily monitor the charging process. This separation dramatically reduces fire risk, a critical safety concern for RC enthusiasts. Additionally, the extended reach gives you greater flexibility in your charging setup, allowing you to charge batteries at safe distances from flammable materials and in locations separate from your RC work area.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — Absolutely. Whilst this is specifically a charging extension rather than a complete charging system, any RC enthusiast who owns LiPo batteries—from complete beginners operating ready to run RC models through to experienced racers—will benefit from the safety and convenience this extension provides. If you already own a compatible Spektrum charger and LiPo batteries, this extension is an excellent safety upgrade that's simple to use and install.
- What batteries does this extension work with? — This extension supports 2-cell, 3-cell, and 4-cell LiPo batteries featuring JST-XH style balance connectors, which includes most modern hobby-grade RC batteries. The standard balance lead works with any brand, whilst the grey Smart wire specifically supports Spektrum SPM G2 Smart batteries. Always verify your battery uses a JST-XH balance connector before purchasing.
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 Charge Lead with Balance Extension 24 inch IC3, 2-4S O-SPMX-1014 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.
