Charging at More Than 1C

[DaveG28]

More and more Lipo's now say you can charge them at more than 1C (I have 1 which says 6C!), what impact does charging at over 1c have, is it dangerous? Shortens life a little/lot? Any other effect!?

Also, should it be at a specific rate or doesn't it matter, eg if I have a 5000mah pack which says max charge is 2C does it matter whether I charge at 6/8/10A etc?

[slow coach]

I have also asked the same question dave and so far the only answers I have got back contradict each other, I guess the only drawback may well be reduced cycle life if charging at high amp rates I would also guess a pack would go nuclear faster at 6C than 1C although I cannot prove either, My current packs are still rated at max 2C charge but i still use 1C not a big deal but 1C is 5 amps 2C is 10 amps quite a difference.

[Garry]

No performance benefit, just shorter charge times.

[Whiskers]

In the instructions for my LRP VETC 4800 saddles they recommend that they are charged at 10 amps!

[Big G]

I see most chargers only goto 5A anyway. My overloader goes to 8A, but since I charge up the day before there's no rush.

[bodgit]

This is taken from trakpowers site.

Normal charge rates for a LiPo pack are 1C (1 x Capacity in Amps) this will take around 1 hour, TrakPower packs are capable of being fast charged at up to 2C with a TrakPower V-Balancer or other certified balance charger.

2c is not something I would do, as on other sites it claims charging a lipo at more than 1c decreases the life of the battery.
As said in other posts not many chargers go above 5amps anyway, so just charge them a few days before the event if time is an issue but for safety always use a lipo bag.