Confused about cells

[Chris Green]

Hello everyone!

I was hoping to order my cells for the 2008 season this week. I have the money ready, and just need to decide what to go for.

I will be running a B44, and a B4 at the mid-west regionals. The B44 will be running a 5.5R, and the B4 will probably have a 6.5L in it.

I have one set of GrePow Kapow4200's, and one set of GP3700's. Both of these should be ok for both classes (The 3700's might struggle a bit, as they are old ish). So, I will need 2 more sets for this season for sure.

However, the commonly used cells are IB's and EP's. However, these cells are un-reliable at best. There are obviously other threads to discuss this, so I don't want to go into that too much.

So, what should I do?

For regionals, I understand that I can use 2007 cells. I can't find a 2007 list, so I don't know what cells are ok for me. If anyone could help me with that, I'd be grateful.

So, I could do any of the following;

1. Buy some IB4200's, look after them, and pray they don't blow up on me.

2. EP4200's, as above. there are obviously fewer explosions with these, but in comparison, not many people run them.

3. Orion SHO4200. These will probably be popular this season? they are expensive, but if they are as solid as GP3700's or similar, then that's great!

4. buy some of last season's cells from people that are running at the nationals this season? There will probably be loads of solid GP3700's and such like being sold? Possibly Batt4000's?

5. take a gamble, and buy some of the other cells on the brca approved list? So many of these are un-proven? run-time is unlikely to be an issue, but I am majorly concerned about safety.

I charge my cells in the kitchen at the moment, and I'd hate to see them explode when the missus is in there, or a member of my family (and I've recently spend £3600 on laser eye surgery for the wife, so I need to look after her peepers!). Plus, I go club racing with my dad, and 10 y/o brother. The thought of something exploding around them, or any of the other kids at a meeting is horrific.

For someone like me, there doesn't seem to be an easy option? I really don't know what to do?

I'd really appreciate some advice.

Thank you,

Chris.