Choosing the right LiPo battery can make or break your FPV experience, especially when it comes to performance. In this review we tested the latest GNB 6S LiHV and LiPo batteries to see how they stack up against each other, and other popular brands. With promises of higher energy density and power delivery, these high-voltage (LiHV) packs bring a lot to the table—but do they deliver? Let’s find out. Additionally, there’s often confusion about LiHV batteries and the ever-inflated C-ratings. In this review, I’ll share insights and findings based on real-world testing.
New to FPV? Check out our battery buyer’s guide to learn the basics: https://oscarliang.com/lipo-battery-guide/
Overview of the Batteries Tested
I tested 4 batteries from GNB (brand new), 1 battery from BetaFPV (almost 1 year old), and 1 battery from Tattu (2 years old).
GNB 6S 1100mAh 160C LiHV
- Weight: 177g
- Dimensions: 81x39x30mm
- Advertized Capacity: 1100mAh
- Measured Capacity (From 4.35/cell): 1049mAh
- Measured Capacity (From 4.20/cell): 909mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
GNB 6S 1300mAh 160C LiHV
- Weight: 198g
- Dimensions: 82x39x34mm
- Advertized Capacity: 1300mAh
- Measured Capacity (From 4.35/cell): 1227mAh
- Measured Capacity (From 4.20/cell): 1044mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
GNB 6S 1500mAh 160C LiHV
- Weight: 222g
- Dimensions: 83x39x39mm
- Advertized Capacity: 1500mAh
- Measured Capacity (From 4.35/cell): 1375mAh
- Measured Capacity (From 4.20/cell): 1180mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
GNB 6S 1530mAh 160C LiPo
- Weight: 251g
- Dimensions: 82x39x44mm
- Advertized Capacity: 1530mAh
- Measured Capacity: 1457mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
Tattu R-Line V3 6S 1050mAh 120C LiPo
- Weight: 199g
- Dimensions: 77x40x36mm
- Advertized Capacity: 1050mAh
- Measured Capacity: 1078mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
BetaFPV LAVA 6S 1100mAh 100C LiPo
- Weight: 192g
- Dimensions: 77x39x35mm
- Advertized Capacity: 1100mAh
- Measured Capacity: 1100mAh
- Connector: XT60
- Product Pages:
Capacity Testing
I discharged the batteries at 2C until they reached 3.1V per cell. This low current draw kept voltage sag and heat minimal with little wasted energy, allowing for accurate capacity measurements. For results, see “Measured Capacity” in the battery overview earlier.
The results showed that GNB batteries consistently fell slightly short of their advertised capacity, with the 1500mAh LiHV being the most notable at 8% below its stated value. However, given their lightweight, this result isn’t entirely surprising. For example, the GNB 1300mAh LiHV (actual 1227mAh) weighs nearly the same as the BetaFPV 1100mAh and Tattu 1050mAh packs.
It seems GNB may have slightly overstated their capacity—possibly just wanting a nice, rounded number on the label. Still, thanks to the higher energy density of LiHV compared to standard LiPo, you’re getting slightly more capacity for the same weight. I don’t see this being a dealbreaker really, but it’s important to keep the true capacity in mind when using them.
Voltage Sag Testing
In the second test, I discharged the batteries at a constant 12A until they reach 3.3V per cell, and compared the voltage sag throughout the entire discharge cycle. Lower voltage sag indicates a more powerful battery. Admittedly, 12A is a relatively small load for a 6S 1000-1500mAh battery pack, as a typical 5″ FPV drone can draw up to 80A or even 100A during a punch-out. Unfortunately, this is the maximum discharge current my testing equipment (SkyRC BD350) can handle, so while the result may not be as drastic as a higher current test, it still demonstrates relative performance differences to a degree.
Additionally, larger batteries of the same C-rating are typically more powerful because the maximum discharge current is proportional to the battery’s capacity. Therefore, larger batteries will generally exhibit lower voltage sag. For this reason, it’s important to compare similarly sized batteries.
Let’s compare batteries of similar capacities in the diagram:
- GNB 6S 1530mAh LiPo vs. GNB 6S 1500mAh LiHV – The LiHV clearly demonstrated better performance in the first half of the discharge cycle, delivering higher voltage and more power. However, the LiPo caught up in the second half and even surpassed the LiHV toward the end.
- GNB 6S 1100mAh LiHV, BetaFPV 1100mAh, and Tattu 1050mAh – A similar pattern emerged: the LiHV showed stronger performance in the first half of the discharge, but in the second half, its performance leveled out and was comparable to the LiPo counterparts.
Key Observations and Insights
High Volt LiHV vs. Standard LiPo
- LiHV Advantages: LiHV packs offer higher energy density, storing more energy per gram of weight, making them ideal for pilots prioritizing long flight times. They also provide noticeably higher power delivery during the first half of the discharge cycle, which is particularly advantageous for racers seeking maximum performance.
- LiHV Limitations: The performance benefits of LiHV batteries are primarily noticeable in the first half of the discharge cycle. In the second half, their voltage drops to levels comparable to standard LiPos, which reduces the perceived benefit.
When it comes to longevity, I conducted testing that confirms LiHV batteries degrade faster than standard LiPos. After 100 discharge cycles, LiHV batteries exhibited a 5.4% capacity reduction, while LiPos only showed a 3.8% reduction.
It’s worth noting that you can use a LiHV battery like a standard LiPo by charging it to 4.20V per cell instead of 4.35V. This can extend its lifespan, but you’ll only use approximately 85% of its capacity.
C Ratings
GNB makes great LiPos, but the advertised “160C-320C” C-rating is undoubtedly inflated. There’s no way these batteries can output 170A to 340A of current without damaging themselves. In reality, the XT60 connectors and wires would melt long before reaching those currents.
From my testing, the GNB 6S 1100mAh battery performed similarly to the BetaFPV Lava 6S 1100mAh, which is only rated for 100C. While the GNB pack might appear stronger initially, that’s primarily because it’s a LiHV battery. In the second half of the discharge cycle, its performance closely matched the BetaFPV pack.
Therefore, C-ratings should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when comparing different brands. Each manufacturer seems to follow its own standard for determining C-ratings, making them unreliable as a sole buying factor. However, within the same brand, C-ratings can serve as a reasonable indicator of where a battery ranks in terms of performance.
Variation in Voltage
LiHV batteries have slightly higher voltage variation throughout the discharge cycle. This can be impactful because motor KV is directly proportional to battery voltage, meaning variations in voltage will affect the quad’s power, throttle response, and overall handling. One work around is to turn on “VBAT Sag Compensation” in Betaflight.
Charging LiHV
Before buying LiHV batteries, make sure your charger can handle them—specifically, check for a “LiHV” battery type in the menu or the ability to manually set the end voltage to 4.35V per cell. If you charge LiHV batteries using standard LiPo settings (charging to 4.20 per cell), you’ll only be using 85% of their capacity. If you need a new charger, check out my battery charger recommendations—all of which support LiHV: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/#Top-LiPo-Charger-Recommendations
Final Thoughts: Are GNB’s New 6S Batteries Worth It?
While GNB slightly overstates the capacities of its 6S batteries, the LiHV packs deliver on energy density and strong power delivery—particularly in the first half of the discharge cycle. These are a great choice for:
- Pilots prioritizing flight time and weight reduction.
- Racers needing an initial voltage boost for quick acceleration.
Sure, LiPo’s do last longer than LiHV, but it’s not as bad as you might think, see my longevity testing here: https://oscarliang.com/lihv-battery/
With that said, the standard LiPos remain a budget and solid option for everyday flying. They also last longer, exhibit less voltage variation, and perform similarly to LiHV packs in the latter half of the flight.
No matter what you choose, GNB continues to be a trusted drone battery brand offering excellent value and quality. Whether you pick LiHV or LiPo, these batteries remain a solid choice for the FPV community.
