One of the most common questions we get asked when new players are getting into Airsoft is, ‘What type of battery do we need?’

There are different types of batteries you can use with your airsoft gun, but this can sometimes depend on the type of connector your airsoft gun has. Most of the time, out-of-box airsoft guns will typically come with a ‘Mini-Tamiya’ connector, however as this is not always the case and is always worth checking with your airsoft manual.

What are the different connectors?

The typical connectors you will see in an Airsoft gun are Mini-Tamiya, Deans or XT60. As with anything, there are pros and cons to using the different types of connectors.

Mini-Tamiya

Typically the most commonly found connector used within Airsoft, the Mini Tamiya is derived from the large Tamiya connector which is more commonly used in RC cars. With it being so commonly used, it does mean you will never run out of places to purchase new batteries & chargers.

Deans

Although less common than the mini-Tamiya, the Deans' connector is often the most requested for experience Airsofters. The reason for this is that a Dean's connector has a decreased resistance meaning that the battery is more efficiently delivering power to your motor. The Dean's connector is also smaller than the mini-Tamiya connector, meaning it is great for fitting batteries into small compartments.

XT60

XT60 is a connector that is barely used within Airsoft. More commonly used for custom jobs, XT60 connectors are great if being used with a high-speed fancy gun.

When it comes to connectors, we would always recommend a Deans connector. They offer a better connection to increase the efficiency of the battery, plus their small size means you can pack them into smaller compartments within your gun.

What about batteries?

There are 3 types of main batteries used within Airsoft guns, NiMh, LiPo & Li-Ion. Let's look into these batteries, and see why you would choose any of these.

NiMh

NiMh batteries or Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are ideal for rental airsoft guns or those who are just getting into Airsoft. Best used for Full Auto play or a mix of Full & Semi Auto play, these batteries are reliable and easy to maintain. You can get up to 2,000 charging cycles before you need to replace these, plus they can be completely drained to zero without harming or damaging the cells. These are great for Airsofters just getting started as they are safe & cost-effective.

LiPo

LiPo batteries or Lithium Polymer batteries are the preferred and more commonly used batteries in Airsoft. Better used with the mid to higher-end AEGs, as the big pro of using a LiPo is the initial burst rate you get from these batteries. However, these batteries only give around 500 charging cycles, which does mean you will need to replace these more often, but as they are most commonly used in Airsoft, these are often the easiest and more affordable batteries to use.

With LiPo batteries, we also recommend using a LiPo battery smart charger to ensure the proper care these batteries require.


Li-Ion

The last type of commonly used battery in Airsoft is the Li-Ion battery or Lithium-Ion. These are very similar to LiPo batteries in that they are great for mid to high-end guns, however, the major advantage of using these over LiPo, is that with these batteries you can get up to 1,200 charging cycles. These are also housed in a metal cell, meaning there is next to no risk of puffing.

Hopefully, this handy guide will be helpful when deciding on your next Airsoft gun and which battery connector and batter to use.

Recommended Batteries & Chargers

Nuprol batteries are great when it comes to affordability and reliability.
Nuprol Batteries

LiPo Safety Charing Bags are the perfect way to transport your batteries.
Nuprol LiPo Safety Charging Bag

SkyRC Imax B6 V2 Smart Charger is excellent for those who need to charge multiple types of batteries.
SkyRC Imax B6 v2 LiPo Smart Charger