In this review, we will examine the CNHL 3400mAh 6S LiPo battery’s flight performance, pros and cons, weight considerations, and overall value. Whether you’re an FPV cruiser, cinematic pilot, or endurance enthusiast, this guide will help you decide if this battery is the right choice for your setup.
A long-range drone inherently requires the ability to fly for an extended period. Finding the perfect balance between the weight and the battery capacity we intend to use is important to achieve this. I have built and tested several LR FPV drones of different sizes in the last few years. While a 5-6″ drone can be equipped with up to a 6S 4000mAh pack, an 8-9″ can support up to 8000mAh.
Opinions are divided on whether Li-Ion or LiPo batteries are better for long-range drones. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I tested both options, and the LIION packs are about 30% lighter than LIPOs but lack power. While the CNHL 3400mAh 6S has a 100C/200C discharge rate, LIION batteries have only 15-40C.
CNHL 6S 3400mAh review
Disclosure: I received this long-range FPV battery in a product review collaboration with China Hobby Line (CNHL). Although the LIPO packs were offered for free, all opinions in this article remain mine, and the sponsor did not influence me by any means.
CNHL is a well-known brand specializing in high-performance LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries for FPV drones, RC cars, airplanes, and other remote-controlled applications. Established to provide affordable yet powerful batteries, CNHL has built a strong reputation among hobbyists and professionals alike. They have five popular battery series:
- Black Series – Premium-grade cells for maximum power and reliability.
- Speedy Pizza Series – Designed for FPV racing, offering high burst discharge rates.
- Racing series – High-capacity packs with solid performance at a low price
- MiniStar Series – Lightweight and efficient, ideal for freestyle drones.
- G+ Series – Built for RC cars and high-drain applications.
At a glance
Like all CNHL batteries I reviewed before, the 6S 3400mah Racing series also comes in a blank back cardboard box. To protect the batteries, they were additionally wrapped in a bubble sheet. The pack contains six cells connected in series in a 6S1P configuration and held together by a black heat shrink tube. A beautiful green/black sticker shows battery parameters and safety recommendations. Here, I should mention that CNHL mislabeled the battery power as 35.52Wh because, doing the math (22.2V × 3.4A), the result is 75.48Wh.
The CNHL 6S 3400mAh Racing pack measures 72×50×91mm and weighs 575 grams. It has a 12cm long AWG12 discharge cable with an XT60 connector. Its half-brick shape rather than a more elongated design makes installation more difficult for FPV drones. Instead, it is probably more suitable for RC cars and VTOLs.
After the break-in process (five charge/discharge cycles), I fully charged it to 4.2V per cell and then discharged it at 2C until it reached 3.1V per cell. The low current draw minimized voltage sag and heat buildup, reducing energy waste and enabling accurate capacity measurements. The result showed a storage capacity of 3340mAh, close to the stated value.
When shopping for FPV batteries, check not just the capacity and C-rating but also the internal resistance (IR) for a more accurate real-world performance assessment. Lower internal resistance allows your battery to deliver higher current with minimal voltage sag and heat. The two CNHL 6S 3400mAh LiPos I tested had an average IR of 3.7 mΩ, which is higher than ideal but still decent for such budget packs.
CNHL 3400mAh: Technical parameters
Capacity | 3400mAh |
Voltage | 22.2 / 6-Cell / 6S1P |
Power | 75.48Wh |
Energy density | 0.127Wh/1gr |
Discharge rate | Continuous: 100C Burst: 200C |
Average IR | 3.7mΩ |
Output connector | XT60 (AWG12 cable) |
Balance connector | JST / XH |
Size | 72X50X91mm |
Weight | 590 grams (1.3lb) |
CNHL 6S 3400mAh: Real-world test results
To evaluate the performance of the CNHL 6S 3400mAh LiPo, I tested it on the FlyFish Volador II VD6 long-range drone weighing 1068 grams (including battery). Under typical cruising conditions, the battery delivered a solid 19 minutes of flight time. This result is impressive considering the drone’s weight and the battery’s budget-friendly price point.
After landing, the battery’s temperature was within a safe range, indicating adequate efficiency without significant overheating. While it may not be the best choice for intense freestyle sessions or racing due to the IR, form factor, and weight, it’s a strong performer for long-range cruising or cinematic flights.
Flight time comparison between 6S 3400mah and 6s 1300mah
A higher-capacity battery does not necessarily mean a longer flight time. Any extra weight increases power consumption and reduces overall flight performance. As you can see in the table below, a nearly threefold increase in capacity does not even double the flight time.
6S 1300mah | 6S 3400mah | |
Size | 63×52×35mm | 72X50X91mm |
Weight | 214g | 590g |
Average power drain | 160W | 250W |
Flight time | 11:03 | 19:20 |
Price and availability
China Hobby Line has Chinese (Global), European, Canadian, UK, and US warehouses for faster order processing. When I published my review, the 6S 3400mAh LIPO was priced at $55.99 (€53,73). When you order four units or more, you will receive an 8% discount.
Maximizing the Lifespan and Ensuring the Safety of FPV LiPo Batteries
By following these practical tips, you can maximize the performance and safety of your FPV LiPo batteries, ensuring a longer and safer flying experience.
- Storage Tips:
- Store LiPos at a storage charge level, typically 3.8V to 3.85V per cell.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideal temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
- Use a fireproof bag or metal container for added safety.
- Charging Practices:
- Always use a quality, smart LiPo charger with a balance charging feature.
- Charge at 1C (1x the battery’s capacity) unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
- Never leave LiPos unattended while charging.
- Usage recommendations:
- Do not stress the batteries on first flights (over-discharge or full throttle).
- Avoid discharging below 3.5V per cell to prevent damage.
- Check battery temperature after flights; it should be warm but not hot.
- Use a voltage alarm or OSD monitoring to avoid over-discharging.
- Safety Recommendations:
- Never puncture or crush LiPo batteries.
- Don’t store the batteries fully charged.
- If a battery swells or gets damaged, dispose of it properly—do not continue to use it.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby when charging or storing batteries.
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