2S LiPo Battery Upgrades for the Losi Mini LMT Zombie and Sparkle Smash
The Losi Mini LMT Zombie and Mini LMT Sparkle Smash share the same core 1/18 Mini LMT platform and use the same factory battery setup: a Spektrum 7.4V 810mAh 2S Smart G2 50C LiPo with an IC2 connector.
That means owners of either Monster Jam truck can look at the same battery requirements when choosing a replacement or spare 2S LiPo. For a compact alternative, the 2 Packs CNHL MiniStar 850mAh 7.4V 2S 70C LiPo Battery with XT30U provides slightly more capacity while keeping the same 7.4V 2S voltage.
CNHL MiniStar 850mAh vs Stock Spektrum 810mAh Battery
| Specification | Stock Spektrum Battery | CNHL MiniStar |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 7.4V / 2S | 7.4V / 2S |
| Capacity | 810mAh | 850mAh |
| Advertised Discharge Rating | 50C | 70C |
| Connector | IC2 | XT30U |
| Battery System | Spektrum Smart G2 | Standard LiPo with JST-XH balance lead |
| Pack Quantity | 1 battery | 2 batteries |
The capacity increase from 810mAh to 850mAh is modest, so there is no reason to promise a dramatic runtime difference. The more useful advantages are the higher advertised 70C discharge rating and the fact that the CNHL product includes two batteries.
One Battery in the Truck, One Ready as a Spare
The Mini LMT uses one 2S battery at a time. The CNHL MiniStar is sold as a 2-pack, so the second pack is not required to power the truck. Instead, it gives you another battery to keep ready when the first one is finished.
For Mini LMT owners who drive several short freestyle sessions, build small ramps, or bring the truck along to a Monster Jam-themed RC setup, having a second charged pack can be more practical than relying on a single battery.
IC2 vs XT30U: What Do You Need?
The factory Mini LMT battery uses an IC2 connector, while the CNHL MiniStar uses XT30U. They are different connector systems and should not be described as a direct plug-in replacement.
To use an XT30U battery with the Mini LMT, use a properly rated XT30-to-IC2-compatible adapter or an appropriate connector conversion. Always confirm connector polarity and current rating before connecting the battery to the truck.
Charging the CNHL MiniStar 850mAh 2S LiPo
The CNHL MiniStar is a standard 2S LiPo battery with an XT30U main connector and JST-XH balance connector. It is not a Spektrum Smart G2 battery.
Use a LiPo balance charger that supports standard 2S LiPo batteries and the appropriate charging lead. Do not assume that the Smart G2 USB-C charger supplied with the Mini LMT is suitable for charging a non-Smart CNHL battery.
Same Battery Setup, Different Monster Jam Style
The Zombie and Sparkle Smash look very different, but their battery requirements are essentially the same. Both are 1/18 Mini LMT 4X4 brushed Monster Jam trucks using the same 2S 810mAh IC2 factory battery setup.
So if you already own a Mini LMT Zombie and later add the Sparkle Smash to your collection, the same CNHL MiniStar 850mAh 2S battery setup can serve both trucks when the correct connector solution is used.
Read Our Losi Mini LMT Zombie Review
Want a closer look at the Mini LMT platform itself? Read our Losi Mini LMT Zombie review for more on the solid-axle Monster Jam truck, its RTR setup, battery options, and what RC fans think of the Mini LMT series.
More Battery Options for Losi RC Cars
Looking beyond the Mini LMT platform? Explore our LiPo batteries for Losi RC cars to find battery options for more Losi trucks, bashers and other RC platforms.
You can also browse the full CNHL RC car battery collection for additional 2S, 3S, 4S and higher-voltage LiPo options across different RC car scales and applications.
