Why 3S is the “sweet spot” for RC paragliders and paramotors
A lot of popular powered canopy models land on 3S for a simple reason: it gives enough voltage for confident inflation and climb, without pushing the wing into a twitchy, overpowered feel. With a soft wing, the goal is usually steady pull and clean control, not top speed.
Picking capacity by flying style
With RC paragliders and paramotors, capacity isn’t just about flight time. It changes how the wing inflates, how “floaty” the canopy feels, and how much brake authority you still have when the air gets a little bumpy. To keep it practical, the packs in this collection naturally fall into two useful groups:
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Light & responsive (XT60): 3200mAh Shorty, 3300mAh, 3700mAh
This is the “easy handling” group. The lighter pack weight helps the canopy come up cleanly, keeps the frame feeling agile, and makes launches less dramatic in smaller fields. If you mainly want relaxed sessions and predictable control, these are the packs most people end up using the most. -
Longer cruising sessions (XT90): 4000mAh, 5000mAh, 6000mAh, 6200mAh
This group is for pilots who want slower, longer flights with steadier pull. The extra weight can make the setup feel more planted in the air, but it also asks for a cleaner launch routine and enough space to inflate the wing properly. If your frame is already built around XT90, this is the straightforward “plug in and cruise” section.
If you’re upgrading from an included RTF pack, many pilots feel the biggest improvement when they move into a higher-quality 3S pack that holds voltage smoothly under sustained throttle. The model doesn’t suddenly become faster; it just feels more consistent from takeoff to landing.
LiPo vs LiHV battery for canopy wings
A standard 3S LiPo charges to 4.20V per cell (12.6V total). A 3S LiHV battery charges to 4.35V per cell (13.05V total). That small bump can be noticeable on launch, especially for heavier frames. If you choose LiHV, make sure your charger and routine match LiHV charging, and avoid treating LiHV like “free power” if your setup already runs warm.
C-rating: what matters (and what doesn’t)
Powered paragliders and paramotors typically reward stable voltage more than extreme burst current. A reasonable C-rating paired with good cell quality can feel better than an inflated number on paper. In real flying, the “upgrade” you notice is often: less sag on climb, smoother throttle transitions, and a more repeatable trim from pack to pack.
XT60 vs XT90: why there is an adapter in the middle of this list
Paraglider and paramotor frames don’t all share the same connector standard. Some setups are built around XT60 for simplicity and lighter wiring, while larger 3S packs often come with XT90 for a more robust connection. That’s why you’ll notice a XT90-to-XT60 adapter placed right between the XT60 group and the XT90 group in this collection.
- If your model is XT60 and you want to run the larger-capacity XT90 packs listed below, the adapter gives you a clean, no-solder path.
- If your model is XT90, stick with the XT90 group to keep the connection direct and tidy.
- If you are unsure, check the connector on your ESC lead (not just what came in the box) before ordering.
Practical tip: keep adapters fully seated, avoid tension on the leads, and always confirm correct polarity and fit before the first power-up. A secure connection matters more on soft-wing models because throttle changes are frequent and sustained.
Related guide for first-time buyers
If you’re still sorting out the wording confusion (why some powered models are labeled paraglider while others are called paramotor), the blog guide explains it in a hobby-first way: Paraglider vs Paramotor in RC: what the names really mean.
Want a broader aircraft battery view?
If you also fly fixed-wing planes or want to compare 3S packs against other aircraft setups, you can browse the full aircraft battery hub here: CNHL airplane batteries.
FAQ
Do RC paragliders and paramotors really need “high C” batteries?
Not necessarily. Many setups fly better with a quality pack that holds voltage smoothly than with a spec-sheet-focused high C number.
Is a LiHV battery safe to use?
Yes, as long as you charge it in LiHV mode and your setup stays within reasonable temperatures. LiHV is about charging routine and system matching, not pushing everything harder by default.
How do I avoid a messy first launch?
Sort your lines, give the canopy time to inflate, and use gentle throttle. A secure strap and correct CG usually improve the first day more than any other change.