Which Losi 22S Dirt Late Model Battery Should You Choose?
| Battery | Best Use | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| 4900mAh 2S 120C | Best overall | Closest to the proven 5000mAh setup, with a strong balance of runtime and responsive handling |
| 5600mAh 2S 120C | Practice and club use | Adds useful runtime without moving directly to the heaviest featured option |
| 6600mAh 2S 120C | Extended open practice | Longest runtime of the three main recommendations for unrestricted running |
Top Three Recommended Batteries
1. CNHL Racing Series 4900mAh 7.4V 2S2P 120C Hard Case LiPo Battery with EC5 Plug
Best overall choice for the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model.
The 4900mAh pack is the most natural starting point for this car. It sits close to the 5000mAh battery size used successfully in multiple real-world runs, while avoiding the larger jump in installed mass that comes with endurance-focused packs.
For dirt oval driving, that middle ground matters. The battery needs enough capacity for repeated laps and setup work, but the car should still react cleanly when entering the corner, changing line, or recovering from a loose corner exit.
The 120C rating provides ample discharge headroom for the stock Firma 45A ESC and 3300Kv brushless motor. The car will only draw the current it requires; the high rating helps the pack maintain voltage under acceleration rather than forcing additional power into the system.
- Best balance of runtime and installed weight
- Closest CNHL match to a commonly tested 5000mAh setup
- Good starting point for practice and club racing
- Hard case protection for track use
- EC5 plug connects directly to the stock IC5 connector
2. CNHL Racing Series 5600mAh 7.4V 2S2P 120C Hard Case LiPo Battery with EC5 Plug
Balanced extended-runtime option.
The 5600mAh battery adds more running time than the 4900mAh pack without moving all the way to the highest-capacity recommendation. It suits drivers who spend longer periods testing steering rate, battery position, suspension preload, differential setup, or tire preparation.
That makes it particularly useful for club practice and informal oval sessions, where stopping to change batteries can interrupt setup work. The extra capacity may also help the chassis feel slightly more settled, although the added mass can make the car respond differently from a lighter race-oriented setup.
- More practice time between battery changes
- Useful compromise between response and runtime
- Suitable for repeated tuning sessions
- Verified size and weight for the adjustable tray
- Direct EC5-to-IC5 physical compatibility
3. CNHL Racing Series 6600mAh 7.4V 2S2P 120C Hard Case LiPo Battery with EC5 Plug
Extended-runtime choice for open practice and recreational running.
The 6600mAh pack is intended for drivers who value longer sessions more than the lightest possible race setup. Its dimensions and installed weight are suitable for the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model tray, making it a practical option for open practice, casual oval driving, and events without restrictive battery rules.
The additional mass will influence how the car transfers weight and puts power down. Some drivers may appreciate the more planted feel, while others may prefer the quicker response of the 4900mAh pack. Battery choice should therefore be treated as part of the chassis setup, not only as a runtime decision.
- Longest runtime among the three featured batteries
- Well suited to open practice and recreational oval use
- Reduces the frequency of battery changes
- High discharge headroom for repeated acceleration
- Best where local rules permit higher-capacity packs
Why the 4900mAh Battery Is the Best Starting Point
The official Summit Racing edition includes a 4000mAh 2S battery, but real-world running has also shown that 5000mAh-class packs work well in the platform. The CNHL 4900mAh battery sits directly between those two reference points.
It offers more useful practice time than the standard 4000mAh pack while remaining closer to a race-focused capacity than the larger 5600mAh and 6600mAh options. For a new owner who does not yet know how local track grip, setup, or battery rules will affect the car, the 4900mAh option is the safest all-around recommendation.
Battery Capacity Changes More Than Runtime
The Losi 22S Dirt Late Model is a purpose-built oval racer, not a general-purpose basher. It repeatedly loads the chassis in the same direction, so battery mass and position can affect corner entry, mid-corner balance, and traction when the throttle is applied on exit.
A lighter pack generally keeps the car more responsive. A larger pack provides longer runtime and may make the chassis feel calmer, but it also adds weight that the suspension, tires, and drivetrain must manage through every lap.
This does not mean the largest battery is automatically worse. The best choice depends on whether the goal is racing, setup practice, casual running, or maximum time between charges.
Using the Adjustable Battery Tray
The Losi 22S Dirt Late Model has a longer chassis and a large adjustable battery tray with movable stops. The pack can be positioned farther forward or rearward to alter the car's front-to-rear balance.
Moving the battery forward can add front-end support and may help the car feel more secure on corner entry. Moving it rearward can increase rear weight and may help traction, but too much rearward bias can also make the car feel slower to rotate.
Make one change at a time and keep notes. Before replacing springs or changing differential oil, it is often worth testing battery position and steering rate first.
EC5 and IC5 Connector Compatibility
The stock Spektrum Firma ESC uses an IC5 connector, while the featured CNHL batteries use EC5 plugs.
EC5 and IC5 are physically compatible, so the CNHL batteries connect directly without an adapter. The vehicle will operate normally, but an EC5 battery does not transmit Spektrum Smart battery data through the additional Smart communication contact.
EC3 and IC3 connectors are smaller and cannot connect directly to IC5. Those batteries require a suitable adapter or a professionally installed connector change.
Compatible Losi 22S Dirt Late Model Versions
The batteries in this collection can be used with both main versions of the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model:
- Battery-sold-separately RTR version — requires a compatible 2S LiPo battery and charger before use.
- Summit Racing battery-and-charger edition — includes a Spektrum 4000mAh 2S Smart battery, but CNHL packs can be added as replacement or spare batteries.
The chassis, 2S power system, adjustable battery tray, and IC5 vehicle connector are shared across the versions. The main differences are the included battery, charger, and body graphics.
What About 8000mAh and LiHV Batteries?
Higher-capacity batteries may also fit the adjustable tray, but they are not the main recommendations for most dirt oval drivers. An 8000mAh-class pack places a stronger emphasis on runtime and adds more weight than the featured 4900mAh, 5600mAh, and 6600mAh options.
The conventional 7.4V LiPo batteries are the clearest match for the stock 2S system. A 7.6V 2S LiHV battery reaches 8.7V when fully charged, compared with 8.4V for a standard 2S LiPo. Only charge a LiHV pack to its full voltage after confirming that the ESC, charger, and local race rules permit it.
For the simplest stock-compatible setup, use one of the featured 7.4V 2S hard case LiPo batteries.
Check Local Dirt Oval Battery Rules
A battery can fit the vehicle and still be illegal for a particular race class. Dirt oval clubs often create local rules to keep RTR or spec racing competitive and affordable.
Before buying a battery specifically for organized competition, check whether the class regulates:
- Maximum battery capacity
- Battery weight
- Full-length or shorty case format
- Standard LiPo or LiHV chemistry
- Maximum charge voltage
- Approved connectors
- Stock ESC, motor, gearing, or tires
For unrestricted practice and recreational running, the three featured capacities provide a clear choice between balanced performance and longer runtime.
Explore More RC Car Batteries
If you're shopping for batteries beyond the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model, explore our complete range of LiPo batteries for Losi RC cars, covering dirt oval cars, buggies, short course trucks, monster trucks and more.
You can also browse the full CNHL RC car battery collection to compare 2S, 3S, 4S and higher-voltage LiPo batteries in a variety of capacities, discharge ratings, hardcase formats and connector options for racing, bashing and crawling.
Losi 22S Dirt Late Model Battery FAQ
What battery does the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model use?
It uses a 7.4V 2S LiPo battery. The stock Spektrum Firma ESC has an IC5 connector, and the official battery reference is a 4000mAh 2S hard case LiPo.
What is the best battery for the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model?
The CNHL Racing Series 4900mAh 2S 120C hard case LiPo with EC5 is the best overall option. It stays close to the proven 5000mAh capacity while balancing runtime, weight, and responsive oval handling.
Can I use a 5000mAh 2S LiPo?
Yes. A 5000mAh-class 2S battery has been used successfully in the Losi 22S Dirt Late Model. The CNHL 4900mAh pack is the closest featured option.
Can I use a 6600mAh battery?
Yes. The selected CNHL 6600mAh 2S hard case battery has suitable dimensions and installed weight for the adjustable tray. It is most useful for extended practice and unrestricted recreational running.
Will an EC5 battery plug into the stock IC5 connector?
Yes. EC5 and IC5 are physically compatible, so no adapter is required. An EC5 battery will not provide Spektrum Smart battery-data communication.
Does the Losi 22S use a 22S battery?
No. “22S” is the Losi model-series name. The vehicle uses a 2S LiPo battery, not a 22-cell battery.
Is the highest-capacity battery always the best choice?
No. Higher capacity increases runtime but also adds weight. The 4900mAh pack is the better general choice for balanced performance, while the 5600mAh and 6600mAh packs suit drivers who place more value on longer sessions.
Can I use these batteries in the Summit Racing edition?
Yes. The Summit Racing edition already includes a 4000mAh battery, but the featured CNHL batteries can be used as compatible replacement or spare packs.
Choose Your Losi 22S Dirt Late Model Battery
Choose the 4900mAh 2S for the strongest overall balance, the 5600mAh 2S for longer practice sessions with moderate added capacity, or the 6600mAh 2S when extended runtime is the priority.
All three featured CNHL Racing Series batteries use hard case construction, high-discharge 120C cells, and an EC5 connector that is physically compatible with the stock Losi IC5 connection.
