In this SMC 5200mAh HCL-EC LiPo test, I evaluated a value-focused battery designed to balance cost and performance. I measured internal resistance, calculated the real C rating, and ran a 100A load test. I compared the results directly against the HRB 5000mAh pack and the Z battery.
What Makes It Unique
The SMC HCL-EC is designed as a value pack.
- HCL stands for high cycle life
- EC stands for economy
- Hard case construction for durability
- Competitive price point around $40 USD
It offers multiple connector options, with standard plugs included and others available at a small added cost. This positions it as a budget-friendly option from a well-known brand.
Internal Resistance (IR)
The internal resistance test was performed at a 1.5C charge rate.
- Average IR: ~3.25 mΩ per cell
Using my LiPo calculator:
- Calculated C rating: ~19.2C
- Max continuous current: ~100A
This places the SMC well above typical value packs and suggests it should handle high current loads effectively.
Load Test
I ran a 100A discharge test under consistent conditions.
The results:
- Total discharge time: ~165 seconds
- End-of-test temperature: ~60°C+
- Capacity delivered: 4466mAh (SMC) vs 4134mAh (HRB)
- Energy delivered: 916Wh (SMC) vs 845Wh (HRB)
- Average cell wattage: 331W (SMC) vs 346W (HRB)
- Voltage at 10 seconds: 3.54V (SMC) vs 3.50V (HRB)
- Capacity to 3.50V: 536mAh (SMC) vs 334mAh (HRB)
- Time to 3.50V: 19.3s (SMC) vs 11s (HRB)
- Capacity to 3.60V: 114mAh (SMC) vs 46mAh (HRB)
- Time to 3.60V: 4.2s (SMC) vs 1.7s (HRB)
The SMC delivered more usable capacity and better voltage retention early in the discharge. It maintained performance consistently until cutoff.
Practical Applications
For RC use, the SMC 5200mAh HCL-EC offers strong value:
- Higher usable capacity under load than HRB
- Better early voltage stability and throttle response
- Sustains near-100A loads effectively
- Hard case design suited for demanding applications
In a real-world speed test, this pack reached 136 km/h in a high-power build.
Final Thoughts
The SMC 5200mAh HCL-EC LiPo test results show this pack delivers strong performance for its price range. It showed higher capacity under load, better early voltage retention, and solid energy output compared to the HRB.
While the HRB produced slightly higher average wattage, the SMC provided more usable runtime and better consistency under load. The results closely match the calculated performance based on internal resistance.
Overall, this pack offers a strong balance between cost and performance, especially for users looking for reliable output without stepping into premium pricing.
If you’d like full access to the raw data and comparison sheets from my battery tests, consider joining my Patreon community. Tier 1 members get access to the same RC LiPo calculator used in these reviews.