Your battery,in the real world.
mAh capacity + motor draw + actual trigger time. No datasheets, no promises — just the minutes you'll actually play between charges.
/ How it works
The numbers behind the math
mAh is fuel
1000 mAh = 1 A for 1 hour. A 1500 mAh pack pushing 15 A continuous lasts 6 minutes of nonstop firing — but no one fires nonstop in a match.
Mind the C-rate
A 25C 1500 mAh LiPo can deliver 37.5 A peak. Below the required C-rate the battery sags — ROF drops and the cell heats up. NiMH and low-C LiPos hate hot motors.
How to extend runtime
Right voltage (not over-spec), MOSFET with active braking, efficient neodymium motor, gear ratio matched to spring. A 30 BB/s monster eats 3× the juice of a balanced setup.
/ Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about AEG battery runtime
How long does a LiPo last in an AEG?▾
A typical 1500 mAh LiPo on a stock AEG comfortably covers a full skirmish day with normal trigger discipline — often several thousand BBs. Because you only draw current while shooting, real runtime is measured in hours of play, not minutes of continuous fire.
How many mAh do I need for airsoft?▾
1300–1600 mAh suits CQB and short games. 2000–2500 mAh is a solid all-day outdoor choice. 3000 mAh and up means a buffer-tube or large pack but rarely needs a mid-game swap. Match the pack to your space and play length.
Is LiPo or NiMH better for airsoft?▾
LiPo is lighter, holds voltage better under load and gives snappier trigger response, which is why most players use it. NiMH is more forgiving of abuse and overcharging. For runtime per gram, LiPo wins; for low-maintenance simplicity, NiMH still works.
How many shots can I get from one battery?▾
A 1500 mAh LiPo on a stock ~12 A AEG typically delivers a few thousand BBs per charge, depending on rate of fire and how much you hold the trigger. High-speed or DMR-class builds draw far more current and cut that figure significantly.
What does the C-rating mean for battery runtime?▾
The C-rating sets how much current the pack can safely deliver, not how long it lasts. A 25C 1500 mAh LiPo handles 37.5 A peak. Too low a C-rating causes voltage sag — lower rate of fire and a hot battery — but capacity in mAh is what governs runtime.
Why does my battery die faster than expected?▾
High rate of fire, lots of full-auto, a heavy spring, voltage sag from a low C-rating, cold weather and an old worn pack all shorten runtime. The datasheet capacity is ideal-case; expect roughly 85% of it in real play.
/ Related reading
Related reading
Estimate uses 85% efficiency (sag, losses, idle draw). Measure real consumption with a wattmeter for precise tuning.