NiMh Batteries and Charger for 4x4 Slash?

[BrianC538]

I want to get some input from you guys here on NiMh batteries and a charger for the new Slash. I am pretty new to the wonderful world of RC and I'm going to be picking up the new Slash when it comes out. Obviously being new to this I'm not going to race or anything, just bashing around.
To start I figured I would get some good NiMh batteries and a good charger for those. I do want to get quality items but there are so many out there. I see so many (DuraTrax, Venom, Trinity, etc.) batteries with a very high mAh rating and I see that the Slash will supposedly come with a 3000 mAh battery. I'm not really sure why it wouldn't come with a series 4 Traxxas battery but I'm sure you guys know the answer to that as well.
In short, should I get a 4000 or 5000mAh NiMh and if so what brands do you recommend, or stick with the Traxxas 3000 mAh NiMh....it's so confusing, lol.
I have looked at many chargers and it never really gives the charge time for the battery pack. I want one that will be rapid and also give me a good charge. I guess I will transition to LiPo bateries in the future but figured I would just start out with the NiMh.
Thanks to you all in advance for your input and excuse my RC ignorance

[Super Dude]

i would look into *********.com products. nimh is a thing of the past. i would really reccommend lipo off the batt. if, for some reason, you are the few that fear lipos, go LiFE

[BrianC538]

I figured NiMh were old news with all of the LiPo and LiFE that are out now. I will take a look at ********* and see what they have. I don't fear the LiPo batteries and perhaps it would be a mistake to dump lots of money in an out-dated technology such as the NiMh packs. I'm just waiting very impatiently for my new ride and want to have all my goodies when I get it!!

[Super Dude]

i'm way ahead of you. check out my thread

[BrianC538]

I did and it only made me want to get myself set up more! Nothing like the wait and it seems like December will never get here!

[Super Dude]

yeah i wish traxxas would announce new vehicles when they were about to ship, rather than releasing early and us having to wait

[BrianC538]

I guess it builds up the hype and gets us all to run out for accessories! I've heard some really great ideas on here so perhaps that is part of the plan and debut design.

[BrianC538]

I would still like any input from others and also, what brands of batteries and charger would you guys recommend?

[outkast187]

5000mah lipo, 20c at ********* = $20
charger for those is roughly $50...******* has a nice charger with balancer built in.