Matched cells vs. unmatched cells What's the difference?

Matched cells cost more than unmatched cells because it takes quite a bit of time, and use of expensive matching equipment to rate the performance of every cell.  Even though the cells used in the manufacturing of unmatched cells vs. matched cells with the individual labels on them come from the same manufacturing batch, their journey to you is very different.  When the cells are delivered to a matching company, like Pro-Match Racing, they are referred to as virgin cells. This means no testing has been done or voltage enhancing (Zapping) to the cells. The matching process goes like this. First we cycle the cells once. Then we "Zap" them, and cycle them at least 2 more times. Finally we run a "matching cycle" and place labels on the cells with the performance data for that cell. For information on performance parameters see our page on reading the numbers on the battery labels. During this extensive matching process about 1-2 percent of the cells we cycle will fail. These cells are returned for credit and are NEVER used in any packs!. Some cells do not meet our strict standards for either run time, average voltage, or internal resistance (AR). These are the cells that are used in our unmatched packs. We have recently incorporated a new policy of "group matching" these cells. We now separate these cells by run time to within 10 seconds of one another on discharge time. This helps to minimize balancing issues caused by using mismatched cells. The prices for these packs is usually priced quite low and if you're not a diehard racer or just want some inexpensive practice packs these packs are a very good value. For serious level racing matched cells are a must. Testing and matching cells takes a long time.  This extra production time accounts from most of the matched pack's added cost. but what your really paying for is higher performance and better pack longevity.