So when I got the Mini-Z I purchased both disposable AAA batteries and the Kyosho Speed House AAA batteries that kyosho sells specifically for the mini-z range so that I could test both and see the pros and cons of both types. 

 

So let's start with the disposable AAA batteries. Cheap, these ones in particular are Fujitsu 1.5v cells and cost around £3 for 4 batteries. I used these on the first run and overall they did a decent job in my opinion, providing around 30 minutes of drive time before they gave up. They gave good power at the start and it dropped around 10 mins to a slightly more subtle powerband, after this it gradually decreased in performance until they hit the point that the model would still drive however it was very slow. 

 

Next I tested the Kyosho Speed house batteries, now I will add that I was expecting a lot from these batteries as they are roughly £10 for 4 and are kyosho branded, mini-z specific batteries. 

So, as I started using them, they seemed to offer a slight amount more power straight off the bat so I thought it was great! However, after only 56 seconds the performance dropped to that similar to the performance dropped. 56 SECONDS! 

It took 10 mins for the disposable cells to drop! 

So anyway, I didn't think things could get much worse but I am afraid to report that after only 17 minutes the batteries had been completely drained and needed to be recharged. 

 

So, what's my honest opinion? 

I do like the fact that after using the speed house batteries, I can simply recharge them and go again. But, the performance just isn't as good! The disposable batteries are far superior in longevity and performance.