Battery connectors: Deans VS Mini-Tamiya - Which is best?

Battle of the Battery Connectors

There are many different battery connectors available to Airsofters who are a dab hand with a soldering iron, and the list goes far beyond the two most popular, Deans and Mini-Tamiya. Our intention here is to focus down on the two most popular, and the two which appear most commonly on Airsoft guns and batteries out of the box. So, let the battle of the connectors commence.

The Mini-Tamiya connector is the most common connector in Airsoft today, by a wide margin. This connector derives from the original Large Tamiya connector which is often found on remote control cars, but in a more compact form. The female connector comprises a polymer shell with a clip and inner copper contacts, and the male connector has a polymer shell without a clip and two inner prong contacts which interface with the cylindrical contacts within the female connector.

The Mini-Tamiya connector is very common and can be found on batteries intended for all sorts of other hobbies, and as such with a Mini-Tamiya you will most likely never be in a situation where you cannot get the battery you need. On the other end of the scale, the Mini-Tamiya is an older design, more suited to low power demands due to its comparatively high resistance, and generally, an AEG with a Mini-Tamiya connector will have a slightly lower rate of fire than the same AEG with a Deans.

The Deans connector is a less common connector, and until recently was regarded as an upgrade for the more technical Airsofter with the need to save battery space, and increase electrical efficiency. The Deans connector is comprised of a polymer shell housing two large copper contacts, and unlike the Tamiya style connectors, the male connector has its contacts entirely exposed. The Deans connector has no clip to connect the male and female connectors, and instead relies on friction to connect the two.

The design of the Deans connector has inherently lower resistance than the Mini-Tamiya connector, and as such is more efficient in delivering power from your battery to your motor. This comes with the balancing factor that the Deans connector is less common and batteries are harder to find, and the exposed contacts create a heightened risk of damage or corrosion if your AEG is not properly cared for. The Deans connector is also quite a bit smaller than the Mini-Tamiya, making it extra useful for those rocking an AEG with a tiny battery compartment; though this was more of a problem before compact LiPo batteries became commonplace.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Deans Connector

Advantages

• Compact size - Perfect for small battery compartments
• Tight fit  - Less chance of Electrical Arcing 
• Low resistance - Improved rate of fire and electrical efficiency

Disadvantages

• Friction secured - Increased chance of inadvertently disconnecting the battery
• Less common - Batteries are more scarce
• Requires expertise to install - Not recommended for beginners unless the connector is pre-installed

Mini-Tamiya Connector

Advantages

• Common connector - Batteries are easy to find
• Concealed contacts - Less chance of corrosion
• Secured with a clip - Less chance of accidentally disconnecting the battery

Disadvantages

• Higher resistance - Decreased rate of fire and electrical efficiency
• Looser fit - Greater chance of electrical Arcing 
• Larger in size - Not ideal for small battery compartments