which 18650s

i am looking to get some 18650s to use in my 2D maglite but there are loads of different ones can any one recommend good ones

i want as long run time as possible i have looked at the D-size li-ions but from what i have read i will get better runtime from 2-sets of 18650s and for less money

Barrie

They aren't that expensive ($16 or 17).

Depending on the bulb you are using and the current it wants, I'd look at the AW IMR cells, not cheap but can produce silly current, have a reasonable capacity and don't need funny chargers. But then they are £10.50 each and are to be found here in the UK.

AW's cells are highly regarded, but aren't cheap. Can be found here in the UK. They will supply higher current than most protected 18650s.

Or you could do what I've done and get the Trustfire protected 2400mAh cells from DX. I have several of these and they've given me no trouble. When you can get 10 of them for the same money as 1 of the AW ones (Using a UK source - they are cheaper direct from AW but as far as I know he only sells them through CPF). You can still get 4 of the Trustfires for the same money as one of the AW 2600mAh cells. The AWs will actually give you 2600mAh - the Trustfires won't give you their rated 2400mAh.

4 Trustfires will cost you around the same as a D cell and will have higher capacity at sensible current draws. If you are talking a bulb that pulls more than about 4 amps then the Trustfire's protection circuits may cut in, or may not. Some of my protected cells will work in an Ultrafire WF-500, some won't. I actually keep a pair of unprotected 18650s in it - but then you do have to keep an eye on voltages so that they don't get overdischarged at which point they can get nasty (as in fire with toxic smoke) if you try to recharge them. Even protected cells should not be charged unattended and preferably outdoors (Not that this is a starter for most folks)

You pays your money and takes your choice.

thanks it will probably be DX i order from as he has a few other things i want to order is there any difference in the [red / blue or gray ]

I have several blue and a dozen grey ones. The red ones are higher capacity, but the 3000mAh ones don't perform very well in lights, they are not keen on high current draws and have sharply reduced capacity above an amp or so. So for torch use they aren't worth the money. the red ones are pretty recent and I don't know much about them. Some of the red ones have extra marketing, not extra capacity. See the comments here. From a quick search, avoid the red ones. Most DX cells won't deliver the capacity claimed - some flagrantly so. These ones have had good reports but are fairly recent. I own a dozen of these and have had no issues. 6 of them are now over a year old. The blue ones are mostly older designs and may have limited life left in them - the life of a lithium ion battery is about three to four years from date of manufacture - regardless or use or non-use. The point of death is reckoned to be when they won't hold 80% of their original (actual, not rated) capacity.

Or you can call around computer repair shops to see if they have any battery packs around.......i have 8 of the red sanyo cells that were in a dell, yes there unprotected but if you have a light that has a built in low voltage cutoff then it would be no problem at all. You just have to be careful how you take apart the pack....and make sure that you keep the window open to chuck the pack out for an emergency. I also have a set of Trustfire 2500's and they are decent, got them from shiningbeam. As Don said AW's are highly regarded by the Flashlight community to be the best, but if your like me there just too much. I will only have AW rcr's and 14500's. Solarforce cells are decent as well, that is if your able to find them over there.

Or ask around the folk you know if they have any dead laptops. If the laptop is less than 3 years old, there's probably some usable life left in the cells. And 30% of all laptops are dead by the age of 3. But laptops are very, very hard on their batteries so the younger the dead laptop the better. Do not, under any circumstances, puncture any cells - you will regret it if you do, the resulting fire can be impressive.

If in doubt, don't try this at home. I tend to pull the packs apart outdoors just in case.

This is a good way to save money since you can get more then one pack at some places......but yes as Don put it dont puncture any cells....the fumes are harmful and the fireworks are just amazing when you chuck them outside. Just takes a couple of minutes of your time. What i also like to do is grind the excess from the postive and neg ends.......if you would like to see a pic just let me know and i will post one up for you.

Going to post pics so you know what i mean......once you pull the tabs off you will get some of the excess material on the + and - tabs....just use what you have to smooth the tabs out.

thank for the info

think i will play safe and buy some rather than risk burning my house down pulling laptop packs to-bits

Barrie

Man your taking the fun out of it.....its not that bad man. If you need a vid or link to go by then just let me know. All it takes is a little bit of your time.

thanks for the offer Al but not necessary

i have harvested battery packs in the past i don't know any one with a old laptop to pull-apart

the computer shops wont give you old packs over here any thing like that must be recycled through the proper channels it is classed as toxic waste or the shops can find themselves in trouble with the law

Barrie