help choosing 18650 and 26650 batteries

LED Flashlights – General Info
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i just got in a handful new lights, most run 18650 & 26650

x100 7xm-l head, runs 3 or 4 (with extension tube) 26650 (series)
hd2010 1xml uses a single 26650

other lights are skyray king 3xm-l uses 4 18650 (parallel)
trustfire tr-3t6 3xm-l uses 2 or 3 (with extension tube) 18650 (series)

also have 1/2 dozen or so edc’s single xml running single 18650

I currently have trustfire flame 18650 and they seem to run the lights fine.

I do not yet have any 26650 cells, so far I tested the couple lights that i have that use 26650 cells, by using 18650 trust fire flame batteries with reducer sleeves.

I have many more lights than batteries. I notice bob (kumabear) being a usa battery supplier, and that caught my interest.

I noticed he is selling several versions of 18650 and 26650 batteries. I want to use only protected cells.

As for the 26650 size, I tried doing research on the mnke imr 3800 vs king 4000 26650 batteries that bob is offering and I can’t find information sayiing which is better. i read on one of HKJ’s tests that the MNKE IMR 4000 had a hard time testing out to rated capacity, but bob is offering a 3800 which would seem to be a different MNKE battery.

I always have heard great reviews of King kong batteries. I don’t know if that is the same as the king protected keepower brand 26650 that bob is offering.

as for the 18650 size, I understand Panasonic NCR18650B 3400 is the newest & greatest, but in ‘real world’ use, am i going to notice that much of a difference between these high mah panasonics vs a trust fire flame (1/3rd the price of the panasonic 3400) or something like the Sanyo UR18650FM 2600 (1/2 the price of the panasonic 3400)

can someone help me choose which batteries to buy, I plan to buy around a dozen of each battery size, 18650 & 26650.

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ttt

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Hi, KPC. Personally, I think the 3400mAh capacity/$ spent is too high. With Kumabear's prices it's better, but I think 3100 or 2600 are a better spend. It all depends on your application and needs. I don't mind carrying a spare 18650 with me when I'm going to be using a single cell for 2 hours. The TrustFire Flame 3000mAh are overrated but still a good budget spend IF you can get real ones. I have several and use them regularly. In fact, I wouldn't be able to use my Roche F12 if I didn't have the TFs, as nothing else fits in the battery tube (I only use protected 18650s).

On the King Kongs, they are good cells and one of the few out there that have more than their claimed capacity. Bob's Keepower protected version is just a normal KK that has had a protection circuit added. I haven't used one yet, but I have two on the way. The IMRs are supposed to be a safer chemistry, just be aware of the draw of the light you are using them with - Seems like they should only be used with a low driven light or one with regulation, avoid using them with hard driven or Direct Drive lights like the HD 2010.