Need recommendation for a safe (user and emitter wise) 18650

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
1

I want an 18650 battery with the following requirements:

  • I need it for 1x18650 lights like 502B, L2p, maybe a future C8, etc. So I guess length does not really matter, and I need button rather than flat top?
  • Has protection for over charge and over discharge, won't blow even if the protection fails.
  • Not sure about this (I don't completely understand how much current LEDs consume through direct drive): Cannot kill an XML when direct driven. 4A max? What happens if I DD an XRE or XPG or UV LED with such a battery?
  • Capacity is secondary, but the higher capacity the better.
  • Price is not a real consideration here, I'm willing to put about 25$ per battery delivered. But cheaper is better.
2

Xtar 2600

3

I'm a firm believer in the IMR (LiMN) chemistry. I'm donating/recycling all of regular protected 18650s. I'm getting my IMRs from lighthound.com and they are the AW brand.

4

IMRs are indeed very safe, but the have very high discharge rates - won't it kill emitters in DD mode?

Thanks, these look close to what I wanted. (although it may give too much current?)

Are there any other options? (I don't have anything against Xtar, just want more options :))

5

I like the Xtar 2600, just be aware they are more like 18700 size and don't fit in every flashlight out there, but you mentioned you don't think that's an issue. Here's a few more to consider that have tested well here and all within your budget:

HiMax 2600mAh
IOS Panasonic 3100mAh
AW 2600 mAh
AW 2900 mAh
Redilast various mAh
Callie's Kustoms 3100mAh