Just wanted final advice before I make a battery purchase (18650, 14500, charger)

Hi all. I'm looking for 18650 and 14500 batteries for a couple of flashlights that are taking their good old time getting here. LOL.

I was already suggested these for 18650:

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/protected-trustfire-18650-37v-2400mah-rechargeable-batteries-flame-2pcsset-p-5560

I heard the 3000mah ones weren't that great. I also read that people prefer Manafont as opposed to DX and DD...I'm assuming that's still true, and nobody has since got burnt by Manafont.

For a 14500, I heard good things about these:

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/protected-trustfire-14500-37v-900mah-rechargeable-batteries-colorful-2pcsset-p-5566

For a charger for both different batteries, I read alot of good things about this one:

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/trustfire-multifuctional-charger-fir-10430-10440-16340-17670-18650-cr123a-us-plug-p-1205

Closeups of the back of the charger above do say "TR-001", btw.

Anyone care to add or detract from these items before I pull the trigger?? I'm working on a budget that my wife is fighting with...so I gotta keep it as frugal as possible, while also purchasing items which are of good+ quality and performance.

Thanks :)

I think you're in good shape with those choices and they show you did a lot of research. You could spend more if you wanted, but what you've picked out will work fine for you.

Make sure you get a volt/amp meter to monitor voltage of the batteries. You may already have one.

I have the trustfire flame 18650's, 14500's, 16340's, that same charger and they all work great. Very good choices. BTW, if I haven't said so yet -- Aloha and welcome to BLF!

Are you planning to use those 18650's in single-cell or multi-cell light?

If your lights are single-cell (where no protection is needed) you should take these instead: http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S009747 they have higher real capacity, lower internal resistance and generally better quality cell inside.

I would not advise such thing, "If your lights are single-cell (where no protection is needed)"

The protection is needed not to over-discharge a cell or overcharge it. A flashlight can easily over-discharge a cell.

Thanks for the welcomes and suggestions! Very much appreciated :) I did forget about a volt/amp meter. -.- I have a Sperry 4-range voltage tester, but nothing else. Any suggestions for an inexpensive/reliable model? Thanks yet again!

ETA: I'm using these for a couple of Sipik clones (14500) and a KD C8 (18650). Both single-cell lights.

I was also looking at the UF-2100, but read reports that it got a bit hot after being on high for awhile.

Better buy the XTAR 2600 cells, the protection is worth it.

If you're just getting started the Trustfires are fine. If you get a lot of use out of the batteries, you can get better ones later (I have Trustfire flames in 18650 and 14500 as well as some XTARs in 18650). Li-ion batteries don't last as long as NiMH's anyway, so you will be buying more eventually.

Anything with an XM-L should get hot. If you worry about it running hot, use Low or Medium modes for prolonged use. Don't keep the UF-2100 on High except for a couple of minutes at a time.

A voltage meter will work okay for now for monitoring the batteries. Measuring current is more for testing the draw from the batteries which isn't as important as making sure the voltage on the batteries isn't too high or too low.

Only can be the case if you leave your lights on unattended. Sudden brightness drop is impossible not to notice, and even then, you’d need to let flashlight sit on with dropped brightness for a few hours for cell to get overdischarged.

Hi There,

I'm new here too! I noticed on the board there are higher risks on using 2 x 18650 lights. So I'm guessing using 3 x 18650 flashlights presents a even higher risks. So even if your flashlight supports 3 cells, is it recommended (common practice) that you avoid using it to reduce the risks? And what is the advantages of using 3 over 2 cells. Just the longer runtime?

I'm looking at getting the XTAR 3100mah protected once its out.

Cheers.

Hey Flamanar,

Where did you hear the 3000mah are no good? I always thought that the newly released 3000's are better then the 2400's for just $1 more for a pair.

Aloha and welcome to BLF Shopbot!

Welcome guys.

Those are some great choices you made, you really did your homework.

I highly recommend the Trustfires both the 18650s the 14500s and the TR-001. I have all of these they perform great and like brtd said you can go to a high end battery later on if you feel the need. I just tested a couple 14500 Flames last night for another member and got 792mAh and 797mAh at .5amps.

Hi and welcome.

I'd say all of those are good choices. I got TF 3000s from Manafont (I think) while they were still reliable. After that there were some reports of the capacity of 3000s being similar to 2600s.

I have the same charger, and it works quite well, never had problems with it. Terminates where it should (4.18V) and charges decently fast.

Good luck!

Viktor

I have had issues with the last few orders from Manafont. Their customer service really sucks. The folks on chat do nothing but lip service. It takes days....weeks to get response. In fact I'm filing a dispute with PayPal tonight because I'm not getting any response.

Re: Charger....Get the Xtar WP2 II here They ship from USA and the price is real good. I have 2 of them and have been very pleased.

I started out with the TR-001, never had a problem with it. Still own one and use it on trips along with the WP2 ll.

The reason I'm so fond of the WP2 II is it's features. Has both 120v and 12v cords, and the usb output that allows you to charge your phone or other 5v device.

> Only can be the case

Not so in my experience. I've seen several times when I've wondered about the charge left in my single-cell lights, without noticing any problem with usable brightness, and found they were at the very low end of safe range.

If I kept them on for long stretches maybe I'd notice dimming, but they bounce back enough to seem plenty bright for indoor nighttime use -- while being very low voltage.

Don't rely on what you believe -- trust a voltmeter (-0

Yeah your research have found solid budget conscious purchases. Correct TF3000mAhs are reported to be hit or miss now. Also all items from Manofont a better recommended site. So hurry and pull that switch as its about a month for shipping to states.

Glad to have you here, Shopbot.