This is a review of Hi-Max (previously known as WOW) 18650 2600 mAh battery.
You can find specifications here: http://www.himaxelectronics.com/Products_info.asp?TypeID=101&SubTypeID=101002&id=546
Measured size: lenght: 68.9mm, diameter: 18.3mm
Test conditions:
-battery was brand new, came charged to 3.80V
-battery was charged on custom CC/CV charger (700mA/4.20V) with 60mA manual cutoff, after charging battery was at 4.18V
-battery was left to rest overnight - it measured 4.16V
-discharge was done using simple constant current load made with LM317 and set to 1A
Real capacity seems to be around 2400 mAh, but it might be higher if charge current was allowed to go down to 10 mA as suggested in specifications (will try in a few days)
Discharge protection works properly, tripped around 2.9V, after reseting voltage was above 3V.
Short circuit protection also works. I still have to check for overcharge and overload protection threshold.
PROS:
-Fair price (6$)
-Good capacity
-Protection works
CONS:
-Limited number of suppliers
Verdict:
It's too early to make some big conclusions, but it seems that this might be a very decent battery with proper protection and known manufacturer.
Nice work! Where did you get yours? It seems like lately they have gone up in price substantially. People who were able to get them for $6 each got a good deal.
I bought them from ebay, they are still 5.99 $ but shipping is 3$ (+2$ for each additional item). As Budgeteer said there is a chance to make a better deal when buying larger quantity.
Very nice first review Chief! As was mentioned, Id like to see a 3A discharge test if you can get around to it. Can you charge to 4.20V before you begin the test? If you'd rather not, I can understand why.
They seem consistent. For what they offer i think those are the best in price/performance atm. I use my XM-L based dropin (H-M-L from MF) in a Skyray body very often. That dropin pulls 3,5A at start from the hi-max. Ive successfuly used the light up to 45 or so minutes many times. Have to repeat the experiment when i finally decide to swap the driver with the kd 2,8A.
Thank you. Unfortunately simple constant current load with LM317 or LM350 (for 3A capability) cannot be used since they drop out of regulation at around 3V at 1A load and at even lower voltage at higher currents. Without proper equipment I can't make those measurments. I'll try to find some solution for this (maybe using LDO...) But can't promise anything :-)
I was impressed when i saw the WOW cell review. Later found out they renemed to Hi-max but same cell. I bite the bullet and ordered 5. Did that a few times later on. Used to be 3,9usd each + shipping which remained unchanged. So far these are the greatest preformers along with XTAR which are the only ones i have from better manufacturers. I belive you can't go wrong since those perform beautuifully and consistently. I have limited experience from around 15 cells but still it is something.
After almost one year as "test battery" i decided to replace wrapping as it showed few potential weak spots. Unfortunately I didn't have time to completely disassemble battery so no pictures of protection pcb. As you can see below cell is "naked" and isolated with two layers of tape from metal strip, one more layer of tape over metal strip would make it perfect. I tried to google markings on the cell but no luck...
I just got these battery's and like them a lot. They do not fit in my zebralight H600, but I noticed the cells are double wrapped. There is a clear wrap over the usual battery wrapper. This clear wrap is similar in thickness and material to the clear plastic they use to bind two cells together for sale. They fit fine with the clear wrapper removed.
Has anyone had any issues running them without the clear wrapper? Chinese dont often add unneeded steps to manufacturing so I am reluctant to strip the wrapper from the other cells without hearing others experiences.
The remaining wrapper seems the same type and thickness as a normal 18650 wrapper so I figure it doesn't need the extra wrapper, but who knows...