Test / review: TrustFire TF18650 3000mAh (Flame)

[aoyue2702]

I just canceled my orginal TF flames order from DX (it was on backorder) and I Just bought 2 packs of these instead. Thanks for the review.

[Chicago_X]

@garrybunk

Thanks for testing these! These will likely be my next “go to 18650”.

I'd really like to see a test of the Trustfire 26650 Flames sold at DX. I'd like confirmation that DX's "actual 4000mAh" is true.

-Garry

I would also be interested in this test. Any chance of this in the (near) future ?

Thanks for all of your efforts in testing all of these cells. You are a valuable resource to the community.

[SashiX]

@HKJ

@SashiX

Thanks, HKJ ;) Great review as always :D

So, IMO, they worth those +$2 or so, especially if you want to use them in XM-L lights. Here's the comparison between old TF 2400mAh flame cell (mouse over) reviewed last year by HKJ.

The comparison is a bit misleading, because the two chars uses different scales. If you want to fix it, send me your email and I can return a 2011 chart with adjusted scale.

But there is no doubt that the new TrustFire 3000mAh is a better battery than the old 2400 mAh.

Hehe, agreed, just used one from your last review :D (I like mouseover comparison like this, helps a ton). Send me the new link by p.m. ;) I will edit my post later. Thanks, mate.

[my9221]

Thanks for the review. Order has just been placed!

[CheapThrills]

Thanks for a great review!

When I got a pair of these, I also measured good capacities (yet under 3000mah naturally...).

I was a bit surpriced from their good ability to give higher currents than my other batteries with DD XM-L lights.

I was expecting a good result from 2A -> + tests from you but these results still surprise me. They do very well...

[HKJ]

@Chicago X

I would also be interested in this test. Any chance of this in the (near) future ?

I have ordered a pair, but with all the batteries I have to test they will not be tested in the near future.

[SashiX]

Updated my previous post, now the differences between two are more visible :P

[RedForest_UK]

Hmm.. Looking at your other graphs these seem like slightly higher capacity versions of the Soshine 2800's. Do you have any idea what base cell they use? The consistency between cells across currents suggests a high quality cell underneath.

Could they even use Samsung 4.35v 3000mah but not be advertised as such?

[HKJ]

@RedForest UK

Do you have any idea what base cell they use? The consistency between cells across currents suggests a high quality cell underneath.

No, but it will be interesting to see if some other batteries matches this discharge graphs.

@RedForest UK

Could they even use Samsung 4.35v 3000mah but not be advertised as such?

I doubt that.

[RedForest_UK]

Yeah, I thought it was a long shot. But the consistency across amperages and high-maintenace of voltage under load is something I haven't seen before, it's like the Sanyo 2600 but better. I imagined the Samsung 3000 on your graph without the extra discharge from above 4.35v and could sort of superimpose the graphs..

It could also explain Trustfire's choice of 3000mah labelling, maybe they misunderstood when ordering base cells from the OEM guys and just assumed 3000mah was at 4.2v? I know, again that's unlikely, they probably just marked up the capacity like many other ****fire manufacturers do, but the coincidence appealed to me ;)

I just noticed your graphs for the Samsung 3000s with 4.2v charge, and I can see similarities. The Trustfire seem to perform noticably better at 5A though so it's a little iffy.

Where did you get these from btw? Manafont? I remember there was a poor review of them from someone who got theirs from KD..

[HKJ]

@RedForest UK

I just noticed your graphs for the Samsung 3000s with 4.2v charge, and I can see similarities. The Trustfire seem to perform noticably better at 5A though so it’s a little iffy.

There will probably be more batteries that are similar, before I am finished. It will also be easier to see when I publish the full comparison, but it will be a couple of weeks before I do that.

@RedForest UK

Where did you get these from btw? Manafont? I remember there was a poor review of them from someone who got theirs from KD..

Look in the info box at the start of the review (It is Manafont).

[RedForest_UK]

Oh yeah, I missed that. You do some very comprehensive, well-thought out and well-presented reviews :)

I await your further results and measurements with interest, these cells do look very promising.

[MixoMaxo]

ty hkj

so now budget users with XML know what to buy :)

I like the warp of the flames just wish that was declared the effective capacity, but I know market rules to break through to the most... I seen also ultrafire18650 rated 4600mAh xD

[MRsDNF]

Well said. Before I found this forum I bought of Ebay a 4 station charger that charged at 1000mah with 4 x 4200mah batteries. 4200mah batteries dont exist and the charger is lucky to do 400mah.

[jsalmika]

@HKJ

Look in the info box at the start of the review (It is Manafont).

OT: Based on this excellent review I ordered a pair for my SkyRay STL-V2 from them at 5am "Manafont time" today - the order status changed to "processing" after less than 4hrs and to "dispatched" after 12hrs -> good job!

[CheapThrills]

IMO these are a better choice in STL-V2 over Xtar 2600mAh because these are a bit shorter (and cheaper).

I had to use some force to get Xtar´s in and they were even tighter when body tube was tightened up. From now on I will use these if need to distribute more sets of SkyRay...

[bibihang]

Thank you very much HKJ for your reviews. I was doubt when I wanted to choose any batteries to buy before.

Yes, as they said, your contribution in this forum is just... GREAT!!

[KumaBear]

Sorry to "jump threads" but CT just mentioned SkyRay and ..... well, here goes:

Is my SkyRay 3xT6 worth fixing???? :

My SkyRay 3xT6 has been problematic from the start. Early on, it would remain on high for no more than a minute or so (regardless of what type of batteries I tried). At that point, it would stay on for at least 10 to 20 minutes at a lower light level but that didn't last very long.

Now, (with newly charged batteries) it's far less bright than any $1 flashlight - again, regardless of the type of battery being used. The switch also seems a little intermittent.

Is there an EXPERT in the group who would consider taking a look at the light in order to advise me whether to bother trying to fix it (or have it fixed)?

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND IT TO ANY OF YOU FOLKS WHO ARE EXPERT ENOUGH TO DIAGNOSE (AND POSSIBLY FIX) THIS BEAUTIFUL LIGHT.

I bought it based on early advice provided by many on the BLF but it seems clear I'm not the only one who has bought one and had problems. Oh well ... I've also learned (by following the BLF) that problems with many Chinese budget lights are to be expected.

Best Regards,
-KumaBear-

R.MarkSolutions@gmail.com
857-991-7000

P.S. I build, repair and upgrade COMPUTERS. I also have access to lots of great computer components and I'd be willing to do a little bartering.

[RedForest_UK]

Hmm.. This really isn't the thread for that problem tbh. It sounds like you just have a driver issue, you can get the more reliable/consistent Trustfire TR-3T6 driver from manafont for only $5 shipped (search for 'triple t6 driver'), then just swap them over, if you aren't familiar with the process there are plenty of relevant mod related threads on here so just read around a little first.

Maybe it's just a loose connection, so you could dissasemble and look for one. I'm sure you'd be familiar with the signs if you repair computer electronics anyway. But if you can't see anything specific I'd just go ahead and replace the driver, it's only $5.

[Volk]

Great review as always.

And wow, these are a lot better then I thought they would be, might even buy some. Now lest us just hope that the market won't get flooded with bad copies like with the old Flames.