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.
Just got an email from Ric that the batteries will be available from CQG from tomorrow. Hope the pricing will be competitive.
After HKJ's positive test on TF 1865 3000 mAh (flame), especially because of the prolonged run-time in flashlights that need more than 3.6V to regulate properly, I ordered two sets from Manafont on jan.14 and received them on feb.2, packed and marked exactly as the ones in HKJ's picture.
I must say that I was disappointed after making discharge tests down to 3.6V on an iCharger 106B+.
From HKJ's measurements I was expecting:
1850 mAh @ 1A and 2100 mAh @ 0.5A load down to 3.6V
I used XTAR WP2-II to charge them to 4.17V, just like I did with some TrustFire 2400 (flame) that I bought recently.
The inferior result for TF3000 was:
cell#1: 1425 mAh @ 1A and 1967 mAh @ 0.5A load.
cell#2: 1111 mAh @ 1A and 1806 mAh @ 0.5A load.
cell#3: 960 mAh @ 1A and 1571 mAh @ 0.5A load.
cell#4: 1006 mAh @ 1A and 1492mAh @ 0.5A load.
Internal resistance was 156-170 mOhm
for reference:
TF2400: 1442 mAh @ 1A and 2015 mAh @ 0.5A load.
(un-prot. from DD, average of 4 cells, variation 1373 to 1503 @ 1A).
Only cell#1 can match TF2400 and cell#3 deliver only half of what was expected. This is really bad. Remember tho that the numbers are not the full capacity but the capacity downto 3.6V.
I guess that after this result, the more expensive Spark 2600 is now back on my wish list as it also should maintain a rather high voltage acc. to HKJ.
Try measuring the battery voltage directly with a voltmeter, when you do the discharge test. You must put the probes directly on the battery terminals. This way you can see how much voltage is lost in you wires and connection.
Thanks, HKJ, the voltage measured directly on the battery is 20 mV less than on the iCharger at 1A. That should not change the result by much. The new cells are really not what I expected.
(I made a fast-clamp, after your model, with thick loudspeaker cable and solid connectors).
My set of four TrustFire 3000mAh cells arrived today.
Straight out the packet they tested between 4.05v-4.08v
1A Discharge from 4.2v down to 3v
Cell 1: 2325mAh
Cell 2: 2153mAh 
Cell 3: 2391mAh
Cell 4: 2136mAh
Well, I am quite disappointed! I was expecting at least 2500mAh from these @ 1A.
Blah. I think it might be time to invest in some higher quality cells, 2153mAh @ 1A is terrible. :(
Does not seem to be in line with HKJ´s testing, they should give a bit more.
Are these from Manafont, do they look genuine? Try to give them a cycle or two and see if they gain any capacity.
I have also 4pcs coming, I will test them and post results when they finally arrive.
I agree, they are not consistent with HKJ's results. It looks like I am the second person to post results which differ from HJK's findings. Inconsistent cells? Perhaps?
I will cycle them a couple of times, but to be honest I don't hold out much hope. Not when they are achieving such a low capacity from the word go. 2135mAh is ridiculous.
Edit: They were bought from Manafont and are genuine - bearing the hologram on the outer packaging etc.
Looks like I have to order a new set of batteries to test.
There is a huge misconception about Trustfire, Ultrafire, xxxfire batteries.
First you have to ask yourself why they are so cheap,
then you go and search for any decent brand new bare 18650 cell made by: Sanyo, Panasonic, LG, Samsung, ....
then you add price of PCB, and top button add-on assembly, color print, PVC wrapping.
The truth is: Trustfire, Ultrafire will find anything 18650 size, and sell it to you.
Recycled laptop cells. Hell why not ? just print as high as possible mAh rating, and unaware people will buy because it is cheap.
I even saw the other day 5000mAh cell :)
That's why you will always get different results in your tests.
If you want good performing cell you will have to pay a little bit more, or simply play lottery hoping that your Trustfire, Ultrafire, xxxfire will perform good enough.
There's probably many fakes as you can buy printed PVCs from Taobao with Ultrafire 3000mAh and so on.
As for recycled laptop cells, that what I was asking in another thread, if the capacities they come are random, how steady (or random) they lose their capacity in time. But not just by self-discharge and 1 cycle a week. How they hold up after 50 cycles, Will they be just fine or they will be "replaceable".
Unfortunately 4 or 6 examples will not be relevant.
TF Flames might not be consistent, but they are a much better bet at the low end of the price range than blue or grey wrapper XXXfire batteries.
They (Trustfire) are trying hard, that is obvious.
People just shouldn't expect some special, consistent good test results, and being disappointed.
Some of the reasons are in my previous post.
SpaceCowboy, I don't remember if I welcomed you to BLF or not. I'm a big fan of Cowboy Bebop. I even adopted a Welsh Corgi because that breed of dog is on CB. I hope you enjoy your stay here at BLF!
I hope we will share some knowledge, experience, and good products for a long time.
What is the normal price for these 3000mAh TF batteries? They are being sold here for 10,30USD but I dont know if they are fake or genuine
Did DX just start selling these? That's the first time I've seen them there. I see Manafont sells them for $11.70/2pk.
-Garry
Yes they sell them, they added the batteries yesterday
Yeah, I just checked the "New Arrivals" link and also see the new TF Flames 25500's.
-Garry
I don't think potential scamming manufacturer would have any profit by making fake Trustfire batt. - They are already cheap cells.
But, who knows - Chinese can pull any trick available to make a few $.