Forgot I had an Amazon gift card! I just spent it on the Unicorn. :-)
I'm likely going to save up for the Zebralight, since it checks most if not all of my boxes. But the unicorn looks fun, so I'll enjoy one of those in the mean time.
The good news is that I got my light today, way earlier than I expected!!! The bad news is that "batteries are not included" LOL. Do y'all have suggestions for good batteries? I'm making a trip on Sunday, so I'll want to either get the battery before Sunday, or I'll have to have it delivered to the in-laws...
Secondly, I realized I hadn't searched before I opened my big reply box... On this forum, it is suggested that the "Samsung INR18650-36G" is also a really good option... But I can find neither of them on Amazon, for example. Any places you can suggest I should buy them? I'm still searching, by the way.
I think Amazon or a local vape shop is your best bet since you need it so quickly. Keeppower has some 18650 protected cells that are high capacity and decent cells, just a standard drain type, though, so not for higher power lights. They're a little more expensive because of the rewrapping and protection, but those might be on Amazon. Amazon is kind of scared of lithium-ion cells, it seems.
Also, there's a shop in California called Aloft Hobbies that several of us bought some large 26800 cells from recently. I was astounded with how quickly they shipped/I received the packages. Neither of my packages were labeled with the "contains lithium battery" sticker like they're supposed to be, so I'm sure that's why they rocketed through the postal system so fast. Anyway, they have some Sony VT6C cells at a good/normal price. They're high drain cells but have a respectable 3000mAh capacity...good choice really. I think they were $6.99 or $6.49 each (some places have upped their price on those to $9 or more, which is crazy) and the shipping was pretty cheap. Might be an option if you can ship to your inlaws.
Many cells from many vendors are out of stock at the moment, except for lower quality ones at some places. Those will still do if need be, just kind of a waste of money compared to a good quality cell. If there's a Sofirn light on Amazon that you like, many of those come with decent cells, too, and maybe you could get those delivered fast.
Amazon had a ton of counterfeit 18650 cells in recent past since there are so many small vendors selling them and source is unknown. Amazon just couldn’t control it, so they ended up removing most of those 18650 product listings. Whatever is left there looks like garbage to me.
Thank you for the suggestions!!! If I may, what is the difference between the button top and flat top batteries, other than the obvious? The Unicorn seems to need a button top is why I ask, and I keep finding flat tops...
I'm still researching, but I figured it was worth the ask.
Button tops are the same cells as flat tops (factories only make the flat tops) but someone has welded on an additional button cap. No difference usually other than a little added length and I suppose there are some applications made to nestle the button in a depression. These days it seems like most of the button tops are also protected cells but from the usual battery suppliers you can get normal button tops if you like. With many chargers, flat tops seem to make better contact (more of an issue with smaller cells but it just depends on the charger contacts).
Had a look today...very few high quality cells but there are lots of decent ones, albeit ridiculously priced and/or with protection or onboard charging ports. Stock status is always fly-by-night on there even from the mainstream brands, so those may not show up in a search unless you check the box.
Was referring to Amazon's selection, but I didn't make that clear.
I got a "button top" 50E from Liion recently because they were out of the stock cell. It's like a flat top really, possibly sticks up a millimeter...which made me happy once I could see it in person. I'm curious now about the design history of cells and why they ever decided upon a button top as the norm back in the day. Maybe just to lessen the chance of shorts with the can design?