EDC Suggestions for a Noob (Please)

Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA or Samsung INR18650-35E probably the two best out there. Lots of runtime and enough current for you highest settings.

Firstly, thanks for the quick response.

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.

Thanks again!

Should be able to find something in your local “vape” shop…might be a little pricey though.

Here is a good place to start

I would avoid Amazon and Ebay for 18650s

sc31 pro

Try one of these reputable shops:

Life sucks to be me, LOL. They are sold out of all the high capacity, 3.7volt batteries. I'll keep looking, but thank you.

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.

Thanks again,

Will

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.

Yeh, the 30Qs I got in my Q8s and the like are BTs only, unprotected, so you can get them just fine (eg, Fasttech).



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?

The GA stock flat top cells stick out just a bit, so they’re kind of like button tops while still being flat tops, if that makes sense:

With that said, liion sells both (flat and button top unprotected) for the same price.

I’m using the GAs in my Q8 and SP36. Some buttons add resistance. The GA protrudes enough without the need for a button, has enough umph for multicell lights and has 3500mah capacity.

Once again, thank you for the wonderful advice y'all have given me! We bought this cell, locally (to my vacation spot):

I also ordered some 3500 Mah cells; they are due to arrive tonight...

I figured they were cheap enough to take a chance on, and the posts on this site do not naysay the Vapcell batteries..

Finally, I am enjoying my unicorn!

Thank you!

Those pics aren’t loading for me, but pretty much any cell works in the Unicorn since it has low-voltage protection and doesn’t draw much current at max output. Vapcell should be quality.

Had no idea it was on Amazon and they’re fantastic lights so very glad that worked out well for you! If you ever want to mess around with the interface there are TONS of options. I have mine on ramping mode, set to always turn on at about 50-60lm with a single press from off. Makes it easy to hand off to others since ramping is simple and it’s totally usable for most tasks with just single clicking on/off with no need for explaining/learning anything else.

Yeah, no pix for me either, just a “do not enter” sign for each.

(That’s what she said…)