Yep, protected batteries are the way to go. Make sure you also have a DMM to measure voltage.
Yep, i’ve got a decent one that even does capacitance.
Now I just have to go back through the 3,139 links I saved from this thread.
Shouldn’t take more than a month I’d imagine…
Welcome to BLF, LED A. Stray! Now don't exaggerate; there's only 3,122 links in this thread.
You might also try some of the IMR Unprotected, which are supposed to be a safer chemistry. Powerizer 4000mAh from Batteryspace seems to be the best price on these.
Well sure, but I double clicked a bunch of them… :bigsmile:
I just finished the order now. I went with a couple of the small single 18650 lights from DX.
And i’m also going to give the A8 a try.
For the 18650’s I went with the Panasonic ncr’s from HKE on ebay. I’ve bought from him previously for my big Fandyfire UV-S5.
I also got the 26650 Trustfire 5,000’s from him, because his shipping is so fast.
And I took heed of people who have gotten a dead battery in a batch and ordered extra batteries while I was at it.
I want to thank all the hobbyists in this thread that helped put all the info on this interesting battery in one thread.
A8 is a great light. Fancy Flashlights has a killer combo deal which includes the A8, TF 5000 cell and charger. HKE sells the A8 as a standalone. Good luck with all your new toys.
Have a pleasant time here at this friendly forum, LED A. Stray!
It probably has a 18650 inside it (laptop salvaged as well)
Hi guys, new to this flashlight world. I’ve been reading many threads on here and this forum has been very helfpful.
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the SoShine 26650 4200mAh protected Li-ion batteries, I found them on tmart for $8.99 (and has anyone had any experience with tmart.com?). Here’s the link to them:
http://www.tmart.com/1-Pcs-SoShine-26650-4200mAh-37V42V-Protective-Liion-Rechargeable-Battery-with-Board-Black_p161839.html
i picked up a trustfire 26650 from tmart today - i am interested to see if it performs as good as the mf battery… i already noticed that tmarts length and weight of the battery is slightly different (tmart length 2mm shorter and slightly lighter than mf)
i have a 26650 king kong to compare to when it gets here (i do not have a hobby charger)
:bigsmile:
Now; no longer have a 26650 :bigsmile: :bigsmile:
Some day some one will make better 26650’s.
not going to wait around me at 71 ain’t got not time to waste |(
Hello, dial and welcome to BLF. Have not seen any information on Soshine cells, but at least their capacity claims are within reason. Tested protected TrustFire 5000mAh are available for just a few more dollars from several sources listed in the OP (Though they are more like 42-4400 mAh actual capacity). I have used TMart for several flashlight purchases and had good experience, but I have not made any battery purchases, nor will I until I see some of their cells tested. If you do try these, by all means let us know what you think.
Welcome to the party, dial!
KD has 6000mAh 26650 cells. I’m curious what is the real capacity and chemistry
I have one "Trustfire PCB 5000mAh" 26650 cell from T-mart, when I bought the HD2010 I had no 26650 at all and thought why not buy all together.
Bad choice.
The HD2010 is perfect, don't get me wrong, the only problem is that the 26650 cell I received is NOT an original Trustfire.
First of all, it's NOT protected. It says on label about pcb being green blah blah, but reality is that there is NO pcb at all! (that explains also why the Tmart spec are 2mm shorter than other Trustfire 26650)
Second, the wrapper is very badly shrinked on, I can make less wrinkles when I do my own RC packs heating the shrinkwrap with the phon!
Capacity is still unknown, as I've not had time to perform a real capacity test with the RC charger (being unknown cells, I have to arrange things to make the test outdoor, as a safe precaution). Anyway, I used it on the HD2010, checked voltage and ampere consumption, and sure they don't lack in punch, as I recorded a steady 3,4A barely touching the cell bottom with the prongs, without pressing the spring, and quickly increasing over 4A if I pressed the spring, so did not wanted to push the luck further.
Still I use it on the HD2010, being a single cell light I feel confident that when I avoid any overdischarge there's no real risk.
But I switch to KK INR 26650 if I have to use the HD2010 for long periods.
So the final consideration is: BE WARNED, the 26650 T-mart sells under the Trustfire 5000mAh wrap are fake and not protected.
It's theoretically possible, but I seriously doubt this is legit. Anyone with a hobby charger and a gambling spirit want to give it a shot?
Thanks for the info Rockspider. If these were listed as "US Warehouse" I might have jumped on them before reading this! Wonder what Louis and Sherry Ye here on BLF would have to say about this.
-Garry
Just checked the link. It's now listed as 4500mAh. I still wouldn't buy it. Too many better options out there from trusted resellers.
-Garry
I PM'd Sherry about this. Will let you know any reply.
Sherry asked from some pics of the aforementioned cells to see what the problem is, so I thought that I could share those pics with you too.
First the original Trustfire 26650 PCB 5000mAh that HKJ has tested on this thread: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/8149
%20man/DSC_2090.jpg)
and this is the one I received from Tmart:
Note the shape and gap around the +button, the difference in the yellow flame shape, the colour of the +TF26650 3,7 Li-ion- lettering above, silver on his and grey on mine.
Then note that the cell is shorter, both on top and bottom it misses the black portion present on the original ones, where the PCB disc and +contacts are.
The original cell measures 68,3 to 68,8 (depending on batch, apparently) meanwhile mine measures only 66,7. Missing the PCB, obviously. Weight is also lighter, 89g versus 92-94g for the originals.
Now the +button, on left the original protected, on right the Tmart one.
%20man/DSC_2091.jpg)
Bottom of cell, again on left HKJ tested original cell with PCB, and on right my cell without. The difference is pretty visible!
%20man/DSC_2092.jpg)
Next is comparison between labels, note that mine has a badly printed label with fuzzy fonts and colour overlappings between yellow letters and red flames.
/DSC_1067.jpg)
original PCB
fake unprotected
detail:
Detail of bottom, clearly showing that there is no PCB
The cell charges and can be used, but without PCB protection and without knowing what kind of chemical the cell is (ICR, INR, ...) I would not feel safe to use it for prolonged periods.
Wonder if I should consider safe to use it in the HD2010. Being unknown brand 26650 cell, is it a safe assumption that being a 26650 sized, it can safely supply 3,4A to the driver without grenading? 
generally speaking, there are few safe assumptions
and there are even fewer when dealing with an obviously counterfeit cell…