Update:I submitted a ticket and received an answer that they had gotten the wrong item from their supplier and I was told that I would get a replacement for the "wrong" battery they sent me. Based on the answers in this thread and the fact that I have no tools for measuring capacity I will assume they are real TrustFires.
I just received my first order of the TrustFire 26650 from FastTech. There was no hologram sticker on the batteries. Each 26650 was packed in a semi-transparent grey bag with the SKU number on a label on the bag. Both batteries were in a bigger zip-lock bag with no bubble wrap around them. The only protection was the bubble wrapped envelope but nothing prevented the 26650s smashing against each other during transport. FastTech should improve on their packaging.
The other thing I noticed was that the button top (+) was different, the venting holes on one of the 26650 was much larger than on the other one. The button top also protrudes much more on one of them and there is a weight difference of approx. 4 grams (according to the kitchen scale ).
The voltage was 3.83V and 3.85V.
Are these fake batteries? There seems to be too much variation between them (button top, height, weight)? Unfortunately I have another two 26650 on the way from FastTech, I should have waited before ordering a second pair.
Here are some pics of the TrustFire 26650 from FastTech. Opinions please, fake or not?
Hmm. . . I'll have to take a closer look at the two I received. I assumed they were real since they matched up to the cells HKJ reviewed and Rockspider's findings (the only detail of a TF 26650 flame fake cell appearance I've seen). Seems T-Mart's fake has a more protruding button top.
Over in the 26650 Batteries thread, That Ninja Guy did a capacity test of two of these cells from FastTech and his numbers were a touch low. Would be nice if he posted pics of the ones he received.
Those anode types are normal from looking at other manufacturers styles. Panasonic and Samsung both produce batteries with flat top and raised flat top styles. That’s what you have there….one of each type. Guess they were sourced from different stocks and not graded.
Can’t be from the battery producers, since this is supposed to be protected, and pretty much all manufactured protected cells has another layer of button to connect anode to voltage sensor on the PCB. That’s not the button from the original cells we’re seeing.
Seems TF uses different stock button top and freely mixes them up.
I can't verify their authenticity but I can see the hologram in the labels. It does look like they sent you one flat top and one button top. Other than that I can see nothing wrong with them.
I had ordered these specifically for my TR-J18 (my only 26650 light at the moment) so I wasn't too keen on using them in series in case that they were fakes. I had expected a more visible hologram like on my TrustFire 3000 flames. (PS. I am aware of some TR-J18 getting problems after using 26650 batteries).
I wasn’t sure after reading different things in the fattech thread, so I ordered the soshine 26650, after I send price match they are 8.99$ which is a good price.
I know I plan on buying more Panasonic protected 2900 and 3100mah batteries from them. No one yet has proven them to not be the real deal when it comes to batteries.
Pulsar13 you are correct about differing tops. I bought 12 18650 trustfires and 12 26650’s. The 18650’s have varied tops and some BARELY fit the trustfire charger!!! Have not measured or used the 26650’s (awaiting charger) yet.
We hear you. We began getting some reports about packaging in e-mail since a few days ago and we have immediately begun properly packing these batteries, individually.
We have also been told of broken battery cases. We’re wrapping them with bubbles now as well. Let us know if you notice other things like this, we are eager to hear them.
I have bought some different kinds of Panasonic 18650 and all Nitecore rerchargeable lithium at the BEST price of the market from FastTech.
I am glad to find a fast and honest battery supplier at the best market prices with an excellent delivery time from China.
Regarding the issue of fakes/original, i must say that i trust FastTech because so far i have never run in such issues and because i think that this new supplier wants to keep its name high.
I was very positively surprised that in some cases, FastTech comments on the actual mAh on some chinese batteries which claim and state high numbers on the capacity.
This is honest and i highly appreciate this from FastTech which has already been my favorite site for purchases. Hope they keep expanding their product range so i totally replace DD,DX and maybe Manafont.
FastTech has earned my respect not only for the fast delivery but for their great customer service and very competitive pricing.
I have tried the TJ18 with just two batts and it works like a charm. I think I’ve got a single junk battery but last night I couldn’t be bothered to test it. It shows as charged but when I put it in in 2cell mode it doesn’t work, take it out, swap it with another and it does. Tells me its a duff cell.
Shame really but I only needed three cells so when I ordered 4 one of those was always going to be spare. Its a shame it is seemingly junk though,
I don't have a hobby charger, so there is no way to measure the capacity. I had planned on getting the Imax B6 but found some mixed reviews of it so I didn't buy it.
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