Seriously when i discharged mine at 1A it already got somewhat warm (high internal resistance). I don't know how it can survive a 2.5-3A discharge and also heated by the XM-L, and still stay safe. Not to mention those DD lights (pretty common) soaking 4 amps which the battery can do at full charge. (at least mine does, even though the capacity is sucky)
I have a lot of flashlights, and I can't see putting Xtar batteries in everyone. So what's the cheapest route you feel is still a good enough battery? Someone mentioned the Hi-Max. But even www.goinggear.com sells the Ultrafire blues and I think some of their lights come with a charger and these batteries. And they aren't protected. But apparently they work ok or I doubt the guy would still be selling them. Go to youtube and you can see tons of his flashlight reviews. Seems to be a pretty smart man on flashlights.
The hi max are good, but not that much less than the xtars anyway. I mean, if you wanted protected cells, $7 apiece for high end stuff really isn't all that much. You don't need every light to be loaded, you'll only need a few for normal use anyway.
Ok men I just bought 2 Xtar 18700 2600MAH batteries for $13.50. That is a very good price for some great quality batteries. So I thank you men. I'll probably buy some more.
Thanks Serena for still honoring that price.
I'll let you guys know what I think once I get to use them. I'm sure they are as good as you guys say they are.
I just received my XTAR 18700 today and like the batteries, just make sure it will fit your charger as it is longer than the protected 18650. It won't fit with my old charger and barely fit in my newer one.
Don't pretend that the cheap fakes from ebay at half the price of DX is actually made by Ultrafire (although the Ultrafire shop is warning that DX are selling fake items...).
I also wanted to tell you guys that ebay pulled the plug on those Sony fakes. They are no longer on there. I don't know what they did to the sellers. But I told them they need to give them the boot.