Hi guys!
I dont know which battery will be better among the all 18650 Manafont has. I need ONLY 1 battery to power a XML flashlight, which draws +3 amps on high.
It has to be:
- 18650 protected or unprotected (it doesnt matter).
- Preferably a good reputable manufacturer (i.e. sanyo, not UltraFire/TrustFire).
- It has to be able to deliver at least 3 amps with no problems.
- Preferably being sold as a single unit (not a pack of 2).
Thanks
Garry, that battery “marsfire” is really from sanyo? Is genuine sanyo?
That marsfire is this battery http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/sanyo-unprotected-18650-flat-conduction-design-rechargeable-battery-1pcset-p-9321 but with protection added?
I would say the unprotected is the same as the protected one obviously just without the protection circuit. According to old4570’s review it is in fact a genuine Sanyo cell and “It is regular practice to buy a cell , add a protection circuit and a attractive wrapper with your name on it. . .”
old tested the cell to 5+ amp draw in his review.
I know nothing about the cells myself, just passing information based on old’s review.
-Garry
Never Mind, I just realized Fran wanted a single-cell option; not two.
I bought a pair of the Xtar 3100mAH 18650 batteries which use the Panasonic cells, and they have been excellent. I bought them in a pair from HKequipment along with a new Lumintop ED20 flashlight which uses 18650 batteries. I liked the extra capacity over 2400 or 2600mAH cells, but the lower capacity would work just as good. The Xtar 3100’s are $26 shipped to anywhere in the world from HKequipment.
If I may ask, why do you only want one battery? I bought two so I could always have one in the flashlight at all times, and the other as a fully charged backup ready to be swapped as needed. I labelled them to keep track and rotate them one at a time so they get equal use. I always have backup batteries and Li-Ion rechargeables hold their charge for long time, so no worries about it discharging itself too quickly.
Also note that some 18650 cells lack a button-top and will not work in some flashlights that have physical reverse polarity protection. My new flashlight has this protection, and the Xtar cells have small button-tops so no issues there. Many other brands also have button-tops if you require that feature.
I only need one because I only need 1 for that flashlight. Is a flashlight which I use only one or two times a year, and Li-ion degrades over the time…. only need 1
If it’s an emergency or backup light used a few times a year, then you should use one that is based on lithium primaries like CR123 Energizers or AA Ni-MH Eneloops. The CR123 have a 10-year shelf life.
Li-Ion is best used regularly, like a daily/EDC flashlight where the battery is used and charged regularly. Letting a rechargeable 18650 sit around unused for months is a waste.
YMMV.
Oh, yeah I know that…
But this flashlight is now without being used because of lack of batteries. I need 1… (no problem I will use it more regularly)
Well, why Manafont exactly? MF sells in two-packs mostly, and lots of them are the xFires that you don’t want.
But if you insist on MF, this is the only one I think fits the bill ($7.25):
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/sanyo-unprotected-18650-flat-conduction-design-rechargeable-battery-1pcset-p-9321
A much better option should you choose not to limit to MF ($7.80):
http://www.focalprice.com/EB0040S/Panasonic_2900mAh_18650_Battery_Grey.html
FP has much faster shipping than MF nowadays. Wayyy faster. And this one’s original Panasonic.
I can recommend unprotected since you’re using single cell and requires low self discharge. Protected cells will have some parasitic drain used by the circuit.
But seriously though, buy the NCR from FP. Better ship time, better capacity, low self discharge, good safety record.
Pulsar13
The first you have linked is what I am thinking to buy
Isn’t that Sanyo much cheaper at IO and CNQG?