Need suggestions for good bang-for-buck Protected 18650 cells

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
1

I am looking to buy several 18650 cells and wanted to get protected ones (mainly because they are safer). I plan to use some of the cells in my flashlights: Convoy S2+ with sst40 and linear driver, Convoy C8+ with sst40 and linear driver, Nicron N81, and Sofirn SP40. In addition to the flashlights, I plan to experiment using four cells to drive some really old Roombas (that have dead NiMH batteries). I have a XTAR VC4 charger as well as an Olight UC Universal Magnetic USB Charger that will be used for all charging.

I am thinking I want cells with 3000mAH capacity, but I’m willing to be flexible to get a better deal. All that said, I definitely want to purchase some quality protected cells without breaking the bank.

2

I recommend these ones, just note that they’re quite a bit longer than normal cells due to the protection circuit + button top. They are 10A CDR.

You can also get protected 30Qs with 15A CDR.

3

You are in the US so you can take advantage of my database of cells. Here are the protected 18650s sorted by watt hours per dollar: Parametrek Batteries

The best value by a longshot is at https://www.imrbatteries.com/lg-mj1-18650-3500mah-10a-battery-protected-button-top/ but they have a minimum order quantity of 4 cells for that deal.

4

They are also slightly thicker. I had problems fitting protected cells into one of my S2+ lights because of it. The length wasn’t an issue.

And yes, the Panny GA are good ones.

5

Thanks for the database; it is great!

Those “best value” ones give me an error (saying not enough stock) when I try to add just 4 to my cart. :frowning:

6

FYI, you have the specs wrong on one of your cells. The LG Chem 21700M50 (which is really an equivalent M50T model) is shown to have a 5.2A discharge rate, but according to the testing (that you have linked) it is really 7.275A — and I believe that what the manufacturer specs too.