Here’s the link
Pretty expensive, and “B” grade cells. I couldn’t find any test data for these anywhere.
“you pay your money, and you take your chances”.
I know this is an old thread, but the cells are still up on AE…it seems.
A critical piece of info is missing from the listing (max continuous discharge.) I’d want to know that number with certainty before dropping $16 per battery, personally.
If this is the same cell as the QB26800 under a different wrap, it’s 20.0A. If it’s something else, it could be anything.
Every 26800 including QB could be a “B” grade cell for all we know. It’s been like pulling teeth to unravel the mystery behind these cells as far as who/how many actually manufacture them and if the green and blue wraps are the same cells as QB or not. There does appear to be at least one variation with a semi-raised top instead of the flat-flat like QB and the one here at KD.
I was hoping Dennis or Simon could shed some light on all that, but not yet. Dennis made a statement that this size cell was being discontinued, like across the board maybe…sure hope not. Similar with the lovely H10 14500. I think Simon had some difficulty sourcing these for awhile, too (maybe still).
Higher price in this listing but for some countries it may be the only or even the cheapest option to get them. We’re fortunate that Aloft decided to sell them (and fairly/cheaply) here in the US. The new Vapcell version at Illumn is another option, supposedly has a higher sustainable current rating compared to QB…but if they even ship internationally the price would absolutely kill the sale.
Why is it so difficult to get 26800 cells and more importantly, why do flashlight manufacturers make lights that take this battery that is so difficult to buy. Not to mention, there is virtually no charging system for it other than some $5 charger or built-in charger.
Most of our flashlight batteries are not really made for flashlights. There are industries out there which literally eat up pretty much any batteries they can from the factories → cars, e-bikes, power tool makers to name a few. Those big industry players are driving what kind of batteries are made in the long term.
In the recent years 18650 and 21700 were the key sizes especially for electric car manufacturers. That is why most flashlights also go for 18650 and 21700 → they are just flat out the most available right now thanks to our cars, ebikes, tools etc friends.
The 26800 size is very, very niche though and mostly got pushed by hardcore flashlight enthusiasts here and on reddit, because the 26x800 form factor makes well fitting tubes for lights and they tend to have good output and high capacity. 26650 lights are often a bit too short, if you don’t want to waste space in the light. For example the 26650 D4S from Hank fits a bit better into your hand if you switch to the 26800 tube with the longer battery.
If you are a 26800 fan I would stock up on them now as long as they are available - if not it’s a good bet that you can just ignore this battery size, I don’t believe it will ever get any widespread usage because there isn’t big global demand for it. 21700 is incredible popular right now and Tesla is even jumping to 46650 already.
It’s not difficult to get, but it’s not a popular cell either (in our circles) and apparently there aren’t oodles of manufacturers producing it like most of the rest. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think anyone made a light for this cell until we asked for Astrolux long tubes, then Simon’s adapter rings, and a few lights followed after that. I think some were out there for the even longer 26980 or whatever that one is.
For us, charging was/is more of a challenge but for the people that were already using this cell, it wasn’t a problem as most use hobby chargers or homebrew setups with bench supply power. Xtar brought out that slightly better single bay charger that will fit the cells, but it’s 3A and 3A only so it’s not so great for most other cells. Vapcell seems to be following through on a full bay charger that will accept them, not sure if Xtar decided against it or what.
I think it was a GREAT addition to our options and I hope it sticks around. For me it wasn’t all that much hassle but there are challenges on three sides for some folks.
The better 26650 cells have nearly dried up, and this one blows any of those away by a long shot…almost like having the power of 21700 with a whole lot more capacity. Neat. One of the unknowns (other than future supply) is how they will fare over time with cycle life but so far they look good to me (not enough data (nor recording of that) to say anything, though).
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“Why is it so difficult to get 26800 cells and more importantly, why do flashlight manufacturers make lights that take this battery that is so difficult to buy. Not to mention, there is virtually no charging system for it other than some $5 charger or built-in charger.”
If you don’t like the format, that’s fine. However, facts are facts.
-The 26800 is very easy to get, and has been for at least a year. Here is a link where you can purchase them right now for $7.99 each: 26800 6800mAh 3.7v Li-ion Flat Top Battery – Aloft Hobbies
-You can charge 26800 cells in two ways: 1) inside many of these flashlights via USB-C, or 2) with a dedicated charger via Xtar Direct for $10.90. Here is a link where you can purchase it right now: XTAR SC1 PLUS 18650/26800 Battery Charger & Power Bank
So, the cell and charger are easily available. Do you have any other questions about the 26800 format?
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Thank you funwok and correllux for the professional and accurate feedback.
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I would like to thank all of the people in this thread who did not send me insulting personal messages. That is against the BLF rules, which are listed here: BLF Rules - BudgetLightForum.com
That’s definitely against the rules. Please use the Report (flag) button in those cases, it’s also now available in PMs.
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