18650 batteries, best 3100ish mAh, quantity 6-8?

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

I need to buy some 18650 batteries, and the situation with shipping restrictions, vendor reliability, avoiding counterfeits, and knowing what is good at any given time is such a liquid situation, I figured I’d ask the group.

I like protected cells, and have been most satisfied with Orbtronic 3100 mAh (supposed to be a Panasonic re-label). I also bought 3400 mAh Panasonic NCR18650B…which are a super tight fit in my Xtar WP2 II charger, and they are too tight in a couple of my lights, so I think its best to avoid that size.

All cells with be used in single emitter P60 hosts, and C8 lights with a maximum current draw of 3 amps.

So, what protected 18650’s are good today around 3100 mAh? I need to buy 6-8 so I’m trying to buy in quantity and push the price down over (for example) buying 2 packs from Orbtronic. All related tips on vendors, and equivalent quality/brands are appreciated.

2

Do the drivers have protection? If so, there is “no point” in buying the protected ones for single cell lights.

3

Can never have too much protection!

I’d go with these btw:

http://www.dx.com/p/genuine-panasonic-18650-3100mah-rechargeable-battery-with-protection-board-green-pair-121444

Good price, Panasonic, good quality/performance… It will be shipped on the slow boat most likely though.