Best bang for the buck batteries 2021?

Not only the wrap, the steel cylinder under the wrap is also quite different, they are definitely not the same cells

No need, even my old TrustFire cells did not explode.

The maximum current draw is 6.8A for SC31 pro and 4.4A for FC11. The Sofirn cell is DLG NCM18650-300 with 6.4A CDR

Sofirn 21700 5000mAh is Lishen LR2170SD, it has the unique bottom vent

Maximum current draw in turbo mode will only last 30 second or so but CDR is continuous rating. I don’t remember whether SC31 can draw 10A in turbo if you use a 30Q but 6.8A was from zeroair’s testing using sofirn cell. It may limited it current draw/lumen.

Yea the second post in that thread states the same.

TrustFire may be the cheapest, but it’s also the worst. So I would call it lowest bang for your buck.

A quality battery is $5. Why would you want to spend less than that?

Many years ago, TrustFire "flames" were a very good choice.

Of course, things are different now.

Many years ago HKJ recommended TrustFire if I remember correctly, and I even got fake TrustFire cells……

Take a look at this, it is not the “Flame” version though……
https://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/47e2ci/found_this_fake_18650_picture_elsewhere_on_reddit/

thanks for all the posted information.
i have had this question as well.
please continue.

Based on the two quoted posts below, I got some of these 21700 Cells. Very happy with these. $11.99 for 3 cells & FREE Shipping.
Shipping is fast too.

21700 lithium ion Battery Cell 18.5 Wh 5000 mAh 3.75v Model 3 2170

https://www.techdirectclub.com/2170-lithium-ion-battery-18-5-wh-5000-mah-3-75v-model-3-2170-cells-lot-of-3/
……

Based on the two quoted posts below, I got some of these 21700 Cells. Very happy with these. $11.99 for 3 cells & FREE Shipping.
Shipping is fast too.

21700 lithium ion Battery Cell 18.5 Wh 5000 mAh 3.75v Model 3 2170

https://www.techdirectclub.com/2170-lithium-ion-battery-18-5-wh-5000-mah-3-75v-model-3-2170-cells-lot-of-3/
……

In China, I have access to pretty much every battery. Here are some good deals that I found:

1 USD = 6.44 CNY

High capacity 18650: Samsung 35E or 32E (the 32E has similar capacity at 10A) for 12 CNY
High drain 18650: Samsung 30Q or 30T for 17 CNY
Budget 18650: BAK H18650CIL (Rated for 2400 but I measured at 2700+) for 5 CNY

High capacity 21700: LG M50T (5000 mAh rated) for 9 CNY. The 21700 batteries always seem to have lower than rated capacity unlike 26650 batteries which have higher than rated capacity.
High drain 21700: Lishen LR2170LA (45A rated) for 10 CNY which is an astounding deal. This cell is similar to the Samsung 40T.

High capacity and drain 26650: Power Long Battery (朗动力) 5000 mAh with 20A continuous discharge for 20 CNY. I measured capacity at 5300+ mAh.
Budget 26650: Sinowatt 5000 mAh for 9 CNY

I fail to see any bottom vent:

Mooch’s testing on Lishen LR2170SF, different cell but has the same bottom vent. The only Lishen cell does not have bottom vent is LR2170LA

These use to be the Ones to get :smiley: :smiley:

Here is the king of 18650s, UltraFire 9800mAh capacity :slight_smile:

I think these are the largest 18650 (claimed) capacities that I've seen.

It’s a race to the bottom or I guess the top of fake capacity. Either the manufacturer is trying to remain reputable or they’ll just go all out in lying about the capacity.

Ironically, I don’t see these fake cells being sold in China on Taobao since seller reputation is very important.

I don’t mean to be rude, but that inner indentation is what you call bottom vent?

I would have liked to be better informed and given the mechanism of venting at the bottom.