best protected and unprotected 18650 cells

[light-wolff]

@sixty545

@akhyar

For capacity: Sanyo NCR18650GA - Protected versions include Keeppower, EVVA, Orbtonics, Olight LG MJ1 Panasonic NCR18650B - Many protected versions out there For high drain (unprotected flat-top stock factory cells) Samsung 30Q LG HG2 Sony VTC5

+all

That’s my feeling too, but I really wish that HKJ would rearrange his queue and examine theese top cells so I could decide whether to pull the trigger on some of them. The GA is soon getting old and can be found on sale Allready.

NCR GA is the current top cell, NCR B is outdated. Where can you find NCR GA on sale?

As for protected NCR GA: avoid the Olight, its PCB is a poor performer.

I have tested all the unprotected cells you mention and posted the results here on BLF.
Protected NCR18650GA I have tested Olight, Keeppower, Eagtac, EVVA.
Eagtac and Keeppower are very close, EVVA is better at high current (PCB cuts at 12A IIRC), Olight’s PCB has high internal resistance and cuts too early.