I need at least a pair of protected 18650’s, which have protection circuit.
Any idea, what model is the shortest still in production?
Solarforce 2400mAh?
I have a XinTD L2 which needs a new set. Pretty much everything is too long for it, unless unprotected.
Shortest I have is Eagletac, 3100mAh, @68.2mm
Can’t you just mod the tail cap?
The shortest protected 18650s I’ve seen are 67.5mm in length, but they are flat tops and are therefore no good end-to-end.
I don’t think there’s going to be an option for you other than modding the tail cap, as edc has suggested.
cut the spring ...or use quality unprotected cells ...or lmr
I have already taken the tailcap to parts and removed the brass cap.
Not too interested in getting to lathe work with it (possible, but too much trouble IMO).
Solarforce 2400mAh might just be the best solution OR just deal with it and use Un-Protecteds or get a better light 
I found HKJ’s battery comparisons and noticed, he has measured the lengths also, good thing…
Thanks for help!
Reviving this one.
Per my measurement the shortest protected cells I have seen are Tenergy 2600 flat tops. Per Battery Junction the button tops are the same length, 67mm - .2mm. Not too sure of Tenergy quality but they are the current shortest champions for protected cells so far as I know. I have some of the flat tops and have ordered the button tops. They are also the skinniest I have seen listed at a claimed 18mm- 0.2 mm.
Next shortest I have measured are Soshine 3400 mAh button top protected cells at 68.3mm nominal though mine are 68.4 per my plastic digital calipers. Available at Illumination Supply and the Soshines are supposed to have Panasonic guts. With the BLF posted discount code things at Illumination Supply are 15% off too.
I will also keep the Eagletac 3100s in mind at 68.2mm.