So I was looking for some KPs and saw these…
http://www.gearbest.com/chargers-batteries/pp_104838.html
They seem to not say made in Japan. So should I assume made in China?
Also is the black wrapping new?
The review by HJK (Test/Review of Keeppower IMR18650 3200mAh (Black) 2014) Pictures them with the silver label?
Any advice or thoughts?
Good Day DBSS, 
Be Very careful with Keeppower, as some of their batteries use chinese cells, while others use Japanese & Korean cells (the same applies to the protection circuit/IC)....
If the label says Cell Japan or Korea, & IC Japan then both cell & protection should be OK...
If the label says nothing (as in the case of Keepower batteries sold by some vendors), then BEWARE!!
Btw, those black labels with no information whatsoever are the reason why I will not buy them.
Caveat Emptor.
Best Regards,
George
That is what I had read. But I was interested in the IMR 18650s. And have heard that KP is (overall) a good battery.
Since their IMR seem to be of questionable origin, any IMR 18650 that would be recommended?
Or perhaps a Japanese labelled KP IMR?
Keeppower has on their website also the black IMRs:
Taken from their company profile:
Keeppower prides itself on using only the highest quality cells to make lithium battery packs.The company have established strategic relationship with international lithium battery suppliers such as Sanyo, Sony, Panasonic, LG Chem, Samsung SDI, Skme, Moli, BAK, Lishen, ATL, HYB, etc…
I bought what I guess are Chinese (or unknown) parts versions of the Keeppower 18650, price was good, but just did not know any better at the time.
(Black label and does not list IC or place of manufacture).
Here are both the black label and silver labeled Keeppower list on this page,
One silver label is Korean parts ($7.60) and the higher costing ($11.99) ones made with all japan parts.
It appears all the Keeppower 18650 (black and silver labeled) are assembled in China, just some versions use Korean or Japan parts.
You might get a better price for buying Panasonic brand 3400mAh 18650s.
(The Keeppower 3400mAh appear to be relabeled Panasonic?)
The black KPs are I think all unprotecteds, hence no mention of IC brand, while the ones with silver KP labels are all protecteds.
All 3400mah batteries are from panasonic.
I wrote directly to them. Sent them this link http://www.keeppower.com.cn/products_detail.php?id=490 and asked about the cells. They replied back in about an hour, I was impressed, and this is what they said.
“Thanks for interesting in our products.
This cells made in Japan.
Best regards,
Online Support
KeepPower Technology - Specialized in Lithium Power Solution”
Eight or ten months ago KP started assembling some batteries with cheaper Chinese cells and protection. A KP rep stated if a Seiko-Japan protection circuit was used the label would state protection circuit made in Japan. Same goes for the cell. No mention of where the protection or cell were made means they were made in China. So yes, there is a difference in KP batteries.
This I didn’t know. I’ve been buying KP batteries for a while now…at first through a doingoutdoor ebay seller, then another under a new account…doingoutdoor2012 or something…I began dealing with them strictly though emails, off ebay. I have been getting the 3100 cells for $8…and I have all my cells from the last couple years mixed up…
But they all say made from PC and cells from japan, assembled in China…
So I;ve been the the good ones all along apparently…I had a problem with one, sent an email. Got a replacement (So I ordered 6 more to make the shipment worthwhile.)
Overall They have been a good value
Tony