Been searching around for a solid rechargeable protected 18650 battery.
I’ve got some of the huge 3400mAh panasonics and 2300 mAh nitecores. I’m looking into buying a C8 and would like to get a few more 18650 batteries that will likely get used in other lights as well.
I’d like them to be good to use in series (in a future light purchase), in a Solarforce L2i, and able to fit in the majority of 18650 torches (the panasonics are a bit iffy size wise, so nothing approaching that 18700 area).
Just a solid well rounded 18650 really.
I read through a bunch of threads but most were looking for specific use or were 6+ months old.
Suggestions much appreciated! Thanks!
edit: if possible from fasttech/amazon would be best. I’m planning on getting the Convoy C8 from FT; I would get the batteries in the same order, or from amazon if they’re still having the delays on outbound lithium batteries.
Personally, for a future purchase light that will be series, I’d buy matched cells just for that light and not use them in other cell combinations. I might use them in another 2 cell light, but not otherwise. For safety.
If the series light is for high draw then you might want something different than if you want long run time. This is may be why you see others doing specific purchases.
You need to let us know if you want high amps or not.
A Sanyo/Samsung/LG cell will hold 3 amps longer than an NCR18650B.
The NCR18650B will hold 1 amp for longer than the other cells, although the LG D1 is almost as long.
Wow, I didn’t notice that… almost has to be an error? A review mentions NCR18650B’s are longer than UR18650F’s, other than that I see nothing as far as actual measurement goes in reviews… anyone have any more info? I’d rather not drop another $5.50 per battery if they’re going to have to same length issues as the 3400 panasonics :\
Wow, I didn’t notice that… almost has to be an error? A review mentions NCR18650B’s are longer than UR18650F’s, other than that I see nothing as far as actual measurement goes in reviews… anyone have any more info? I’d rather not drop another $5.50 per battery if they’re going to have to same length issues as the 3400 panasonics :\/quote]
I would have bought a dozen of these if they were shorter. Reviews I have read show them at close to 70mm.
Panasonic 3100 protected crushes the spring in my TN30, and I’m sure that’s not a good thing. The 3100s I buy from Ebay are 69.45mm X 18.57.
The seller told me his 3400s are a bit shorter at 69.35, but thicker at 18.73.
I have some protected Panasonic flat top 3400s coming from another dealer that are suppose to be 69.1 X 18.6
Will add, I think the length depends on who puts the protection circuits on.
I don’t have anything that they don’t fit in. Lights with tight tolerances could have a problem.
I was recommending on the basis that they are a good all around cell.
My batteries from fastech.
Panasonic 3100mah 69.40mm
Panasonic 3400mah 69.75mm
Sanyo 2600mah 69.30mm
.
All Protected cells and measured with accurate Mitutoyo calipers.
Thanks, guess I’ll grab some Sanyo UR18650F batteries and try them out.
Does anyone happen to know of another supplier that ships them? After reading all the hong kong post issues I’m assuming ordering lithiums from FT is not the best idea.
The Sanyo's are a good choice, but I'd consider the Panasonic PD's. Haven't read the whole thread, but for single cell lights, great choice for best compromise between power and runtime.
The PD’s are a good choice also and they do make a protected version as far as I know, have never ordered any. So they could be used in multi-cell lights safely. I still prefer Sanyo’s for the price and availability. If you need more current (above 4 amps) then the PD’s are better. They both where discussed in this thread.
Just received 3400s from the Ebay dealer, (bought 8 but only received 4, so that will have to be worked out) they measured 69.47 X 18.41 and they fit my TN30. Now if I can get the other 4 without having to do a paypal dispute.