I bought my first rechargeable batteries about 10 years ago from a local seller that is no longer selling batteries. They lasted maybe 500 charging cycles or 7-8 years in (almost) daily use.
In the last couple of years I have ordered rechargeable batteries (18650, 26650, CRV9, NI-MH…) from eBay and some from DX. The results have not been good:
- 1/3 of batteries are never delivered (eBay). You get a refund but lose 2 months in time. This has been improved a little in the last year or so.
- 1/3 last only 1-2 recharges (especially CRV9)
1/3 last 20-30 recharges only
Of all the batteries I’ve ordered, only one 18650 cell is still functioning. They are all Trustfire or some similar brand. I don’t think the brand is the issue here, they can put whatever wrapping on the battery.
Please recommend a 26650 seller that is reliable and - if possible - inexpensive. I don’t mind waiting for 3 months to get the batteries as long as they last for years instead of months. I use my 26650 batteries in bike light, charging them 1-2 a week x 20 weeks/year.
I use a bunch of Keeppower IMR 5200mAh for some electronic cigarette applications that pull more than 100W out and they works very well. Bought from Gearbest, a bit expensive though :~
I’m also looking for a place to buy reliable 26650 batteries. Do most people just run with 18650s inside battery sleeves? It’s just a difference of capacity, right?
Without any hesitation: nkon.nl and akkuteile.de.
Enerdan (brands: Enerpower and Tensai) is a trustworthy rewrapper who has several 26650 cells, including protected ones like the 4500 if you want to use them in series.
With all chinese sellers I’d check if the cell has been tested already. But buying cells with “fire” in the name is clear recipe for frustration - and will sometimes make for loss of limb and life.
I too have the Vappower 4200 from Fasttech, whis has been tested by HKJ and dampfakkus.de. This is a great cell when it comes to as little voltage sag as possible in the 5A range.
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Capacity and stamina.
Look at dampfakkus 6-times-comparator.
26650 cells often have a significantly lower internal resistance, hence they offer higher voltage at high current, which is very important for lights with a single cell and a linear or DD driver (Nanjg, LD-1/2, FET-driver).
Thank you everyone for tips! I checked Windyfire (too expensive shipping), nkon.nl and akkuteile.de. Finally I ordered from nkon.nl as the shipping charges were quite reasonable.
