Thanks to reviews by Charles Bridgtec I have become a Sofirn fan. Love these lights and love the price! I did some serious searching recently and I got the SF11, SF34, SP33 and SP36S, all with batteries (except the AA SF11). All 4 for well under $100. Did I ‘do good’? I think so. BTW, do any of you have preferred
battery brands that have performed well and won’t break the bank? Where should I look for battery deals? Thanks
IMHO, you can't go wrong choosing a light of Sofirn. They have one of the best ratio between price, performance, quality and customer service. Sofirn's batteries are quite okay, especially their 21700 and 26650 batteries are not bad at all, taking the little extra surcharge into account they charge you for the kit-version. If you want to get ultimate performance, you may want to check these recommendations:
18650 size (SP36S):
Samsung 35E - best ratio of performance and runtime
Samsung 30Q / Sony VTC6 - a bit more extra performance at the cost of shorter runtime
Samsung 25S / Molicel P26A / Sony VTC5A - maximum performance at the cost of even shorter runtime
26650 size (SP33)
Keeppower IMR 26650 6.000mAh or Shockli 26650 5.500mAh (PLB-55A cell underneath the shrink wrap)
Lux covered the cells
Since you’re in the NE, sign up on the mailing list to Liionwholsale.com, for short transit.
Besides them:
Illumn.com
18650batterystore.com
IMRBatteries.com
And if in need in real fast pinch, a local vape shop. All their batteries do high amps (but do educate yourself anyway)
Ilumn.com is my go-to source for batteries. All of the batteries I have purchased from them have tested over their respective ratings. Also they ship fast and delivery time is good even though it’s CA to FL.
Agree with all of the above, including that Sofirn rocks.
Will add mtnelectronics.com as another reliable seller and the Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA 3500mAh as another great 18650 battery. Lower amps than the 30Qs, butt greater capacity.
I just received my first two Sofirn lights that I bought from cyclops, the SP31 and SP10. Wow, I am impressed. My Thrunite T1 has been in pocket everyday since I bought it, but I fired up the SP31 and it has been my go to light since then. Surprising amount of throw in this little light.
I appreciate everyone’s input on batteries. I am just now learning all I can about lights and have seen that the subject of battery selection, handling, use and charging is and area for serious consideration.