Want a free 18650 3100mAh? (3 available)

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
1

Yes, you knew there was a catch, didn’t you?

In our quest to only carry the best performing and best value batteries, we found that we could have our own batteries manufactured for less than an off the shelf top tier brand — this is using the top graded Panasonic NCR18650A cell.

After much discussion and cases of unmarked bills exchanged, this is the fruits of our efforts:

.

.

In our testing, the DarkMatter 3100mAh 18650 surpassed the XTAR equivalent and is on par with the AW. Here are comments on each:

XTAR:
PRO: good price, consistent performance and capacity between batches, button top
CON: very long!

DarkMatter:
PRO: less $ than AW but same as XTAR, higher capacity and performance than XTAR/AW, button top, shorter than XTAR
CON: to be determined

AW:
PRO: very consistent performance between batches, sustain slightly higher voltage under load
CON: expensive, flat top, short (cannot be used in some lights), shortest capacity

.

.

Ok, so where’s the free part?

We know how great value and performance these batteries are, but we need you to tell us the same — or maybe our testing equipment is out of whack! We have set aside 3 factory wrapped batteries to be sent to three people who meet these criteria:

1. Resident of Canada
2. Performed battery tests or reviews and can show for it (in BLF, CPF, or elsewhere)
3. Would like a free battery — agreeing to perform an unbiased, published test of course

That’s it. First three to reply back with “I’ll do it!” gets them.

If by September 4th we still don’t have three folks from Canada meeting that criteria, it’s open season for anyone (still meeting the other two criteria!). I’ll let you know if the floodgates open then.

The MSRP for these is currently as follows (This is subject to change within the next week if required):

Pack of two: $30 CAD
Pack of two including XTAR MP1s charger: $36 CAD
Pack of two including XTAR WP2-II charger: $45 CAD

Hopefully this can be our way of bringing quality batteries to Canadians (and others) in the midst of this USPS ban — and without having to buy overseas.

FYI: We test each and every battery before it goes out so no one ever receives an underperforming or bad battery. Each battery is clearly marked with the mAh tested. A case in point is the last batch of XTAR 16340 there were 11 batteries testing under 300mAh and one completely dead. Any other company would have simply shipped those out!

2

I was going to say yes but I read the terms. :bigsmile:

3

edit says what Horst said. :D

4

Im a new guy and dont fit the criteria,but the HKJ fella needs some of those.Hes a bat test monster

Sounds like a great product,hope it worksout

DON…

5

Selfbuilt (Canada) will receive one but HKJ not quite yet. Trying to keep this within Canada, and first to these forums before expanding out. Again on Tuesday when the floodgates open, we’ll see what happens :slight_smile:

6

Send your batteries to the BEST ..........

HKJ

for a quantitative, subjective and complete examination.

Also, maybe send a few "Extra" research Kroner's his way for his time and expertise.

7

They apparently are not really interested in a fair high quality review.

8

how long is the battery?

9

And you came to this conclusion how might I ask? The fact that we’re catering (and favoring) with a heavy slant towards Canadians? Selfbuilt is also highly respected and is Canadian so I fail see the point in your comment unless I’m misreading of course.

10

He is just trying to say “send one to HKJ so he can test them” :slight_smile:

11

+1 for H :wink:

12

It’ll happen but we want a local veto on whether these are as good as we see in house before spending $25 to send a few to Denmark (HKJ) :slight_smile:

13

Ualnosaj, check your pms. :)

14

Can you email me at Jason @ hidcanada . com? The PM is flaky, trouble replying back.

15

I noticed how the “cons” of the darkmatter battery was that it was shorter than the XTAR.

Didn’t some XTAR cells not fit in flashlights because they were too long?

Or do the darkmatter cells rattle because they’re short?

Cheers!

16

I can do a test, although I’m in the US. Standard hobby charger stuff, although I’ve used and tested a lot of batteries, including a bunch of Panasonics (no NCR18650Bs though, sadly).

17

Selfbuilt is a very good choice - his flashlight reviews are awesome (one of the best reviewer who posts on CPF).

18

Ouch did I say “B”? Shhh… pretend I didn’t say that yet. These are “A” up for grabs :slight_smile:

19

XTAR do not fit some lights because it’s long. That is, they won’t screw down all the way without some crushing — though it’s not as bad as their 16340! The DM cells are a good compromise with CONs to be determined.

20

oh, no worries, I was just saying that I haven’t been able to get my hands on some Bs yet, although I will for a future build. I’ve tested NCR18650 and NCR18650As though and still have one NCR18650 in my possession, which is soon to go into a build.