Where do i buy good 26650 high drain cells?

JasonWW · 2019-12-21T11:46:39.000Z

smvs:

MTN was mentioned here, but that is a US store and I live in Europe. Is this a legit source? Shockli Battery Store

The batteries are 6.93 euro there and the shipping is 3.06 euro via PostNL in my case. Link: Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com

On shops like AliExpress and Banggood almost everything seems to get rave reviews and a lot of shops are called ‘official’, so it doesn’t mean much to me. Then again, this store has a 99.3% rating, and the batteries themselves have the full 5 stars, something which you don’t see very often I think. Any thoughts?

Aliexpress is like eBay, it’s a bunch of independent stores that are all grouped together through a common payment system. The bottom line is you need to be familiar with the particular store you’re buying from if you want to be sure to get the genuine article. Just like ebay.

Banggood on the other hand is an actual store so you know who you’re buying from. They also stand behind what they sell. If they should get a batch of imitation batteries then they will stand behind what they sell and make it right.

A common store for Europe is EU.Nkon.nl.

If you want that 5500mah PLB battery they carry it, but the total cost may be more.

eu.nkon.nl

Keeppower IMR26650 5500mAh - 15A - 26650 - Li-ion - Rechargeable batteries |...

.

So you have to weigh the cost against getting a fake cell from an Aliexpress store over paying more from a more legit source. Most likely it will be legit. You can usually tell by its size and measured capacity.

smvs · 2019-12-21T12:07:36.000Z

JasonWW:

smvs:

MTN was mentioned here, but that is a US store and I live in Europe. Is this a legit source? Shockli Battery Store

The batteries are 6.93 euro there and the shipping is 3.06 euro via PostNL in my case. Link: Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com

On shops like AliExpress and Banggood almost everything seems to get rave reviews and a lot of shops are called ‘official’, so it doesn’t mean much to me. Then again, this store has a 99.3% rating, and the batteries themselves have the full 5 stars, something which you don’t see very often I think. Any thoughts?

Aliexpress is like eBay, it’s a bunch of independent stores that are all grouped together through a common payment system. The bottom line is you need to be familiar with the particular store you’re buying from if you want to be sure to get the genuine article. Just like ebay.

Banggood on the other hand is an actual store so you know who you’re buying from. They also stand behind what they sell. If they should get a batch of imitation batteries then they will stand behind what they sell and make it right.

Good to know and thank you, I did not know about that distinction.

A common store for Europe is EU.Nkon.nl.

If you want that 5500mah PLB battery they carry it, but the total cost may be more.

Keeppower IMR26650 5500mAh - 15A - 26650 - Li-ion - Rechargeable batteries | NKON

I live in the Netherlands and do know NKON, and got a protected Keeppower buttontop for my Zanflare F1 there. NKON would indeed be my go to source, provided they have what I want. The shipping depends a bit, if it fits through a mailbox (3.2 cm / 1.26”) the national shipping is only 3 euro, if not it’s 5.

Thing is, that Keeppower battery you mention is 15A, and I’m looking to maybe buy a MF01 mini. That lamp might benefit from more amps (Right?). An obvious choice would be to go for a 21700 battery like a Samsung or Molicell, but I heard it might rattle a bit in a MF01 mini, so that was why I was looking for a 26650 cell.

So you have to weigh the cost against getting a fake cell from an Aliexpress store over paying more from a more legit source. Most likely it will be legit. You can usually tell by its size and measured capacity.

I don’t mind taking an (as educated as possible) gamble. So if I have made up my mind about the torch itself I might just try it.

JasonWW · 2019-12-21T22:40:03.000Z

smvs:

Thing is, that Keeppower battery you mention is 15A, and I’m looking to maybe buy a MF01 mini. That lamp might benefit from more amps (Right?). An obvious choice would be to go for a 21700 battery like a Samsung or Molicell, but I heard it might rattle a bit in a MF01 mini, so that was why I was looking for a 26650 cell.

Okay, I thought you were interested specifically in that Shockli/Keeppower 5500mah ~~15A~~ 20A cell that you linked to. It should work well in the MF01 mini, although it won’t give the highest measured output.

If you want a higher drain cell to max out the measured lumens the iJoy 4200mah is a good one.

Looks like most 21700 do fit. Molicel and Samsung make good 21700 cells. If you dont have a spacer, just cut a piece of cardboard to help center it.

smvs · 2019-12-21T20:47:30.000Z

JasonWW:

smvs:

Thing is, that Keeppower battery you mention is 15A, and I’m looking to maybe buy a MF01 mini. That lamp might benefit from more amps (Right?). An obvious choice would be to go for a 21700 battery like a Samsung or Molicell, but I heard it might rattle a bit in a MF01 mini, so that was why I was looking for a 26650 cell.

Okay, I thought you were interested specifically in that Shockli/Keeppower 5500mah 15A cell that you linked to. It should work well in the MF01 mini, although it won’t give the highest measured output.

If you want a higher drain cell to max out the measured lumens the iJoy 4200mah is a good one.

Looks like most 21700 do fit. Molicel and Samsung make good 21700 cells. If you dont have a spacer, just cut a piece of cardboard to help center it.

The one I mentioned is 20/30A right?

Thanks for the tips. This definitely helped

whatsthepoint · 2019-12-21T21:16:51.000Z

Yes,the ShockLi 26650 5500mAh battery fits in the Sofirn SP33v3.

They were sold to me by mountain electronics 2 weeks ago after I received my SP33v3

They were delivered at 3.85 volt and charged to 4.2 volts in an Xtar VC4

A discharge capacity test with a 2.5 volt cut off had one battery a 6183mAh and the 2nd at 6138mAh.

The battery adapter that ships in the SP33v3 box holds a 21700 or an18650.

The SP33v3 uses unprotected flat top batteries but it worked with a button top protected Panasonic NCR18650GA in the plastic sleeve.

The user guide recommends unprotected 26650 and 21700 but the 18650 also works.

On high setting my SP33v3 shut off at 2.80 volts but was able to run on low down to 2.60 volts with the ShockLi 5500mAh battery.

Voltage was measured with an Etekcity voltmeter.

EDIT:I removed the bezel and reflector to take a peek at the LED Star.The bezel unscrewed easily.

JasonWW · 2019-12-23T02:07:50.000Z

smvs:

JasonWW:

smvs:

Thing is, that Keeppower battery you mention is 15A, and I’m looking to maybe buy a MF01 mini. That lamp might benefit from more amps (Right?). An obvious choice would be to go for a 21700 battery like a Samsung or Molicell, but I heard it might rattle a bit in a MF01 mini, so that was why I was looking for a 26650 cell.

Okay, I thought you were interested specifically in that Shockli/Keeppower 5500mah 15A cell that you linked to. It should work well in the MF01 mini, although it won’t give the highest measured output.

If you want a higher drain cell to max out the measured lumens the iJoy 4200mah is a good one.

Looks like most 21700 do fit. Molicel and Samsung make good 21700 cells. If you dont have a spacer, just cut a piece of cardboard to help center it.

The one I mentioned is 20/30A right?

Thanks for the tips. This definitely helped

They are the same identical battery. They are all the PLB-55 under the wrapper. Here are the brands they are sold as:

Shockli 5500mah
Keeppower 5500mah and 6000mah
Vapcell 5500mah red and 5900mah purple
Orbtronic 5750mah

I had to recheck the max continuous output (from 4.2v down to 2.8v staying under the max rated temperature) of the PLB-55. I was thinking it was 15A, but it’s actually 20A. It can do 30A for about 8 minutes. It’s considered a high capacity cell and not high drain, but it’s a newer design than all the other 26650 cells on the market. Its newer chemistry gives it pretty impressive specs.

(BTW, the iJoy 4200mah can do 30A continuous)

d_t_a · 2019-12-23T01:43:28.000Z

JasonWW:

smvs:

JasonWW:

smvs:

Thing is, that Keeppower battery you mention is 15A, and I’m looking to maybe buy a MF01 mini. That lamp might benefit from more amps (Right?). An obvious choice would be to go for a 21700 battery like a Samsung or Molicell, but I heard it might rattle a bit in a MF01 mini, so that was why I was looking for a 26650 cell.

Okay, I thought you were interested specifically in that Shockli/Keeppower 5500mah 15A cell that you linked to. It should work well in the MF01 mini, although it won’t give the highest measured output.

If you want a higher drain cell to max out the measured lumens the iJoy 4200mah is a good one.

Looks like most 21700 do fit. Molicel and Samsung make good 21700 cells. If you dont have a spacer, just cut a piece of cardboard to help center it.

The one I mentioned is 20/30A right?

Thanks for the tips. This definitely helped

They are the same identical battery. They are all the PLB-55 under the wrapper. Here are the brands they are sold as:

Shockli 5500mah
Keeppower 5500mah and 6000mah
Vapcell 5500mah red
Orbtronic 5750mah

I had to recheck the max continuous output (from 4.2v down to 2.8v staying under the max rated temperature) of the PLB-55. I was thinking it was 15A, but it’s actually 20A. It can do 30A for about 8 minutes. It’s considered a high capacity cell and not high drain, but it’s a newer design than all the other 26650 cells on the market. Its newer chemistry gives it pretty impressive specs.

(BTW, the iJoy 4200mah can do 30A continuous)

I’ve got the Vapcell 5900mAh (violet wrap) but not the Vapcell 5500mAh (red wrap). I also have the Shockli 5500mAh.

Doing capacity testing and IR resistance testing (YR1030 IR tester), I would say they are the exact same cell (also tried weighing them with a small digital weighing scale with 0.1gam resolution and they weigh very similar)

So I would add that the Vapcell 5900mAh (violet wrap) is also the same cell as the Shockli 5500mAh, and thus likely the same PLB-55 cell internally.

JasonWW · 2019-12-23T02:08:49.000Z

d_t_a:

JasonWW:

They are the same identical battery. They are all the PLB-55 under the wrapper. Here are the brands they are sold as:

Shockli 5500mah
Keeppower 5500mah and 6000mah
Vapcell 5500mah red and 5900mah purple
Orbtronic 5750mah

I had to recheck the max continuous output (from 4.2v down to 2.8v staying under the max rated temperature) of the PLB-55. I was thinking it was 15A, but it’s actually 20A. It can do 30A for about 8 minutes. It’s considered a high capacity cell and not high drain, but it’s a newer design than all the other 26650 cells on the market. Its newer chemistry gives it pretty impressive specs.

(BTW, the iJoy 4200mah can do 30A continuous)

I’ve got the Vapcell 5900mAh (violet wrap) but not the Vapcell 5500mAh (red wrap). I also have the Shockli 5500mAh.

Doing capacity testing and IR resistance testing (YR1030 IR tester), I would say they are the exact same cell (also tried weighing them with a small digital weighing scale with 0.1gam resolution and they weigh very similar)

So I would add that the Vapcell 5900mAh (violet wrap) is also the same cell as the Shockli 5500mAh, and thus likely the same PLB-55 cell internally.

Yes, I think that 5900 was an earlier version that Vapcell did. They rated it a bit too high just like Keeppower did so they lowered the capacity on later versions.

Here is a link on the Shockli 5500mah with a lot more duscussion.

Test/review of Shockli IMR26650 5500mAh (Black) 2017 Rechargeable Batteries

Shockli IMR26650 5500mAh (Black) 2017 [image] Official specifications: Nominal voltage: 3.7V Nominal capacity: 5500mAh Charge voltage: 4.20V +/-0.5V Standard charge current: 0.5A Maximum Charge current: 2A Maximum continuous discharge: 20A Maximum pulse discharge: 30A [image] A high current and high capacity 26650 cell. [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] The two cells are very well matched and as…

California_Prepper · 2019-12-23T02:49:33.000Z

Vapewild.com has the Golisi gold wrap 35A 4300mah for $9.99

LTC · 2019-12-23T07:41:38.000Z

JasonWW:

They are the same identical battery. They are all the PLB-55 under the wrapper. Here are the brands they are sold as:

Shockli 5500mah
Keeppower 5500mah and 6000mah
Vapcell 5500mah red and 5900mah purple
Orbtronic 5750mah

I had to recheck the max continuous output (from 4.2v down to 2.8v staying under the max rated temperature) of the PLB-55. I was thinking it was 15A, but it’s actually 20A. It can do 30A for about 8 minutes. It’s considered a high capacity cell and not high drain, but it’s a newer design than all the other 26650 cells on the market. Its newer chemistry gives it pretty impressive specs.

(BTW, the iJoy 4200mah can do 30A continuous)

I have the Shockli 5500mah. I read somewhere here that PLB might or will discontinue this PLB-55.

Today I wanted to get some Vapcell 5500mah Red since I’m getting some Vapcell 21700 4500mah Red.

But to realize that the Vapcell 5500mah Red been removed from their listing. Checked with Vapcell CS and confirmed out of stock.

Looks like it might be true that PLB might or have already discontinued this 5500mah.

Maybe I will just stock up Shockli 5500mah as spare. And looks like Shockli 5500mah low in stock too as they no longer selling the 6pcs pack.

whatsthepoint · 2019-12-24T15:52:39.000Z

Check stock at 18650batterystore dot com for the red Vapcell 26650 5500mAh 20A($9.99).

Be aware that these are 26.6mm dia and probably won't fit in some flashlights.

They also have a holiday sale on several batteries,chargers and wraps.

I don't know shipping cost to outside the US.

ghost_face · 2019-12-24T18:29:37.000Z

I do not buy vapecell red INR26650 for use with unregulated FET or direct drive. Both zeroair and HKJ experiences heat issues with it.

Zeroair review

HKJ review

JasonWW · 2019-12-24T21:53:39.000Z

ghost face:

I do not buy vapecell red INR26650 for use with unregulated FET or direct drive. Both zeroair and HKJ experiences heat issues with it.

Zeroair review

HKJ review

I’m not sure you understand flashlight loads vary over time. A flashlight is never going to be able to maintain a 20A load from 4.2v to 2.8v. Even if it starts at 20A, the voltage will drop and the amperage slowly goes down with it. As the amperage drops, the heat build up will slow down.

Plus, any flashlight pulling 20A from a battery is going to get really hot from the led and you will either adjust the brightness down or the driver will automatically adjust the brightness down.

The testing rigs used by battery testers constantly adjust the resistance to maintain a 20A load. This is very different from a flashlight. You have zero to worry about using that cell in a flashlight.

whatsthepoint · 2019-12-24T19:42:18.000Z

I see posts that state the ShockLi 26650 5500mAh and the red Vapcell 5500mAh batteries are the same but on the ShockLi it says IMR while the Vapcell says INR.Two different chemistries,no?

JasonWW · 2019-12-24T20:13:32.000Z

whatsthepoint:

I see posts that state the ShockLi 26650 5500mAh and the red Vapcell 5500mAh batteries are the same but on the ShockLi it says IMR while the Vapcell says INR.Two different chemistries,no?

Cool that you noticed.

I can only guess why the Shockli 5500mah says IMR. Remember that Shockli doesnt make the battery, it’s made by Powerlong Battery (or so we assume). So Shockli really doesnt know what chemistry that battery uses.

On the flip side, we have no concrete proof of what cell is under their wrapper. We assume it’s the PLB-55 for very good reasons. When tested by people with sophisticated battery testing rigs we see the output curves, the temperature increase, the measured capacity, the internal resistance, the weight, the physical size and design and it all matches up to the PLB-55. Currently we don’t know of any other cell that comes close to all these parameters.

I’m am going to guess that Shockli made a mistake in calling it an IMR. The PLB-55 is shown to be a INR. Honestly, I dont think anyone cares which it is. It makes no difference to me. I just want it to work well.

I see the Orbtronic version and both Keeppower versions also says IMR. Vapcell is the only one saying INR.

Keeppower has a 27700 cell? Odd. Never mind, it’s what they are calling the protected version of the PLB-55. The protection circuit adds to the length and diameter.

ghost_face · 2019-12-24T21:10:53.000Z

JasonWW:

ghost face:

I do not buy vapecell red INR26650 for use with unregulated FET or direct drive. Both zeroair and HKJ experiences heat issues with it.

Zeroair review

HKJ review

I’m not sure you understand how batteries work. They all heat up when discharged. A flashlight is never going to be able to maintain a 20A load from 4.2v to 2.8v. Even if it starts at 20A, the voltage will drop and the amperage slowly goes down with it. As the amperage drops, the heat build up will slow down.

Plus, any flashlight pulling 20A from a battery is going to get really hot from the led and you will either adjust the brightness down or the driver will automatically adjust the brightness down.

The testing rigs used by battery testers constantly adjust the resistance to maintain a 20A load. This is very different from a flashlight. You have zero to worry about using that cell in a flashlight.

No need be rude again. Did you read the reviews? This statement very specific for the vapecell. “The capacity of these is the real star. I tested well above 5500mAh. As for 20A rating – yes, it hits that. This is the first cell I can remember that has set off the temperature alarm on my logger, though, so be aware that at 20A it gets quite hot.” Hope this helps.

JasonWW · 2019-12-24T21:41:26.000Z

I wasn’t trying to be rude, sorry.

Pete7874 · 2019-12-24T21:47:27.000Z

ghost face:

No need be rude again.

Huh? How was he being rude?

Swabs · 2019-12-24T21:53:18.000Z

Pete7874:

ghost face:

No need be rude again.

Huh? How was he being rude?

I was wondering the same thing. I don’t see any rude at all.

JasonWW is an amazing source of info, and is always kind with his time and knowledge to help out others.

JasonWW · 2019-12-24T21:56:16.000Z

Pete7874:

ghost face:

No need be rude again.

Huh? How was he being rude?

It might be because I said “I’m not sure you understand how batteries work”.

That comes off a bit rude. I changed it to be a bit more accurate and less rude sounding.

“I’m not sure you understand how flashlight loads vary over time.”