Hey guys,
Need some wisdom on 18650 rechargeable batteries. I have a Cree XM-L T6 coming which specifies these batteries are need for higher performance. Never had any dealings with them however. Already have a charger which will handle them, just need some options on what to get. Are there any brands, capacities or stores I should be considering, and some I definitely shouldn't?
All help appreciated.
Candlepowerforums is the best place to ask this type of question.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?427630-Be…
you will probably want button topped protected cells which have a built in circuit protection board. These cells are typically longer than flat top unprotected ones.
I just bought some nitecore ones from Fasttech years ago which do cost a premium due to their brand name, but I also routinely use cells from LG and Sanyo for powerbanks. They work just fine.
old laptop battery? crack it open. 18650 a plenty.
I use the Panasonic NCR18650B's (unprotected, though ordered protected) with my T6. 3400mAh, so about the highest capacity available, but if you're worried about overdischarging/overcharging go for protected cells. Also go protected if you want to charge directly through the light using the port (obviously). Of course if protected is around the same cost, go for them. Some unprotected cells will allow a larger discharge current, but the T6's current draw is well under the limit.
You definitely want protected cells in your torch. I use these in my 4 cell cree torch https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10001980/2204400-authent…
As an experiment I ordered some from Banggood (my last batch from overseas never arrived). Since 15th of September they've been in transit so hopefully at some point they'll progress to arriving at Australia Post.
To my amazement they actually arrived in the mail yesterday (tracking still lists it as "in transit" though).
So thankfully that wasn't $25 down the drain.
I only purchase my 18650 batteries from this ebay seller. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2x-BLAZAR-PROTECTED-Panasonic-San…
I have the same batteries form this eBay seller. He is great and answered all my questions over the phone so I would be sure I had all the right gear for my intended usage.
If you bought some random chinese brand light such as ultrafire then it probably doesn't have low voltage protection, and it might be a good idea to get protected cells. As for brands, from the r/flashlight wiki:
Full known list of good brand batteries:
Acebeam, AmpMax, AW, Basen, BattEnergy, EagleTac, Efest, EnerPower, Evva, Fenix, Intl-outdoor, Jetbeam, KeepPower, Lumintop, Nitecore, Orbtronic, Redilast, Sunwayman, and Xtar.
Do not buy Ultrafire batteries!!! This is one of the worst brands available to get. They lie about their capacity and the batteries perform extremely poorly in high powered devices.
Other brands you should be wary of are Nuon, Trustfire, probably anything with the word 'fire' in them (excluding Surefire),
Check out the 18650 battery and charger reviews done by HJK for testing on the good, the bad, and the ugly.
List of good cell manufacturers:
Sony, LG, Sanyo, Panasonic, Samsung
Just take a tin opener to the next Tesla you see parked on the road and steal a couple. They wont miss them.