Thread: Which 18650 rechargeable battery brand?

Fellas

These 18650 batteries... don't really know a thing about them. I only have the ones that have come with my Maxtoch torch.

I want to buy some more to carry for long night sessions. But I'm very wary of the chinese crap on TradeMe. I've read about recycled this, wrapped that, poor rating the other.

Which brand(s) should I focus on and why? Proven experience only please!

Thanks.

Green panasonics

Someone like @gadgetman would most likely know ?

@terryf

Originally Posted by matto1234

Green panasonics

OK @matto1234, so why do we have green panasonics that cost $40 each (like how much???) and green panasonics that cost $11 each?

Is there a possibility that some of these TradeMe batteries are counterfeit?

Sorry, disregard that last post @matto1234. I need to put my glasses on.

Err, yes. Indeed TM has fake listings everywhere (or rather listings for fake shit)

The giveaway is if a 'shop' lists selling 18650's either way too cheap (proper quality ones come at $25-$35ish range), or way over capacity (technology limitations mean anything listing a capacity over 3500mahrs is bullshit).

A quality one will last a recreational hunter's lifetime, or a professional shooter 5 ish years. They are worth it.

Originally Posted by Flyblown

OK @matto1234, so why do we have green panasonics that cost $40 each (like how much???) and green panasonics that cost $11 each?

Is there a possibility that some of these TradeMe batteries are counterfeit?

There are different capacities for 18650s anywhere from 1200 of ma/h to 3600 ma/h price varies accordingly. Obviously for hunting buy the biggest capacity you can find.

I've used the nitecores and can't fault them. If they are for a grunty head torch or torch use the unprotected versions

+1 for nitecore ones (come with the last few torch purchases) have some green Panasonic's lying round that must be 4-5years, still use them and they work fine.

Key thing is to keep an eye on them charging, they produce a lot of heat as does the charger

Cool, well I can get a two 4-packs of green Panasonics for $86 inc postage, so for my occassional usage that should be fine then.

Not really too keen on individual batteries at $25-40 each.

Originally Posted by 223nut

.......................Key thing is to keep an eye on them charging, they produce a lot of heat as does the charger

A MOST IMPORTANT point you raise. If they fail under charge, they do so quite spectacularly, which i why I always place my charger in the metal kitchen sink and add a solid oven tray as a loose cover.

Make sure you get button top, protected cells. I like Panasonics.

you can also check the mAh rating per dollar.
you should be paying around $4.30 - $4.50 per 500mAh (give or take a few cents) for protected cells.

So if you're paying $86 for 8 then they should be around 1200mAh, 1500 max.
That said, I don't know the pricing of Panasonics but I can't imagine them being that much cheaper if they're genuine protected cells.

I am however, wondering why you would need 8 x 18650's?

Oh dear. I got flat tops. Because that's what the ones I already have are.

Why do I need button tops @gadgetman?

Originally Posted by terryf

you can also check the mAh rating per dollar.
you should be paying around $4.30 - $4.50 per 500mAh (give or take a few cents) for protected cells.

So if you're paying $86 for 8 then they should be around 1200mAh, 1500 max.
That said, I don't know the pricing of Panasonics but I can't imagine them being that much cheaper if they're genuine protected cells.

I am however, wondering why you would need 8 x 18650's?

I got some for this guys store, helped me out with the right kind for my vape machine. Im sure he will sort you.