Thread: Batteries

Ok - an answer back from Richard at Mountain Electronics USA re 18650 batteries.

He says he has freighted units of 8 x 18650 batts out this way without problems and notes the following cost for 8 panasonic 3400 protected buttontops:

"When buying 8 batteries, the price per battery goes down to $9.15/cell (Panasonic NCR18650B Protected 3400mAh), making the price $73.20. Plus shipping costs of $18.20 for a total of $91.40. If that is something you would like to do, let me know and I will send you a paypal invoice."

This is $91.40US for 8 pana 3400s, or about $114NZ, or about $14.30 each = $28.60 for two. By comparison trademe is $34.95 for two plus $5 post = $39.95 a pair. So the mtnelctronics price 25% better. If anyone is interested email Richard/Lisa there and quote the above price to Mike in NZ. I guess $114 for 8 pana 3400s (the best batt) not too bad as they will last for many years.

If buying from Maxtoch someone has to organise a group buy of 30 to make it worthwhile. 30 Maxtoch (panasonic) 3100s x $6.50US each = $195US + maybe $80US freight = $275US. This means about $350NZ or about $23 a pair shipped. Bit cheaper than mtnelectronics in US but the hassle of a group buy.

If buying for just myself and planning to use 18650 lights for few years I'd be talking to Richard/Lisa at mtn.