Thread: Trusted 18650 suppliers?

I'm due to buy another 10 or so 18650s to power a range of Thermal and NV gear and some Torches. Would like the highest capacity possible but I don't want to pay $40 per battery, and need actual high capacity, not some crap battery stating 10,000mah.

Where is the best place in NZ to get them at the moment?

watching intently.

I bought some off aliexpress 5 years ago. Some are still diong well, some shat themselves quick time.

Even if I go back through my account and find the original seller, I have zero faith that they will still be selling those stonking good ol 18650's that test bedded at 3400mahrs.

Jacob at https://www.piercingthedarkness.co.nz/ one of the forum sponsors. Good guy and good gear.

Originally Posted by Makros

Jacob at https://www.piercingthedarkness.co.nz/ one of the forum sponsors. Good guy and good gear.

Yup +1 for Jacob.

Make sure they are button top, and protected cells. Expect to pay around $60 a pair. Here are some Maxtoch 3500s - still likely genuine:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...8?bof=zbzRjOFg

I’ve always used Maxtoch or Nitecore but looks like Nitecore got pricey.
Not sure what these are like but are protected and pretty cheap
https://www.rubbermonkey.co.nz/Oligh...y-3-6V-3400mAh

yeah the Maxtoch ( Panasonic ) 3500mAh were the gruntiest I came across. Although was a few years ago now.

Get the nitecored through ken at 55six

Buy good ones....Shit ones can end in tears...Fully charged, in a 4 pack to run a bike light.....on lounge table sounded like a rocket going off inside. First impact was the ceiling then fell to floor as it thrust its insides out over the carpet...I left my toes in the picture for scale...flames were about 2 feet long, looked like a gas welding flame with blue at the battery and yellow flare and smoke.The black bits on the carpet are remnants of molten copper and metals.......Couch ignited like a match hitting petrol.....Just a brief flash and the flames...

Buy good ones....It will save you a fortune (or your insurance company ...)

battery cell in wellington

Originally Posted by timattalon

Buy good ones....Shit ones can end in tears...Fully charged, in a 4 pack to run a bike light.....on lounge table sounded like a rocket going off inside. First impact was the ceiling then fell to floor as it thrust its insides out over the carpet...I left my toes in the picture for scale...flames were about 2 feet long, looked like a gas welding flame with blue at the battery and yellow flare and smoke.The black bits on the carpet are remnants of molten copper and metals.......Couch ignited like a match hitting petrol.....Just a brief flash and the flames...

Buy good ones....It will save you a fortune (or your insurance company ...)

Attachment 200621

Agreed. But, good ones can do this too, particularly if your charger has a fault. I always charge mine with the charger in the middle of the workshop concrete floor, clear of any combustibles, just in case there is a failure.

There was a house burnt to the ground locally about 10 months ago due to a battery failure while charging. Was a battery pack for a remote controlled car. Kid was charging it in his bedroom when it fizzed up. Family lost everything, and had no insurance ......

Food for thought - where do you charge your batteries, and if one failed, what would catch fire and what would you loose?

Excellent reminder guys. Thanks. Li ion are all peachy and best thing since sliced bread... till they are not. Moving my charger today.

Originally Posted by timattalon

Buy good ones....Shit ones can end in tears...Fully charged, in a 4 pack to run a bike light.....on lounge table sounded like a rocket going off inside. First impact was the ceiling then fell to floor as it thrust its insides out over the carpet...I left my toes in the picture for scale...flames were about 2 feet long, looked like a gas welding flame with blue at the battery and yellow flare and smoke.The black bits on the carpet are remnants of molten copper and metals.......Couch ignited like a match hitting petrol.....Just a brief flash and the flames...

Buy good ones....It will save you a fortune (or your insurance company ...)

Attachment 200621

Cool.
Where can I get some of these ones?

Had good results with these guys too Mr Positive

The LG are really good, normally a little under stated in capacity but longer run time time then other bigger batteries, Cant get my hands on any atm but normally sell them for $20 each