Which 18650 3.7v battery?

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

I use the 3.7v 18650 batteries in torches and in security devices. I am looking for a high capacity batteries and some are better than others ; the battery capacity claimed (3000mAh, 98000mAh) is not always reliable or truthful. The Sony and Panasonic, perhaps, are the most reliable. Any experience with these batteries?. Have you found a good heavy duty ones? source?

 

[sarabande]

I get all my batteries from Battery Station, and find them very good at speed of delivery and the quality of their products, inc the Xtar batts (which come in Fenix torches, so must be pretty good)

BatteryStation.co.uk

 

[GHA]

I had some good ones used off ebay -
18650 batteries - best torch? Best batteries?

Though the test numbers written on the side were made up, some were not far off dead but wiki te a few above what the sticker said, but you won't really know without doing a capacity test. Generally if they're new with huge spec and cheap then they are almost certainly fake. Fake ones weight below 40g, quite a lot lighter than non fakes. But at the cost of used ones it's worth a pop.

 

[Old Harry]

Panasonic are highly regarded NEVER EVER anything with FIRE in the name from ebay & use a quality charger, like Nitecore ( vape charger)

 

[TLouth7]

I have had success with the LG and Samsung batteries supplied by this website (it is not unheard of for offbrand cells to be put in a branded wrapper):

18650 Batteries

PS don't forget to get the correct configuration (button or flat).

 

[Graham376]

I have a couple of torches with unbranded 18650 cells, thinking of uprating to the fatter Xtar 26650 5200mah. Anything better to consider?

 

[pvb]

For reliability, both in terms of performance and stated capacity, choose Panasonic. (The world's largest user of 18650s did!).

 

[GHA]

I have a couple of torches with unbranded 18650 cells, thinking of uprating to the fatter Xtar 26650 5200mah. Anything better to consider?

Real 18650's

 

[Rappey]

Panasonic used to make betterys for tesla so that has to be a thumbs up. Tesla now make their own and i have read they are the worlds largest user of the 18650 cell .
At the other end of the scale with aa batterys panasonic batterys from pound shops test to be the worst ?


A googled list of best battery

1. 1 Samsung INR18650-30Q 20A 3000mah Li-ion Batteries. ...
2. 2 Panasonic NCR18650B 18650 3400mAh 3.7v Protected Button Top Batteries. ...
3. 3 SONY VTC5 18650 2600mAh. ...
4. 4 Samsung INR18650-25R 18650 2500mAh 3.7v. ...
5. 5 EBL 18650 Battery 3.7V 3000mAh. ...
6. 6 On the Way 18650 3.7V 5000mah.

 

[pvb]

Panasonic used to make betterys for tesla so that has to be a thumbs up. Tesla now make their own and i have read they are the worlds largest user of the 18650 cell .

Tesla batteries in the US are made in the gigafactory which is a joint venture between Tesla and Panasonic. Panasonic invested about 40% of the $5bn cost, and operate the factory.

 

[GHA]

1. 6 On the Way 18650 3.7V 5000mah.

5000mAh from an 18650??? Yeah, right