I have some new senybor 18650 batteries
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-SenyBor-2800mAh-18650-3-7v-2C-5-6A-drain-case-/290666348522?pt=UK_ConsumerElectronics_Batteries_SM&hash=item43ad107fea#ht_2859wt_1139

.. should i charge them after every use even if they arent flat after using for just 1 hr or should i run them down then charge??

If they’re not going to get too close to running out on you if you don’t recharge, then you’re better off not doing so – each charge cycle shortens their life. The proviso here is that you need to not be pushing them to cut-off, as that’s also a little harmful – best to only discharge 80% or 90%.

thanks.. i might have to time my lights more accurately so i know how long they last on a full charge

You should charge them after ever use even if they aren’t fully discharged. The below is an extract from the below links so read them to get a better understanding of how to look after them.

A partial discharge reduces stress and prolongs battery life. Elevated temperature and high currents also affect cycle life.

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_lithium_ion_batteries

You should charge them after ever use even if they aren’t fully discharged.

Though your links contradict you. Firstly you should only charge when you need to use the cell again, as storing fully charged is harmful. Also if you check out the depth of discharge against lifespan table, then indeed discharging to 100% is bad (as I mentioned), but you’ll see that you get more total lifespan by discharging to 50% than to 25% – my understanding is that this trend continues to 75% or 80% discharge. This is because as I mentioned, every charging cycle is harmful.

It’s true that leaving them fully charged for long periods does reduce their capacity compared to storing them at 40% charge although if you’ll be using the batteries in the near future I don’t think it makes a significant difference. The way I understand it is using the battery (discharging and charging) reduces the capacity but completely discharging and charging reduces it more, there may be an ideal discharge and charge percentage but it’s too much effort to work that out and adhere to all the time. Basically they’re far from perfect so do your best to look after them and just replace them when they wear out.