Hi guys
My dad was watching the TV last night, and watchdog or fake Britain cant remember which he said was stating the dangers of cheap 18650 batteries.
Like exploding etc.
Now I'm pretty much surrounded by them. I use cheap Chinese head torches for work on a daily basis, as well as bike lights and chargers etc.
So my question is, does anyone know a reputable source of 18650 batteries, maybe of the LG or Samsung variations? I really like all the items I have that use them, so would hate to throw them all away, and it would start getting expensive.
Any opinions welcomed. Cheers guys
Torchy the battery boy on eBay. Or RS Components. Panasonic are considered very good too.
I think Torchy tests his batteries to make sure they are up to scratch.
I've bought a few from him over the years and they have been spot on.
The battery charger is also important.
I usually charge mine in the garage away from anything / anyone.
TrustFire ones are good, the blue UltraFire are iffy, their capacity doesn’t match what they’re rated at.
I’ve been using TrustFire 14500 and 18650 cells for years, never had a issue with them.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Trustfire-18650-Rechargeable-Li-ion-Battery-3400-2400-2000mAh-For-Flashlight/123556325550?hash=item1cc487e8ae:m:m3VZhtVfzbQ_r3Lo_B8FaXA
I used Olight 18650's bought directly from them. Far too many fakes on eBay I personally would avoid at all costs.
I wouldn't touch Trustfire personally - again risk of fakes.
You can buy from the UK, avoid ebay and the likes due to fakes. I've bought from Torchy or reputable battery suppliers (in the UK). Mine are Panasonic, Senybor (via torchy) or Xtar. I also have an Xtar smart charger to check balancing - I use older Pannovo/solarstorm battery cases for my lights, and usually charge them with a Magicshine charger, but occasionally take them out to pop in the smart charger to check balancing - all charge within minutes of each other.
As others have said, I charge away from anything that can burn, usually on my garage floor. I've stripped some of the cheap packs due to a cell failing, then used the good cells in torches.
You certainly have to be careful 'stripping' old packs, as any slight 'short circuit' will cause the buggers to smoke very quickly - they pack a fair few 'amps'!
Thanks alot guys. Ordered from torchy
Maybe too late, but I've ordered branded (Samsung, Panasonic, etc.) cells previously from:
As others have said, I charge away from anything that can burn,
All very well until they explode and fly across the room...
https://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/warnings-exploding-head-torch-battery-causes-fire/
Not that I bother doing anything very secure with my Li-ion lights, just charge them on the kitchen worktop over night....
Also have an xtar vc2 plus master charge unit - quality.