Looking for some brand recommendations for some 18650 rechargeable batteries. If any are made here in the USA, that would be a plus but just want quality if that's not possible.

Thanks in advance!

I use Keeppower ones in my Modlite. Works fine but I don't believe they are made in the US unfortunately.

I use Titanium Innovations https://tinyurl.com/3jn9x75w

LG MJ1
Samsung 35E
Panasonic NCR18650GA

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:
LG MJ1
Samsung 35E
Panasonic NCR18650GA

Thanks for the video link. It was kind of shown in the video that the lower rated batteries were protected while those on the top are not. Does that make a difference and is that an important feature to you?

I get mine from ORBTRONIC ... https://www.orbtronic.com/

You get get some good knockoffs from this place here.

https://flashlightoutlet.com

They are protected Panasonic batteries.

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:

The chinese batteries were pure junk. Vastly overstated and under performed. I'm soooo surprised.

I use Nitecore batteries with their charger. I have no idea where they are made, but they last a long time per charge.

Jim

Surefire are considered to have the best performance specs, Streamlight, Nitecore and Fennix are solid but distant second.

You need to look at your device for what it requires and go from there. For instance, the Surefire Fury only works with their batteries and that's because the light requires a lot of juice at one time for the light to work. A Streamlight doesn't have the ability to supply the correct flow in the SF light and it won't work even though it fits.


Also, does your device require a button or flat top?

Lastly, some of the batteries have USB charge slots and those are great. Red indicator while charging and green when done, with full overload and battery protection.

I have SF and Streamlight batteries. Both work fine and I tend to use my Streamlights more often just because of the tasks.

It depends on the application. I use mainly unprotected flat tops. Are you looking for high current draw rating? Most mAH? Safest chemistry? Built in charging port?

I prefer

Samsung 30Q
Samsung 25R
Sony VTC5
Panasonic

I'm still using some Sanyo 18650s pulled from battery packs in 2009 too.

I have good luck with Nitecore NL 1834 3400mAh and the Klarus 18GT 3600mAh. You have to very careful with the diameter of the Klarus, to big for a lot of flashlights.

My best and oldest 18650s are AW brand. 3400mAh, still going strong but are not button top. Use these the most in my red hunting lights for predator hunting at night.

I’ve used several different types and never had a problem with any of them. I don’t use any light consistent enough to determine which ones worked the best. Right now I am on Nitecore and titanium innovations.

I always buy from this site.

https://www.batteryjunction.com/18650.html

quote:

Originally posted by kcl1960:

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:
I’ve used several different types and never had a problem with any of them. I don’t use any light consistent enough to determine which ones worked the best. Right now I am on Nitecore and titanium innovations.

I always buy from this site.
https://www.batteryjunction.com/18650.html

I as well

Japanese. Sanyo, Panasonic, Sony etc. South Korean like Samsung. Avoid Chinese.

If you buy house brands, try to find the actual maker.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
I use Nitecore batteries with their charger. I have no idea where they are made, but they last a long time per charge.

Jim

Nitecore is made in China. I have a Nitecore charger but no Nitecore batteries. I’ve had the charger for about 6 years and it still seems to do what it is supposed to do. I’ll make sure the next charger I buy is made in the good old USA.

Samsung 30Q, Murata VTC6, or LG MJ1. Generally higher capacity batteries can't sustain high current output, so if you tell us what you want to use it for we can give you better recommendations.

I only use unprotected flat tops, protected batteries don't deliver the current I need. BUY YOUR BATTERIES FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE. There are shit tons of fake batteries out there that have specs that are wildly exaggerated or that are flat out dangerous.

If you see one that is rated over 3600 mAh, it's a fake for sure. They don't exist.

I would recommend liionwholesale.com or illumn.com . They both have a large selection of genuine batteries that can meet whatever need you have.

Hi all,

Appreciate the responses thus far. I was hoping to pick up a couple of these type of batteries for a used Malkoff light I picked up as an alternative to using CR123's all the time. Whatever ones I end up getting would need to be button top.

Malkoff themselves sell the KeepPower brand which have Japanese Sanyo cells but are assembled in China. Are there any that have been mentioned that not only have Japanese cells but are also assembled there as well? For me I just want the safest chemistry/best quality cells.

Thanks

I’ve had good luck with Surefire and Streamlight branded protected cells.

I believe both are either Sanyo or Panasonic based.

What are you going to run them in out of curiosity?