need new -18650 batteries

[Rand]

I have a couple lights that take these and
somehow 2 of my 4 18650's have died and the last 2 dont match very well. Being I dont want to have a bomb in my hand they were tossed as well.(lights takes 2 batteries in series)

also the current charger I have is at best... inexpensive.

Anyone that uses these or keeps up on current technology recommend me a good charger and 4-8 batteries?
(charger only has to charge 2 at a time)

I would prefer not a link to a forum to read 68pages of people fighting over which is best.

I trust your opinion.

Links to places to actually purchase said product at a good price would be a plus.

Thanks.

 

[spasm3]

The protected batteries are safer, since they prevent overcharging and over drawing. A runaway battery is dangerous. I have some of both, the protected batteries don't seem to last as long though.

I bought mine here. Does take a little while( almost 2 weeks) to get them.

http://dx.com/s/18650++rechargeable+battery

Chargers
http://dx.com/s/18650++rechargeable+battery.html?category=401

I don't charge these batteries when i'm not home or asleep.
Probably not an issue but the few batteries that i have read about running away are not pretty.

I use these
http://dx.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-lithium-battery-2400mah-2-pack-gray-5776

 

[spackard]

I use the Xtar WP6 charger. I used to use cheaper chargers, but decided "vent with flames" was most likely to happen in the charger.

If you don't draw too many amps (say, less than 2.6) then you can harvest some old laptop batteries and use cheap, tiny magnet discs as spacers.

Protected cells are always a little longer than unprotected. You need to make sure your flashlight can account for the extra length of two protected cells if you go that route.

 

[Vikas]

If you are going to order it from HK, please look up fasttech.com. Those guys have managed to get the stuff to me within a week! Highly highly recommended. they also sell trustfire protected (halographic) which are good batteries at good price or you can get the better ones which have Sanyo or Panasonic cells.

I still have not acquired a multi-cell torch, so I am content with the trustfires.

 

[JHZR2]

While youll lose some capacity, Id definitely look for LFP cathode based cells. The safety is better.

Ditto for protected cells or packs, having a BMS for Li-ion is critical. I have people who run abusive tests on Li-ion routinely and it isnt pretty.

Id defintely only look for Sony, Yuasa or other major manufacturer 18650 cells. There is too much to lose with a Li-ion event. The majors have gotten failure rates down to one in 10^6-10^7. The lowest bidder Chinese cells, I would never trust.

A misproduced cell vent, some foreign object, just the tinyest sliver of copper foil in there can have dire consequences.

 

[Cujet]

I think the new Tesla model S has 15,563,643,488

cells located under the floor. Each and every one of them is an 18650. I wonder what brand they use? Certainly Tesla can't afford a Lithium battery disaster...

 

[JHZR2]

IIRC Tesla uses LCO based Panasonic cells. Not sure if they are 18650 or 26650.

A whole bunch of fisker cars burned to the ground when submerged in water during the hurricane. This stuff is real and non-trivial even in real equipment.

Google ASDS if you want to see real bad news.

 

[ms21043]

Check ebay for Redilast cells. The cells are made in Japan, much better than the made in China stuff. I use these or the ones from AW, never a problem and I have quite a few flashlights that use 18650's. I have 2 chargers for that take these batteries, one from Pila and the other from 4 sevens, never had any problems in years of use. You can find AW 18650's on e bay also.

http://www.redilast.com/