Forums › Forums › Gear – The Stuff We Carry › Electronic Devices › 18650 rechargeable batteries
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September 12, 2025 at 5:54 am #11898
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KeymasterHey guys I’m looking for recommendations for rechargeable 18650 batteries. Good brands and where I can get them. I keep reading bad things about brands like ultrafire advertising false specs. Also what do you guys think about 18650 rechargeables? Any help is appreciatedÂ
February 2, 2026 at 6:20 pm #150419admin
KeymasterPanasonic, AW, Eagletac
February 2, 2026 at 6:20 pm #150420admin
KeymasterAny recommendations on where to get them at a good price?
February 2, 2026 at 6:20 pm #150421admin
KeymasterIllumination supply for panasonics, get the 3400mah. Also for many comparisons of different li-ions google hkj battery reviews. Hes from cpf and does breakdowns on tons of batteries.
February 2, 2026 at 6:20 pm #150422admin
KeymasterGoing Gear
Battery Junction
Bright Guy
AmazonATB,
SamFebruary 2, 2026 at 6:21 pm #150423admin
KeymasterFebruary 2, 2026 at 6:22 pm #150424admin
KeymasterI’m a big fan of AW cells, all of mine have been bought from lighthound (probably around 20 or so cells all up, only 3×18650 though)
February 2, 2026 at 6:22 pm #150425admin
KeymasterSo I found 4 Panasonic NCR18650B 3.6 Volt 18650 Battery 3400 mAh on amazon for around 40 bucks. Are these good batteries, and if so is this a good price? Thanks again for the help guys!
February 2, 2026 at 6:22 pm #150426admin
KeymasterI don’t know specifically, but typically it’s a red flag finding cells rated 3000 and over. Most cells like this are inferior in most cases to a quality 2400-2600mah cell.
Personally I’d stick to cells you can find discharge data on even though you will pay more. Also keep in mind you need to consider the intended use. I tend to break it down into light load – use the .5A charts, normal load – use the 1A charts and high load – 2-5A. If you are lucky you’ll find charts for each level.
Lights like a single XP-G providing around 200 real lumens should match the 1A charts pretty well and most cells should be able to handle this load fine, but will have varied runtime.
Lights like XML driven hard (around 700 lumens) can push a couple of amps and some cells have difficulty with these loads.
Also make sure you get protected cells. If it doesn’t say, assume they are not.
Also make sure you use a high quality charger as lithium ion batteries can be dangerous if not respected and treated well.
-john
February 2, 2026 at 6:22 pm #150427admin
KeymasterI found those. They are NOT protected and also have no button top. NOT what you want.
-john
February 2, 2026 at 6:23 pm #150428admin
KeymasterThanks for the help. I really appreciate it. I’m pretty new to the 18650 batteries. Glad I asked.
February 2, 2026 at 6:23 pm #150429admin
Keymasterhe Tenergy cells are probably OK for an inexpensive cell. I have some and they seem fine although note their button is only slightly raised. As echo says, the AW cells are well regarded. I’ve also seen some decent reports on the Fenix branded cells.
I’d be OK with any of those.
Last time I researched chargers, I ended up with an Ultrafire WF-139 Charger. Don’t get a cheapo one. Also note the one listed on Amazon is a knock-off so don’t get it there. Lighthound sells real ones IIRC.
-john
February 2, 2026 at 6:23 pm #150430admin
KeymasterThanks again. I am looking at getting the nitecore mt40 and it seems kinda weird to spend more on the batteries than the flashlight itself. I think in the long run I would end up saving money but its a big hit a first. Not to mention having to buy a charger. I will have to think about it, but yea thanks again for the help.
February 2, 2026 at 6:23 pm #150431admin
KeymasterDouble post.
February 2, 2026 at 6:25 pm #150432admin
KeymasterYah, it is a hit up front, but once you get over the hump it’s great. LED + 18650s are a great match and I’ve pretty much completely converted over to this combo. I haven’t bought 123A cells in years.
-john
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