Im actually surprised at the fair shake these cells are getting considering what we all know they are. I learned my first lesson fast as my first Li-Ion cell purchase was 4 Trustfire Flame 2400mAh unprotected cells off Ebay and after removing the labels each one turned out to be recycled and salvaged cells still showing old solder under the caps and not a single one matched other cells in the batch as each cell was marked differently.
I have since bought a set of protected TF Flame cells from DX that were very well made cells. But over all most Chinese made cells aren't worth half what they cost.
Not only do i mean they don't reach the rated capacity, But they die early deaths and wont take a charge alot faster than a well made cell. Also i should mention the TF Flame 14500 with a faulty protection circuit i had to remove just to salvage the cell.
There are also very few chargers that use the correct algorithm's especially under $20, But they will charge a cell but i wouldn't expect that cell to last long while being charged on these types of chargers. I have a Trustfire TR-001 which works well in charging a cell, But its what i don't see while its charging that is bad and detrimental to the cells overall lifespan.
DX is a mixed bag imo, Ive had one good order from them despite it taking 8 days to ship. The next two i placed together and waited 9 days to ship and said forget it and canceled them and i had two refunds on paypal within 15 minutes with no issues what so ever. But i just placed another order from them but its not important items so i can wait on them and i dont care if it takes 2 weeks to ship.
Yes i could get by with Ultrafire cells and a TR-001 charger bought from DX, But it would take a long time to get it shipped and in my hands and the cells would be so over rated that i could buy high end cells at 2400mAH at the same price and know they wont die at any time. And besides worrying about the cells dieing to lack of quality craftsmanship id be wondering how long the charger will start taking its toll on the cells with its bad charging algorithms.
Id much rather spend a few dollars more and buy a decent charger which are out there that are lower priced than Pila chargers. Ive also bought Panasonic 2400 unprotected cells 10 for $23 that are true work horses. Japanese made HiMax 2600mAh cells can be had 6 for $37 shipped that are protected, And even Panasonic 2900mAh unprotected cells with true ratings 2 for $20 shipped and made in Japan also.
So to summarize buy what you want as long as its safe. But you get what you pay for and most times with Chinese cells you get ALOT less than what you pay for.
Buy quality chargers to make sure your cells live a long life, And keep your eyes out for good deals on cells that pop up fast and disappear even faster never to be seen again. Ive been threw this learning process myself and didn't like wasting my money when i had to recycle 4 cells that cost $10 each that were total fake junk.
Im very budget minded in my purchases, But that doesn't mean i wont pay more for a quality product as in the long run you do save money. You just need to be picky and keep an eye out for deals and do your homework. I don't look down on people who buy Shoshine or Ultrafire products, But i do wonder why they don't buy a higher quality product that puts out the same capacity that is stated correctly and not over rated with questionable quality when they cost the same amount.