Test/Review of Keeppower 16650 2000mAh (Black)

[chazz]

Even on the 3.7v (4.35 cutoff) setting on the Xtar VP2, it appears that the on board circuit of the battery cuts off the charging at around 4.29 v.

I could be wrong, but I think the newer 2500 mAH versions are only supposed to be charged to 4.2V

Or maybe the internal cell is 4.35V Capable but the protection circuit is not.

I wonder if the Orbtronic versions will allow the higher voltage if/when they show up. (IF they use the same base cell)


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[thedoc007]

Or maybe the internal cell is 4.35V Capable but the protection circuit is not.

This is the correct answer. I talked to Illumination Supply about it...the base cell is definitely rated for 4.35 volts, but the protection is set lower, it does not allow a full charge. The listing has been updated to reflect that fact, at least at IS.

 

[RI Chevy]

Has anyone stripped the protection circuit and rewrapped the cell yet?

 

[thedoc007]

Has anyone stripped the protection circuit and rewrapped the cell yet?

I don't see a reason to do it, even if I knew how to do it safely. The capacity difference is relatively small, the longer cell fits better (two CR123s are 68 millimeters), and you lose the protection. Not worth it, to me at least.

 

[LightWalker]

Has anyone stripped the protection circuit and rewrapped the cell yet?

They have them without the protection circuit, I'm charging one now.

 

[recDNA]

They have them without the protection circuit, I'm charging one now.

That will be interesting. I assume it is narrower too. The 16650 is wider than some of my protected 17670.

 

[LightWalker]

That will be interesting. I assume it is narrower too. The 16650 is wider than some of my protected 17670.

The unprotected 16650 is narrower than the protected AW 17670.

 

[recDNA]

No I mean is the unprotected kp 16650 narrower than the protected kp 16650. The 17670 I have that is narrower than the protected 16650 is a blue safefire protected 17670. It is narrower than the aw or the kp.

 

[LightWalker]

Oh, ok, I don't have a protected one yet so I can't say.

 

[Raphion]

I got the 2500mAh flavor of this one for my Quark QT2L-Xs with burst, and I'm very impressed. I'm getting run-time that meets or exceeds using 2xCR123a primaries! Prior to this, I'd been using Chinese Tenergy brand RCR123a that didn't even get half the run-time of primaries, and would more often than not balk at current demand of burst mode and shut down. No problems at all with the Keeppower 16650s.

I'm charging them with the Efest LUC v4, most likely the newer revision that stops at 4.2 volts.

 

[LightWalker]

Protected buttontop next to unprotected flattop.

 

[Ben850]

I got the 2500mAh flavor of this one for my Quark QT2L-Xs with burst, and I'm very impressed. I'm getting run-time that meets or exceeds using 2xCR123a primaries! Prior to this, I'd been using Chinese Tenergy brand RCR123a that didn't even get half the run-time of primaries, and would more often than not balk at current demand of burst mode and shut down. No problems at all with the Keeppower 16650s.

I'm charging them with the Efest LUC v4, most likely the newer revision that stops at 4.2 volts.

Thanks for the info! Hows the fit? Does this 16650 just drop in, or does it need some persuasion?

i am really excited to have a single-cell solution for my QT2L-X

 

[UnderPar]

Thanks for the info! Hows the fit? Does this 16650 just drop in, or does it need some persuasion?

i am really excited to have a single-cell solution for my QT2L-X

Been running my QT2L-X and QP2L-X with the 16650 so years now and very satisfied with the performance of the KP battery. :thumbsup:

 

[RWT1405]

Can anyone tell me if the Opus BT-3100 v2.2 will charge the 16650 cells? I have one ordered (BT-3100 w/ 18650's), but after learning more about 16650's, I'd like to try a couple. Just wanted to know if I will need another charger, or if the BT-3100 will work. Thanks!

 

[RI Chevy]

If it can charge 18650 cells, then it can charge 16650 cells.

 

[SVT-ROY]

Just got a few Keeppower 2500's. Charging them now on Xtra panzer. Excited to see what's what.

 

[RI Chevy]

They work fine, just like using 2 x CR123A's.

 

[RWT1405]

Thank you for the prompt answer RI Chevy!

 

[Jash]

I just ordered one for my QT2L. Been using some AW IMR 16340's, but I wanted to use them in another light (QT2A-X head on 123 body for use as a pocket rocket!).

 

[HistoryChannel]

Can anyone tell me if the Opus BT-3100 v2.2 will charge the 16650 cells? I have one ordered (BT-3100 w/ 18650's), but after learning more about 16650's, I'd like to try a couple. Just wanted to know if I will need another charger, or if the BT-3100 will work. Thanks!

Hello. I have the Opus BT-C3400 and I can tell you that you can charge the Keeppower 16650 BUT it will only charge it to 4.2v.

The 16650 can take up to 4.35v so I use my Xtar VP2 and set it for 3.8v charging which cuts off at 4.35v. I love my Xtar VP2 because it can charge my 3.0v LifePO4 cells (3.6v cutoff), 3.6v (4.2v cutoff) and 3.8v (4.35v cutoff) cells.

I have the 2500mah Keeppower 16650 cells and tested them with the Opus BT-C3400 and it's a bit disappointing. It's around 2000-2100 mah. But that may be due to the fact it's charging to 3.6v specs (4.2v cutoff) and not the 3.8v (4.35v cutoff)? That's my guess.

The Opus charger is awesome and I chose that over the others (Maha, LaCrosse, etc) because it can charge Ni-MH, Li-Ion, LifePO4 AND when it's done charging... It does a trickle maintenance charge( around 24-34ma) on Ni-MH batteries to keep it full unlike others that cut off and the battery can self discharge sitting in the charger.

The Keeppower does have protection circuit however and it seems to only want to charge to around 4.30v before it kicks in and cuts off the charger. So it misses the mark by .05v.