14500 Batteries and Charger

[wacomme]

Where's a good place to purchase 14500 batteries and a charger to with them? Is there a difference among 14500 batteries? Is there a "smart" charger that won't blow up the battery even with user error?

Michael

 

[mchlwise]

Right here:

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=8

I've got the Ultrafire 14500 charger and 2 unprotected 14500s.

No problems so far, and I'm happy with it.

 

[wacomme]

Thanks mchlwise. What's the difference between protected and unprotected batteries?

 

[mchlwise]

Thanks mchlwise. What's the difference between protected and unprotected batteries?

My understanding (I'm certainly not an expert) is that "protected" batteries have a circuit in them that shuts them off when they go down below a certain voltage. This protects the batteries because Lithium batteries can be destroyed through over-discharge.

With "unprotected" batteries, you just have to be sure not to discharge them too much before charging them up again.

"Protected" batteries can be a milimeter or two longer also.