Asian 18650 3.7 V Li-ion rechargeables

[Sovende]

Against the better judgement (I'm sure) of many here on CPF, I bought some batteries through Amazon.com. (I've got Prime and I'm compelled to use it 🙄). The offer was for 6 18650 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable batteries, a 2 bay charger AND a flashlight. Total damage a mere $20. My main objective was the batteries and the charger, the flashlight was fluff. With what little I know about these things, I've pretty much realized that the 9900 mAh rating on the batteries is a gross overstatement and also sure that the 3000 Lumen rating on the flashlight is bogus too😜. When the package arrived and was opened, my main disappointment was the fact that there were only 4 batteries 😳. Not that it mattered that much but the flashlight was totally different than the one depicted in the product decription AND definitely not 3000 Lumen output. (Not an issue, this topic is about batteries 😉).
So, about the batteries. While the product description did not elaborate, the fine print on the battery wrapper DOES state that they are a "RECHARGEABLE BATTERY WITH RE/DISCHARGING PROTECTION CIRCUIT! While I'm pretty sure (as I've already mentioned) that the 9900mAh capacity claim is unlikely (if even possible 😜), does the claim of having protected circuitry have any value?
Just so folks know, I immediately contacted Amazon RE: the discrepancy with the product description and they immediately sent out a replacement. The replacement order arrived today and was as described in the original order. Amazon IS pretty good about this type of situation👍. I contacted the seller too and they were very apologetic. I don't really expect more out of that.
My main reason for getting the batteries was be able to use them in the several lights that I have that currently use 3 AAAs in a holder (as well move up to the 18650 3.7V Li-ion trough 😉). $3.33 a piece seemed reasonable for them ($5 each did not). As mentioned before, the flashlight is fluff but will serve a purpose somewhere. It does sport 5 functions and is reasonably bright (prolly NOT 3000 Lumens 👎).
Did is just **** away $20 or should I be OK with my purchase?
Sovende

 

[bigburly912]

Don't use those batteries please. Go to a reliable store and get some that will actually be safe to use

Liionwholesale

Skylumen

Mtnelectronics

 

[WalkIntoTheLight]

Did is just **** away $20?

Yes.

 

[peter yetman]

I would bin the light and charger as well. Chalk it up to experience.
P

 

[DIWdiver]

Yeah, anyone who says they have a 9900 mAH 18650 is a BALD-FACED LIAR. They have absolutely no concern for truth, reputation, trust, etc. Thus likely no respect for the law, and no respect for your safety or anyone else's. What kind of batteries do you think this person sold you? Yeah, it's the cheapest garbage they could get their hands on. Those batteries should be disposed of as quickly and safely as possible.

DO NOT CHARGE THEM. If you already did, take them someplace safe and discharge them to 3.3-3.5V and then dispose of them.

Now the charger. Do you think the charger is better? Do you trust it not to overcharge and ignite your batteries? Protection circuits are great, but they CAN fail. If they do, the charger is your safety margin. Actually, it's supposed to be that if the charger fails, the protection circuit is your safety margin, but is there much difference here?

The light. If it was using alkaleaks or NiMH, a failure would likely be benign. I've got some garbage lights that I use, and am fairly happy with. I have a $7 DIVING light that's actually not bad. But would I put a LiIon battery in one? No. Not. Ever.

Sorry dude, but I would bin the lot and be happy I was only out $20. It was a cheap mistake, unless one of those batteries ignites before you get rid of it.

By the way, you CAN get good batteries from eBay or Amazon. But you have to buy reputable brands from reputable suppliers. Or get lucky.

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe. Sorry, inside joke. Just to lazy to put it in my sigline.

 

[Sovende]

Well, the replies have been none to favorable :shakehead. Just how bad can they be? I realize that Li-ion batteries do pose some potential safety issues but just what kind of mayhem is occurring with the use of them? I've read numerous reviews and like with just about anything the rating span the entire spectrum of 1 STAR to 5 STARS. I do have the option of sending the set back to Amazon for a complete refund. Bracing myself for the next wave of "gloom & doom"!
Sovende

 

[Lynx_Arc]

The problem with grossly overrated lithium ion batteries is that you have no clue as to the quality and safety of the cells. It is very possible that they are cheap junk and can be dangerous in use but also possible that they are just some 1000-1200mah cheap batteries that may work fine but poop out quickly due to low capacity. Not having protection is not necessarily a bad thing in general for 18650s that are decent quality in devices that are properly designed for such batteries they usually "protect" the battery from being overdischarged etc.
I agree with folks to abandon these batteries as you have no clue as to what they are they could be a used 14500 rewrapped to be 18650 sized or recycled 18650s that were mistreated perhaps. It is better to buy a lower capacity battery rated at 2200mah than a 9900mah 18650. Personally I like batteries that have information on them brand name etc and model number so you can figure out what you have and how much it will handle. Some batteries handle higher current than others and have higher capacity. A lower capacity battery may or may not handle charging at higher current rates well.
My advice is to scour the forum (and even other online forums) for information about anything you buy instead of depending on Amazon and Ebay ratings/information as at times these can be false information by paid reviewers.

A decent quality device and unprotected battery can perform flawlessly and at times even better than protected cells due to the circuit itself throttling performance of the battery.

 

[peter yetman]

Well, the replies have been none to favorable :shakehead. Just how bad can they be? I realize that Li-ion batteries do pose some potential safety issues but just what kind of mayhem is occurring with the use of them? I've read numerous reviews and like with just about anything the rating span the entire spectrum of 1 STAR to 5 STARS. I do have the option of sending the set back to Amazon for a complete refund. Bracing myself for the next wave of "gloom & doom"!
Sovende

It's your chioce mate.
You asked for advice and you've got it.
It's up to you whether you take it or not.
P

 

[peter yetman]

Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe. Sorry, inside joke. Just to lazy to put it in my sigline.

Glad you spotted it DWD.
P

 

[WalkIntoTheLight]

Well, the replies have been none to favorable :shakehead. Just how bad can they be? I realize that Li-ion batteries do pose some potential safety issues but just what kind of mayhem is occurring with the use of them? I've read numerous reviews and like with just about anything the rating span the entire spectrum of 1 STAR to 5 STARS. I do have the option of sending the set back to Amazon for a complete refund. Bracing myself for the next wave of "gloom & doom"!
Sovende

Are you going to kill yourself if you use them? No, very likely not. Just be aware they are not protected cells, they are low-drain cells, and their real capacity is probably somewhere around 500mAh. They probably don't store enough energy in them to be very dangerous. Chances are they'll just suck in whatever you use them. So, why bother frustrating yourself trying to use those crap cells? Send them back, buy some genuine cells from a reputable dealer, and you'll be much happier.

 

[Sovende]

OK fine, the "Nays" have it! I'll be returning everything to Amazon. I've been "schooled", learned a lesson and see the "light" :candle: . While most have said "just pitch everything into the trash bin", I really don't see the need to add a $20 insult to my injured ego :thinking:.
Thanks to all for not being too harsh.
Sovende