AW vs. EagleTac?

[Adam2670]

I've seen the comparisons and was under the impression they both use the Panasonic cells, how are the ET ones listed on some batteries with higher MAH ratings if they do.

Are the AW's worth almost 2x the price? Fill me in before I stock up on the wrong ones pls ;)

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Well, only the 18650 EagleTac cells are the same as the other brands like AW, Redilast, International-Outdoors, KeepPower, CalliesKustom and whomever else I missed.

At least the 3100s use the Pannie NCR cell.

What something is worth to you, might not be of worth to me, so I can't answer whether AWs are worth the added expense for you.

This being said, I got a great deal on 2 ET 3100s for the price of one of the big three and since I had already spent close to a $600 on other lights, NiMH batteries and chargers, at the beginning of this year, I needed to save on 18650s and the charger.

I would have loved to get 2 each of the AWs, Redilasts and CaillesKustom 3100s AND a PILA charger, because they're all at the top of the heap, but I had to jones it, so it was ETs (not a bad cell at all) and the XTAR WP2 II charger (not a bad little inexpensive charger).

Now to the first part of your question. It seems that in cells other than the 18650, things can be all over the map, regarding who is making the cell itself. HKJ doesn't know who makes the 16340 or 14500 cells for EagleTac, but we're pretty sure that they're Chinese made. They could be from a great cell maker, or maybe not, they just don't divulge that info.

I just got a Xeno E03 in and it should be run on a 14500 for best performance, so I've been looking at AWs and ETs. At this point, I'm just going to pay a bit more and get the AWs, cause they have a track record already and well, the few extra dollars is 'worth it to me'. Saving a few bucks on a cell of unknown origin, isn't.

As we say in the gun community:

Buy right, buy once, cry once.

Chris

 

[Adam2670]

Thanks for the reply, and also being quite an active member in the firearms community as well, I too feel that I wouldnt drop $1400 on a pistol only to drop someone's garbage reloaded ammo into it, a light like a gun is only as good as the batteries in it.

I figure I spend a small fortune on the lights, another $20-$40 on batteries is a worthwhile investment. I just didnt know whether I would get ANY bang for my buck out of the more expensive batts...

-A

 

[HunkaBurninLove]

There are much more knowledgable people on here than me, but I can give you my opinion :)

I also think it depends on which light you want to use them in. For example, I just got a TinyMonster and read that the AW cells won't reliably operate because the TM needs the button top.

I don't mind paying a bit more for good quality (in batteries, flashlights, or any other item).

 

[Adam2670]

Actually I got the TM11 last Friday, I LOVE IT!!!

 

[sspc]

I'm not married to AW. Out of the 3 AWs I've had (2 16340, 1 14500) 2 of them died on me after minimal use in less than 6 months.

They dropped to 0 voltage several times even though they were not being used down to protection levels so I didn't think they were safe to used even though I could revive them (strangest thing I've seen with batts and only has happened with these AWs...1 16340, 1 14500). My last 16340 performs without issue and I'm happy with that, but based on my experience I am unwilling to pay more for AWs.

I don't have any 18650 AWs and likely never will as they charge more than other comparable batts. I have a 2400 mah Eagletac which I have been very happy with for almost 2 years. I just got an Eagletac 3100 18650 and I will putting that through the paces in my favorite single cell 18650 light.