Best source for Sanyo/Samsung/LG 18650's ?

[CKOD]

I'm looking for some high quality 18650's from one of the big manufacturers, Sanyo, Samsung, LG etc... And was wondering who would be reccomended vendors for legit cells. Obviously avoid ebay since its loaded with fakes. I'm looking to pull ~3-3.5 A from the cells. So I'm guessing most the 3000mAh ones wont be suited for this.

Thanks for any suggestions.


EDIT:
Cant believe I forgot about this company, Ive talked with them some at work http://www.houseofbatteries.com they are a legit distributor for a bunch of companies. I'll give em a call tomorrow and get some prices. Anyone else got any good surces?

 

[old4570]

Flea bay ...

 

[45/70]

As old said, fleabay is an option. The problem with that, is the same as getting them from anywhere else. Since the manufacturers do not sell individual "loose" Li-Ion cells at the consumer level, you never know what you're going to get. Most loose cells are obtained from lots of cells that are sold off by distributors, as seconds, old, or otherwise not considered usable for making battery packs. I'm sure there are a few that come through the "back door" that are first rate/condition cells, but you usually don't know for certain, where they came from, or how they were obtained.

I think probably the best way to ensure that you obtain first tier cells, is to buy battery packs from a reputable source, and pull the cells. This way you can be fairly certain that you are getting fresh cells that are within the manufacturer's specifications.

Dave

 

[CKOD]

As old said, fleabay is an option. The problem with that, is the same as getting them from anywhere else. Since the manufacturers do not sell individual "loose" Li-Ion cells at the consumer level, you never know what you're going to get. Most loose cells are obtained from lots of cells that are sold off by distributors, as seconds, old, or otherwise not considered usable for making battery packs. I'm sure there are a few that come through the "back door" that are first rate/condition cells, but you usually don't know for certain, where they came from, or how they were obtained.

I think probably the best way to ensure that you obtain first tier cells, is to buy battery packs from a reputable source, and pull the cells. This way you can be fairly certain that you are getting fresh cells that are within the manufacturer's specifications.

Dave

Yeah, thats what its looking like Houseofbatteries doesnt wanna play nice with 18650s, unless youre getting a pack made by them, since they are pack makers... though Moli energy does sell a 6600mAh11.1V pack and a 2400mAh 7.4V pack so maybe they'll let those go since its not bare cells.. Too bad, the Saft D cells put a big grin on my face.

If not, it looks like I'm buying some laptop packs.

EDIT: ANDDDD my feelings arent so hurt anymore, http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=312-0998 "90 watt hour" 9 cell battery, 10WH/cell comes out to 2700mAH, and only at $11/cell. Batteryspace has 2800 mAh "LG" batteries for $12, and 2600 for $7. LG does have 2800 mAh cells, but no datasheet available online to verify what the cell should look like. Hopefully the dell packs arent $99 because they are old stock for a real old model...

 

[alpg88]

battery space

 

[CKOD]

battery space

Do their cells usually live upto spec? They have a lot of various "OEM" brands, and with no datasheet from LG online the only thing separating "OEM" from "LG" is a bit of printing on some heatshrink.