discharging Li-ion Batteries

[endetta]

Hello,
I purchased a pair of AW 18650s and Surfire 14500s after I received them I put them in my Jetbeam RRT-2 and it was working (I assume they are partially charged). If I want to make sure they are fully charge before use I need to discharge them and recharge them right?
How do I discharge them? or can I recharge them at any point or I need to drain them first?
Thanks

 

[madmook]

I thought that li-ions don't suffer from "memory" effects?

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[timbo114]

Those cells can be 'topped off' at any time with NO ill affects.

 

[Gunner12]

Li-ions are not like NiCd batteries, you should not fully discharge them before recharging. That would actually lower their life. Recharge them when you want to, but try not to let them fully discharge. They don't have memory effect from what i recall.

 

[jimmy1970]

Your Jetbeam light has no Lithium Ion battery protection system. It will simply drain the batteries until the protection circuit of the battery kicks in (if the cell has one) - leaving you in instant darkness!

Whenever you buy Lithium Ion cells, they usually have 1/2 to 2/3 charge.

Even though the AW cells have a protection circuit, it is not a good idea to rely on it to protect the cell from over discharge.

Regular recharging is essential. Lithium Ion cells are rather unique in that they prefer shallow discharge/recharge cycles.

Lithium Ion cells that are allowed to fully discharge are subject to vastly reduced life expendancy, leaking and possible venting & explosion so be careful!

James.....:wave:

 

[pobox1475]

I carry a back-up primary for what ever light I take with me (CR123 or AA Energizer Lith). I will run my Li-Ion, but if I find that I am needing extended use time (possible emergency?) then I will go to primary and then back to rechargeable after pri is depleted if necessary. The exception would be 18650's. Carry a back-up and will go to it if I feel I have run 1st down by about 2/3.

 

[grunscga]

Your Jetbeam light has no Lithium Ion battery protection system.

I don't own an RRT-2, so I could be wrong, but the Jetbeam website says:

Built-in intelligent Li-ion rechargeable battery protection circuit.

Can any actual owner chime in?