DX Panasonic CR2s are bunk/counterfeit

[shao.fu.tzer]

I bought these 3/2009 and have kept them sealed in my temperature controlled battery storage until I needed one the other day to test out an Insight X2L. I used to own an X2L so I know how bright the light should be. I unwrapped one of these fresh cells and popped it in. When I flipped the switch, all I got was a very anemic beam. WHAT? So, I immediately pulled the cell and tested it with my multimeter to 2.80V. So I opened another. Dim... 2.9V... So I opened another (and tested it this time before putting it in - 0.00V!!! I tested another 3.10, then the last - 0.00V again!!! So basically for $6, I got one dying battery and 5 duds. I've sent in an RMA to Dealextreme, but they've ignored my last two, so
DO NOT BUY THESE FELLOW CPF'ERS!!! They may work great the first few months you own them, but apparently they are old stock or counterfeit or something, so if you're planning on having cells for the future, don't even consider these. I will continue to bug DX until I get an answer out of them. This is the third product in a row that they've ignored my RMA requests on - all items were under $7 (one was a pack of O-rings! -They sent me the wrong size!!!!). I am beginning to wonder if DX is really going downhill now.

Shao

 

[45/70]

Hi shao. It does sound like you got some dud cells. Have you tried running the cells at a moderate discharge rate for a few minutes? Lithium cells that have been stored a while can seem "dead" due to the passivation layer that forms on the electrode surfaces (from Inovative Battery Solutions, scroll down towards the bottom).

Usually, if the passivation layer is the cause of the cell not performing as it should, this layer, which builds up over time in storage, can be "burnt off", and the cell will then perform more or less normally. It's something you might give a try, anyway.

Dave

 

[hazna]

This is a worry to hear... I have never tested the cells, but I gave some away with a 4sevens mini CR2 that I gave as presents. I do note the DX batteries do not have an expiry date... a bit suspect, if you ask me.

 

[VidPro]

I am beginning to wonder if DX is really going downhill now.

Shao

hmm, now ?? LoL, what i am seeing there now is they also arent even much cheaper, some stuff now is selling for close to what a real one would cost, knowing that only 1/4th of it will even work when i get it, i still want to pay 1/4th for it , not full price.

 

[Sugarboy]

i'm not surprised at all considering this particular online seller did "mistakenly" sell fake eneloops before, iirc.:)