Latest-greatest 18650?

[etc]

Is 3500 mAh still as good as it gets?

I need a few protected ones, with a strong nipple for good contact and the rear that does not wear out from the Z41 tailcap (I've had that issue from a premium vendor).

 

[pdeethardt]

Both Vapcell and KeepPower have 3600 mAh cells listed on their websites. The Vapcell isn't protected, but the KeepPower is. I'm not sure if they're available for sale yet though.

 

[WalkIntoTheLight]

It probably uses the Samsung 36G cell. It's 3600mAh (though I think it's really 3550mAh, they just round up). Highest capacity you'll get right now. Buy the Samsung cell if you don't need protection, otherwise you're just paying extra for a rewrapper to slap their own label on it.

If you can't get the 36G, then a Samsung 35E or Panasonic GA will give you 3500mAh. Very good cells for high capacity, medium drain uses.

 

[etc]

Samsung INR18650-36G

 

[1996alnl2]

I've had great results with KeepPower 16650 cells, learned the hard way to avoid the very cheap Chinese brands

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Klaurus and Orbtronic make protected 3600s, Panasonic makes unprotected cells. Many of these are limited to below 5 amps though. Get ones that are lower capacity and high current if your light is 1500+ lumens on one cell.

 

[etc]

I don't have anything like that on one cell.