Test/Review of Fenix 18650 ARB-L2 2600mAh (Black)

[HKJ]

[size=+3]Fenix 18650 ARB-L2 2600mAh (Black)[/size]

Official specifications:

• 2600mAh large capcity with outstanding performance
• Triple overheat protection, safe and reliable
• Built-in over charge, over discharge protection circuits
• Circuit board has front and back protection for impact resistant
• No memory effect, negligible self discharge
• 3.6v 2600mAh
• Size 18.5mm x68mm, weight 49g
• Charging currect - Recommanded 1A, Max 2A

The battery has a flat top, but due to the raised ring on the bottom it can be used in series.

This battery has a high voltage at low loads and higher capacity than most other 2600 mAh rated batteries. There is also very good tracking between the batteries.

[size=+3]Conclusion[/size]

The high voltage can be an advantage in smaller (i.e. 3-4 watt) lights where the battery replaces two CR123 cells.
With Fenix behind the battery I have no problem rating it as a good battery although it uses a unknown cell.



[size=+3]Notes and links[/size]

How is the test done and how to read the charts
How is a protected LiIon battery constructed
More about button top and flat top batteries

 

[Changchung]

Thanks again HKJ.

unknown cell???

Their dont let you know?

 

[HKJ]

Thanks again HKJ.

unknown cell???

Their dont let you know?

I did not ask and Fenix does not announce it.
I bought the battery from a flashlight store.

 

[45/70]

Using your excellent Battery Comparator, these look to be either fresher, or cells of a different source than other 2600mAh cells available. Not bad at all!

Speaking of the Battery Comparator, is there any chance of making the data for the Samsung 18650 ICR18650-30A cells available for comparison? I was checking out the LG 18650 D1 4.35 Volt cells. I've looked at separate graphs, but it'd be cool to just use the comparator.

Dave

 

[HKJ]

Speaking of the Battery Comparator, is there any chance of making the data for the Samsung 18650 ICR18650-30A cells available for comparison? I was checking out the LG 18650 D1 4.35 Volt cells. I've looked at separate graphs, but it'd be cool to just use the comparator.

I have not tested the Samsung cell, but is is used in the Keeppower 3000 battery and you can find that in the comparator.
I do not have a 4.35 volt trace, due to a over voltage protection at 4.34 volt.

 

[45/70]

Ahh, that will work! You did test the Samsung 18650 ICR18650-30A at least here. And somewhere there is a thread with individual graphs for the 30A, which I can't seem to find at the moment.

Dave

 

[HKJ]

Ahh, that will work! You did test the Samsung 18650 ICR18650-30A at least here. And somewhere there is a thread with individual graphs for the 30A, which I can't seem to find at the moment.

I do not include any old test/batteries in the comparator. That is the 2011 test and I did test slightly different and with some other equipment. My current setup is the most accurate of the setups I have used.
You can find the full 2011 test with all curves on my website and also a 2010 test.

 

[RedForest UK]

Fenix use BAK cell

http://www.bak.com.cn/main.aspx
http://www.bak.com.cn/quality.aspx

 

[gopajti]

Yes.. Fenix use BAK li-ion battery. This is an official information from Fenix.

 

[Changchung]

I never ear about this BAK brand...

 

[jasonck08]

I never ear about this BAK brand...

They are a major Chinese cell manufacture, and their cells are sometimes used in OEM laptop packs. They are one of the largest in China along with ATL, and Lishen, and HYB.

 

[Changchung]

They are a major Chinese cell manufacture, and their cells are sometimes used in OEM laptop packs. They are one of the largest in China along with ATL, and Lishen, and HYB.

Better than; panasonic, lg, samsung, sony, sanyo etc?

 

[Shadowww]

Better than; panasonic, lg, samsung, sony, sanyo etc?

Nope, Japan/Korea made cells are mostly superior to Chinese made cells.

 

[tobrien]

They are a major Chinese cell manufacture, and their cells are sometimes used in OEM laptop packs. They are one of the largest in China along with ATL, and Lishen, and HYB.

what does ATL stand for?

 

[kaabob]

what does ATL stand for?

Atlanta. jk =P

 

[tobrien]

Atlanta. jk =P

haha that's the city I grew up in is why I ask

 

[HiltiHome]

Yes.. Fenix use BAK li-ion battery. This is an official information from Fenix.

Do You have any evidence, or link to "official information" ?

May be Fenix uses BAK cells, but judging from the vent-holes, it looks like Samsung cell.

I doubt, that BAK cell could outperform nearly all competitors in the 2600mAh class,
but that is exactly what HKJs tests show for Fenix 18650 battery.


Right now we are doing own tests @ German messerforum.net
Hope we'll have it done till weekend.

 

[kaabob]

let us know the results of the test. the curves do look very consistent

 

[jasonck08]

Better than; panasonic, lg, samsung, sony, sanyo etc?

These particular 2600's seem to preform very well for 2600's. However generally speaking Japanese cells are still going to be regarded as being overall higher quality. The Japanese cell companies have been around for longer than the Chinese cell companies, produce many more cells and obviously have larger R&D budgets.

Nope, Japan/Korea made cells are mostly superior to Chinese made cells.

Generally, but these cells seem to do quite well, I'm not going to lie. But time will tell if they hold up as good cycle wise.

what does ATL stand for?

Amperex Technology Limited.

May be Fenix uses BAK cells, but judging from the vent-holes, it looks like Samsung cell.

I doubt, that BAK cell could outperform nearly all competitors in the 2600mAH class,

It's not a Samsung cell based on the positive end and also the discharge graphs, or any other major Japanese / Korean companies cell, so I assume it is a BAK cell. Also keep in mind that most of the 2600mAH cells on the market from major Japanese / Korean companies have seen little if any development in the last 5 years or so, since the cells were released. The attention of these major battery companies has been focused on higher capacity cells. So it is entirely possible that a Chinese company could have developed a pretty good cell.

I don't have much experience with BAK, but I did have one cell die in an 6 cell pack a while back. It was a 2200mAH, but I'm not sure if it was the cells fault or the BMS's. Either way though, I'm sure Fenix did their homework, and is offering a good cell.

 

[candle lamp]

Another great test review. Thanks a lot for your time & effort as always. HKJ!

This battery looks very nice cell.

Your review is very useful to all of CPF. Please keep doing your great work. :thumbsup:

KH