Why are AWs cells recommended over everything else?

[saeckereier]

Hello,

I'd like to keep this thread as close as possible to real arguments in favor of certain kinds of cells. I did some research but didn't really find an answer.

I'd like to know, what are the reasons that AWs cells are recommended the most. I think they're different from the various cheaper brands in regards to the maximum current allowed by the PCB and there's the occasional dud cell with cheaper ones but aside from that, why are they so eagerly recommended?

 

[monkeyboy]

I haven't tried any of the cheaper brands myself but there are a number of reasons I would choose AW over them.

1) A lot of people use AW cells on CPF so any issues would be well known. You don't want to risk injury from exploding cells just to save a couple of bucks. (AW cells are still pretty cheap anyway)

2) These cells have been tried and tested for flashlight use with purpose built PCB.

3) Delivery times are the fastest I have ever seen. In my experience, delivery takes about 3 days from Hong kong to UK.

4) According to tests I have seen, AW's capacities are conservatively rated whereas cheaper brands always have lower capacity than advertised.

 

[katsyonak]

5) All the AW protected cells have PTC built-in (thermal protection) in addition to the protection PCB.

 

[glockboy]

6) AW's cell is the same size as non protected cells, other- longer and bigger.
7) If AW's cell defect, AW will sent a new one right away, other- nope, you have to buy another cell.

 

[JimmyM]

8) Not a purely logical reason, but were supporting "one of our own".

 

[fa__]

9) the french reseller for AW is also a very fast reliable and nice guy (neolumen)

 

[TITAN1833]

I think yor questions have been answed so far,also look and see if there is any threads on faulty AW's (NONE) as far as I know! plus they must be the most tested and used on CPF,I buy them with confidence knowing..AW has great CS fast shipping(second to none) and they seem to build them with flashlights in mind. :twothumbs
I have used soshine,trustfire,ultrafire all left out spec'd by AW's.

To end AW's are the best bang for the buck IMO.

 

[Rzr800]

I have yet to witness a vendor who understands the forum market model better than this guy...and I haven't even received my first shipment from him. There are a lot of vendors out there hoping to use these forums for obvious reasons...but very few out there willing to put in the work needed to receive a glowing review before you've even done something for a potential or (in my case) new customer.

Frankly?

I've already dealt with a few very well known vendors on CPF that can not hold a candle to AW in terms of how to effectively run a business (and I'm not exaggerating, either).

 

[saeckereier]

I think yor questions have been answed so far,also look and see if there is any threads on faulty AW's (NONE) as far as I know!

Yes, it certainly is a very valued answer, thanks everyone. (I actually have read a few threads concerning problems with AW cells, but they repeat the aforementioned customer service experience, wouldn't be able to find them again with the search though)

About the capacity, while he's honest, the others aren't really so far off, and about being most used, I have some doubts, as I have heard lots of people use UltraFires as well.. (Myself included) and there haven't been so many threads about them either. As well, I believe the cells at times tend to be thicker than unprotected cells, maybe I'm wrong but I'm quite sure I read that..

Oh, btw you all forgot one reason that I just found: They look way cooler Just to add something myself..

 

[gravityz]

6) AW's cell is the same size as non protected cells, other- longer and bigger.
7) If AW's cell defect, AW will sent a new one right away, other- nope, you have to buy another cell.

I have to disagree on that one

the cell i have is bigger and has a bottomplate which is not aligned properly

AW is aware of the issue but since i bought it from fenix-store i have to take it up with them.
sofar they have not responded.

makes no sense since these batteries are supplied by AW
either way you turn it AW has to send a new one, either to fenix-store or to me. i will wait patiently for a response

AW batteries are $9
other batteries are around $3

So bottomline
Yes AW is probably better quality and saver(the inside, not the outside)
NO this does not mean all AW batteries are perfect.(unless i got the only misfit around).

 

[Luxbright]

Have to agree, [size=+2] AW is the MAN!!![/size][size=+1] where batteries and service is concern![/size]

 

[gswitter]

6) AW's cell is the same size as non protected cells, other- longer and bigger.

This may be true for some sizes, but not all of them. I have nothing against AW's cells - I use them and am happy with them - but if you're having issues with Li-ions fitting in your application, AW's cells won't necessarily be the solution.

 

[VidPro]

1) they are protected
2) some have the higher amp protection, which is harder to find in completed batteries
3) they are (more often) rated for thier actual capacity, i laugh at saying Ultrafires are rated for thier actual, the ones i have are WAY off.

. . .4 i still prefer LG or Sony cells.

 

[sb_pete]

well, let me preface this by saying I don't yet own any AW cells.

My personal feeling is that people use AW cells b/c:
1. They are safer
2. They are generally of marginally or incrementally better capacity
3. The higher amp protection that vidpro was talking about (important in high current applications like hotwire incans)
4. He is "one of us" and buying from him helps support the CPF community and advance battery technology with our uses in mind. Many of us feel this way, although it is admittedly easier to act upon this "for the good of the community" impulse for those with more disposable income.

Personally, I currently use li-ions in stock led applications. As such, I don't feel the differences warrant the extra expense. As the lights I use fall well within the specs of ultrafire and trustfire batteries, I simply buy 2 of those and still save some cash over one AW cell (3 or 4 in the case of protected 14500 cells).

Now, for Incans it is a whole different story. I currently only have one li-ion hotwire which is a 2c mag using 2x18650's. The trustfires I am currently using are not even capable of single click powering an ROP high so the light is relegated to an ROP low (still quite useful).

Anything more powerful (esp 1185s and 5761s) basically require AW cells if you are going li-ion. Powerful incan hotwires have immense current demands which can severely tax (read make unsafe) lesser cells. My next incan will be a 2C mag running a phillips 5761 and one of these days I'll get around to buying one of FM's 700L's to make a small mag85. I wouldn't consider anything but AW cells for these applications.

All that being said, with the growing demand for 14500 led pocket lights like the nightcore, I would love to see someone do a comparison of AW cells vs the common lesser cells (trustfire, ultrafire, tenergy, etc.).

 

[Rzr800]

All that being said, with the growing demand for 14500 led pocket lights like the nightcore, I would love to see someone do a comparison of AW cells vs the common lesser cells (trustfire, ultrafire, tenergy, etc.).

Agreed; if newer lights such as the Spear are being designed around Li-ons exclusively(?); then we're going to desire the same comparitive data that we'll want to see with the newer design Eneloop types, for example.

 

[mudman cj]

I only buy AW cells when I have the option. Mostly for the reasons already given. But once I bought two protected Ultrafire 18650s to make an inexpensive Mag 2C mod running the Mag 6 cell bulb, and the first time I tried to use it I had problems. The only way to make contact between cells was with magnets or other conductive spacers because the wrapper gets in the way. Even with a mag ring for extra length, when I went to tighten the tailcap down to make electrical contact I had to tighten it too much. The light came on for about 2 seconds and then it was over. One of the cell anodes had been deformed and it measured 0V. I thought the other one was OK but it wouldn't hold more than a 4.0V charge. I had to trash them both.

Then I bought two AW 18650s like I should have in the first place. No magnets or conductive spacers needed and no problems. Sure, those Ultrafire cells might have worked if I had not overtightened the tailcap, but I didn't have that problem with the AW cells.

The only issue I have had with an AW cell was when it was shipped to me in the coldest part of winter last year. The sub-zero (F) temperatures caused one of the cells to leak. The other was fine. I have seen others report this issue as well, so be aware that you take a risk shipping them in extreme cold. I do not know if other brands of Li-ion cells are subject to the same problem and if so, to what extent.

 

[KenAnderson]

I have and use approximately 20 of AW's RCR123 3.7v 750mHa and they've been excellent. I also have a few larger cells and have been very pleased with the performance. Just plan on sticking with what works for me.

Ken

 

[LEDite]

Ken;

I use hundreds of lithium ion cells every few months.

I have had much better reliability with Sanyo, Sony and Panasonic cells, compared to Korean (Samsung) and Chinese cells.

They make cells in much higher volumes than the other manufacturers.

I had a Sanyo 2400mah #18650 cell survive a driver short in a light yesterday. Even though the positive was blackened severely by the cooking of the driver, it did not vent and works properly today.

Larry Cobb

 

[LEDite]

saeckereier;

I use hundreds of lithium ion cells every few months. This gives me some experience on cell performance.

I have had much better reliability with Sanyo, Sony and Panasonic cells, compared to Korean (Samsung) and "Chinese cells".

They make cells in much higher volumes than most of the other manufacturers.

I had a Sanyo 2400mah #18650 cell survive a driver short in a light yesterday. Even though the positive was blackened severely by the cooking of the driver, it did not vent and works properly today.

Larry Cobb

 

[AFAustin]

1) His cells consistently are rated high in quality by those who understand them much better than I do.

2) AW's C/S is at the very top tier among all CPF vendors and "outside" retailers---answers questions quickly and expertly; if there is ever an issue, replaces the cell; always friendly, always helpful.

3) As said before, he is truly "one of us".