Will high capacity 26650 batteries be the trend in future?

[XTAR Light]

As we know, by increasing battery systems' energy density and reducing battery cells' number, it can realize cost reduction. Among cylindrical Li-ion batteries, there is upgrading from 18650 to 21700/26650 for higher capacity.

Some surveys show that 21700 battery may be just a transition between 18650 and 26650 batteries, even though 21700 is the trend now.

From 18650 to 21700 and even 26650, it aims at improving batteries' capacity on the basis of reducing the size of the device. The 26650 batteries typically deliver around 5000mAh, some brand even promote 13800mAh, which will work for much longer than 21700 and 18650 batteries. Just imagine that, a heavy torch with 2x18650 batteries and a handful torch with only one 26650 battery, which is preferred?

You know what I'm talking about. You don't want the torch provides insufficient illumination, or runs out of power when you need it most, especially in camping, diving or a survival situation. The lack of power can threaten your safety.

There are already some 26650 flashlights in the market, such as XTAR D26 1600 dive light. With one XTAR 26650 5200mAh battery, it can reach max 1600 lumens output, working more than 2 hours.

What batteries do you use in your flashlights? Do you think 26650 batteries will be the trend in future?

 

[Swedpat]

I have a few of Keeppower 6000mAh batteries. These are the highest capacity 26650 I have seen. But based on the body volume I understand even higher capacity should be possible. While I understand that 21700 is a good compromise size between 18650 and 26650 I hope 26650 format will continue to be used and developed.

 

[lightfooted]

As we know, by increasing battery systems' energy density and reducing battery cells' number, it can realize cost reduction. Among cylindrical Li-ion batteries, there is upgrading from 18650 to 21700/26650 for higher capacity.

Some surveys show that 21700 battery may be just a transition between 18650 and 26650 batteries, even though 21700 is the trend now.

From 18650 to 21700 and even 26650, it aims at improving batteries' capacity on the basis of reducing the size of the device. The 26650 batteries typically deliver around 5000mAh, some brand even promote 13800mAh, which will work for much longer than 21700 and 18650 batteries. Just imagine that, a heavy torch with 2x18650 batteries and a handful torch with only one 26650 battery, which is preferred?

You know what I'm talking about. You don't want the torch provides insufficient illumination, or runs out of power when you need it most, especially in camping, diving or a survival situation. The lack of power can threaten your safety.

There are already some 26650 flashlights in the market, such as XTAR D26 1600 dive light. With one XTAR 26650 5200mAh battery, it can reach max 1600 lumens output, working more than 2 hours.

What batteries do you use in your flashlights? Do you think 26650 batteries will be the trend in future?

So... you can stuff one of these in your pocket? I don't mean your cargo pants extra-large cargo pocket...I mean your work pants or dress slacks pocket. All of my lights now are either 18650 or similar. My Surefires are all stock so also 16650 and a couple of lights that use smaller cells.

 

[Got Lumens?]

Also IMR 18350 single cell a shorter pocketable package

I have a few single 26650 lights. They are too big too pocket.

 

[xxo]

Current 26650's are not as size efficient as they should be. A 26650 has 2X the volume as an 18650,. but only has about 1.5X the capacity.

BTW, those 13800mAh 26650's, sound great, may need to get some of those.

 

[chillinn]

Current 26650's are not as size efficient as they should be. A 26650 has 2X the volume as an 18650,. but only has about 1.5X the capacity.

Are there really 4000mAh 18650? Best I have seen in 18650 that is not a blatant lie is 3500mAh (KeepPower), and those won't fit in some 18650 battery tubes, or fit too snuggly with no room for expansion.

 

[Got Lumens?]

Are there really 4000mAh 18650? Best I have seen in 18650 that is not a blatant lie is 3500mAh (KeepPower), and those won't fit in some 18650 battery tubes, or fit too snuggly with no room for expansion.

Older 26650's only had ~3800mAh, less than the current 26650's which are 4000+.

 

[chillinn]

That explains it. Poor assumption on my part about the capacities xxo was talking about. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Orbtronic sells 5000+ mAh 26650 batteries, for some time now.

 

[JimIslander]

My bet is 18650 will be on top for many years, just as AA is for primaries.

 

[XTAR Light]

Maybe you are right. Anyway, we all expect to see more developments.

 

[xxo]

Maybe you are right. Anyway, we all expect to see more developments.

Maybe Xtar will come out with some 7000 mAh 26650's?