Best battery(18650) choice for my MTE with XM-L emitter

[MultiTool4Life]

Most of you are experts with these things, so if someone could tell me which brand of 18650 I should buy, so I get the highest amount of lumens out of my flashlight. I don't want to buy cheap ******fire batteries. Other thing is also that webstore can ship to Finland and have descent shipping price. So if someone could be so nice and send some links to sites and convince of a great product, I would be greatful. 

[nuphoria]

AW... available from a couple of people on CPF or other flashlight sites. They seem to have a consistent reputation.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?230876-AW-s-LiIon-Batteries-Sales-Thread-*Part-12*
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?252650-AW-Li-Ion-amp-IMR-Batteries-Sales-Thread-*USA*-amp-international.-***Part-2***

I recommend the protected ones too.

[jekostas]

AW, Solarforce, Callie's Kustoms and HI-Max all make very highly regarded 18650 batteries.  Callie's Kustoms are probably the most expensive around, but they also use the newest high capacity cell on the market - the Panasonic 3100mAh cell.

I would agree with Nuphoria, definitely get protected batteries.

[MultiTool4Life]

What you think about that: http://cgi.ebay.com/IMR-safe-18650-li-ion-Lithium-3-7V-Rechargeable-Battery-/330597462005?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item4cf924eff5

Is it compatible? Max draw continous 10A

[jan.]

AW protected for sure. Other cheap brands have more risks, you have to read about the risks first at cpf.
But you have the choice at flat tops and button tops, it's important to know what you needs
for your flashlight.
The voltage is the same at every 18650 but the mah hight is for running time. Try to go for minimum 2600-2900 mah.
At candlepowerforums you can read everything about batteries.

[MultiTool4Life]

I need button tops and a seller which ships to Finland. I asked advice because I am not clear which battery is the best choice: so if you can tell me is this compatible: http://cgi.ebay.com/18650-LI-ION-FLASHLIGHT-BATTERY-XML-LED-IMR-SAFE-NEW-/330597460651?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item4cf924eaab

[jekostas]

I need button tops and a seller which ships to Finland. I asked advice because I am not clear which battery is the best choice: so if you can tell me is this compatible: http://cgi.ebay.com/18650-LI-ION-FLASHLIGHT-BATTERY-XML-LED-IMR-SAFE-NEW-/330597460651?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item4cf924eaab

Callie's Kustoms are at the very least equal in terms of capability to AWs (which IMO are massively overpriced).  The cell you linked is one of the last generation, lower capacity batteries, though. 

A better option might be something like this: http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=BC&s=23&id=83

Solarforce batteries are very highly rated on CPF and BLF.

[jan.]

These callie's from ebay are IMR flat tops I think and to expensive, also expensive shipping to Finland.
Look at CPF for AW from Hongkong or USA, they ship for 4.50$ or 7.50$ insured to Finland.
XM-L emiter or other emiter is not important, that's only the LED they use so every 18650 battery can do the job.
IMR batteries are not protected but safe to use to.
Don't buy unprotected and cheap unknow brands from China.
Go to CPF and read first about 18650 batteries and forget that ebay seller.
If it's was me I contacted this seller;

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?252650-AW-Li-Ion-amp-IMR-Batteries-Sales-Thread-*USA*-amp-international.-***Part-2***

But other well known brands do the same job to and are for sale at many flashlight dealers you can find at
CPFmarktplace to. They all shipp to Finland to.

[MultiTool4Life]

Thanks, I will buy AW's 2900mah 18650 battery 

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I've had great luck with AW's.  Never had so much as a single issue.  I've read that the new RediLast ones are excellent too.

Keep in mind that most 18650's use the same core, an NCR manufactured cell that the battery makers use to make their cells.  I don't know about other models, but the newest AW's have a venting mechanism in them so if there is a problem with the cell, they are less likely to go "BANG" on you.

Never use anything but protected cells.

[ICanFixThat]

AW 18650 are always the safe bet.  It's always a good idea to mention the flashlight you will be using them in since they do vary in size enough that some cells won't physically fit in the tube besides the flat/button top issue.

Also for any one else looking to get into 18650 cells (the best rechargeable by the way), you can also look at RediLast cells.  They are the latest top-rated panasonic cells with possible the best protection circuit going (equivalent or better than AW).  They do tend to be a bit pricey.

Stay Charged!

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

My next purchase of 18650's is going to be a couple of RediLasts.  I'm in the market for a 'big gun' and the JetBeam BC40 looks awfully tempting, and it's available in a neutral tint now too.