These cells were donated for the purposes of testing by Efest. Thank you! To prevent any confusion with the eGo-type "batteries", I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18350, 18650, 26650, etc.
While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing.
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it says "max discharging current" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Bottom Line
This new Efest is accurately rated at 20A and 3000mAh. Its appearance is almost identical to the Samsung 30Q but it performs a bit better. This Efest still has the useless 35A "pulse" rating in large lettering on the wrap but does list both the continuous and pulse ratings, a welcome change for Efest. These new metallic wrap 18650's ship with a plastic battery case for each pair of batteries.
Continuous-Current Test Results
Pulsed-Current Test Results
Comments
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
18650 Battery Ratings -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
26650 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell you are considering using before purchasing.
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it says "max discharging current" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Bottom Line
This new Efest is accurately rated at 20A and 3000mAh. Its appearance is almost identical to the Samsung 30Q but it performs a bit better. This Efest still has the useless 35A "pulse" rating in large lettering on the wrap but does list both the continuous and pulse ratings, a welcome change for Efest. These new metallic wrap 18650's ship with a plastic battery case for each pair of batteries.
Continuous-Current Test Results
Pulsed-Current Test Results
Comments
- At 10A continuous it reached about 2800mAh. This is average performance for a 3000mAh cell at 10A so I am rating this cell at 3000mAh.
- At 15A continuous the temperature rose to 67°C. This is below the average temperature of a cell running at its continuous discharge rating (CDR).
- At 20A continuous the temperature rose to 81°C. This is a bit above, but close to, the temperature of a cell running at its CDR and is an indication that this is the cell's true rating.
- At 25A continuous the temperature rose to 95°C. This is way above the average temperature of a cell running at its CDR and is an indication that we're above the cell's true rating.
- I have included pulsed discharges but I haven't set pass/fail standards for pulse testing yet. The discharges were done at 5sec on/30sec off, down to 2.5V. One chart shows the entire discharge at each level. The other chart is zoomed in to show the first 5 minutes to make it easier to see the voltage sag at different current levels.
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
18650 Battery Ratings -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
26650 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
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