Basen Black 35A Pulse 2900mAh 18650 Bench Test Results...wildly overrated, looks like MG1

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Mooch

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  • May 13, 2015
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    These cells were donated for the purposes of testing by Basen. 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.

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    Bottom Line
    This Basen is only a 12A 2850mAh cell that performs terribly at over a few amps. It has a 35A "max pulse current" rating on the wrap but since Basen doesn't define the pulse width, time between pulses, or what criteria they use to set the rating, that rating is useless. Where's the continuous rating for this cell? You have to visit Basen's web site and look it up...23A. But at 23A continuous this cell only delivers about 100mAh down to 3.2V. Pulsing this cell at its 35A pulse rating instantly brings the voltage down to about 2.85V.

    It is identical in appearance and performance to the 2850mAh LG MG1.

    The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this cell.


    Continuous-Current Test Results
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    Pulse-Current Test Results
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    Specs From Basen Web Site
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    Comments
    • At 10A continuous it reached about 2500mAh. This is about average for a 2850mAh ultra-high capacity cell at 10A so I am rating this cell at 2850mAh.
    • At 15A continuous the temperature rose to 93°C. This is much too hot for a cell operating at its CDR and the voltage is sagging significantly.
    • At 20A continuous the temperature rose to 96°C. This is close to my 100°C safety cutoff and the voltage quickly drops to essentially useless levels.
    • I am setting a CDR of 12A for this cell. While operating any cell near its rated maximum current level causes damage to the cell, I would expect decent cycle life from this cell at 12A continuous.
    • 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.
    To see how other cells have tested and how hard you can safely push them, check out these links:
    List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
    18350/18500 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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    Mooch

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  • May 13, 2015
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    They gave you these cells for testing? That's like handing the hangman the noose.

    There's a lot of confidence out there with these battery companies. It's why I think they just don't understand the difference between a battery rating and a battery capability.
     
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