Panasonic NCR18650PF 10A 2680mAh 18650 Bench Retest Results...an ok low capacity 10A battery

[Mooch]

The two cells tested were purchased with funds donated by the vaping community for the purposes of testing. 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 is a 10A 2680mAh-rated battery that will often deliver 100mAh more at low current levels. Due to its very high internal resistance and lower capacity though it is easily outperformed by the Panasonic NCR18650GA, LG MJ1, and other high-capacity 10A batteries. I do not recommend using it over 18W/5A to minimize voltage sag.


Continuous-Current Test Results



Pulse-Current Test Results



Comments

• At 5A continuous it reached about 2625mAh. This is great performance for a 2680mAh cell at 5A so I am rating it at 2680mAh.
• At 10A continuous the temperature rose to 65°C. This is below the average temperature of a cell operating at its continuous discharge rating (CDR) but there is some voltage sag. This is an indication that we are operating near its true rating.
• At 15A continuous the voltage quickly dropped to 3.2V, delivering only 120mAh.
• At 20A continuous the voltage almost instantly dropped to 3.2V.
• I am setting a CDR of 10A for this cell. While operating any cell near its rated maximum current level causes damage to the cell, I would expect good cycle life from this cell at 10A continuous.

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
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...afety-grades-and-pulse-performance-data.7566/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...des-picking-a-safe-battery-to-vape-with.7447/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...fety-grades-and-pulse-performance-data.7554//

 

[Rossum]

About 3 years ago, when the DNA 20 was the hottest new tech available, this was one of the best batteries for it. I still have some, and they still work great in my flashlights.