are these batteries legit?

[Stinkytofus]

sony vtc5

Set of 2 Sony 18650 VTC5 High Drain 30A Rechargeable Li on 18650 Battery 2600mAh | eBay

seller ratings 99.3%

i noticed that the sticker on the side of the vtc5 battery reads "18650 2600mah 3.7v" and my friends vtc4 reads "18650 3.7v 2600mah"

i mean, any red flags u guys see? the only reason i am even using ebay because every other reputable side is out of stock and i need 2 batteries and this seller seems to have very good rating

 

[Baditude]

Impossible to tell quite honestly. Anyone can post a pic of authentic Sony's yet send you some fakes.

This re-seller does appear to point out that his batteries are authentic by showing pics of real vs fake, and has a good rating. But you'll never know until you get them in your hands and can compare to this: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/batteries-chargers/581174-how-identify-counterfeit-sony-batteries.html

If the reseller has a refund policy if you're not satisfied, its probably worth the risk.

The white identification stickers on the side of batteries are meaningless as far as you are concerned. It is placed there somewhere along the supply chain between the manufacturer and the final reseller. Batteries exchange hands a few times along the way, and the vendors who have the better verification of supply chains will be more likely to receive authentic batteries. Even a reputable vender like Illumination Supply got duped recently with some fake Sony's, but caught it and offered a voluntary recall/refund to customers who purchased them.

 

[oplholik]

I would question how this seller has these batteries, and most of the known reputable dealers are out.

 

[anumber1]

Oops... wrong thread!

 

[MJ12]

<snip>and my friends vtc4 reads "18650 3.7v 2600mah"

I believe the VTC4s are rated at 2,100 mAh, not 2,600. That, to me anyway, is a bit suspicious. But as Baditude has pointed out, anyone can put a label on it saying whatever they want.