These tests below only note the ESTIMATED ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” or batteries from other manufacturers so carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. They are not meant to be used outside of a physically and electrically protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition. Use of any of these batteries is AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved, understands the risks, has the proper equipment, and takes all appropriate safety precautions.
If the battery has only one current rating number, or if it only says "max", then I have to assume the battery is rated at that current level for any type of discharge, including continuous.
Bottom Line
IMRBatteries and Nkon call this the “HG2L” and Vapcell has a photo of this cell next to a box that says “LGDBHG2L1865”. But this cell says “LGDBHG21865” on its wrap and LG’s datasheet for the HG2L has a photo with “LGDBHGL1865” on the wrap. Very confusing.
I’m not sure if this cell is actually the HG2L but it performs essentially the same as a lower grade brown HG2. I do not know if the cells I tested are actually a lower grade or the performance I saw is normal for this cell.
This cell has a bottom vent ring. This could be a concern if you have a mod that presses very hard against the bottom of the cell. This could split open the vent or prevent its proper operation in case the cell was accidentally short-circuited or was run much too hard.
The capacities for the two cells I tested were 2956mAh and 2966mAh at 600mA (0.2C) down to 2.0V. This is fantastic consistency and typical of the cells from the major manufacturers. This is below the nominal 3000mAh rating for the HG2L but above the 2900mAh minimum capacity rating. I am rating these cells at 2900mAh.
These cells perform essentially the same as the brown HG2 but run a little hotter at 20A. I am giving these cells a current rating of 17A. If you are looking for a good 3000mAh 18650 I recommend the 15A/20A-rated Samsung 30Q or Murata VTC6 instead of this cell.
Two cells were purchased for the purposes of testing by me.
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings Graphic
Performance Specs
- DC Internal Resistance = 20.1mOhms*** (milliohms) average for the two cells.
- Wh testing was not done.
I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: Battery Mooch is creating battery tests and educating vapers | Patreon.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
***I have switched test jigs, resulting in slightly lower IR readings versus my previous setup. Add 1.6mOhms to this IR value in order to compare these cells to others tested previously.
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. They are not meant to be used outside of a physically and electrically protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition. Use of any of these batteries is AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Testing batteries at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved, understands the risks, has the proper equipment, and takes all appropriate safety precautions.
If the battery has only one current rating number, or if it only says "max", then I have to assume the battery is rated at that current level for any type of discharge, including continuous.
Bottom Line
IMRBatteries and Nkon call this the “HG2L” and Vapcell has a photo of this cell next to a box that says “LGDBHG2L1865”. But this cell says “LGDBHG21865” on its wrap and LG’s datasheet for the HG2L has a photo with “LGDBHGL1865” on the wrap. Very confusing.
I’m not sure if this cell is actually the HG2L but it performs essentially the same as a lower grade brown HG2. I do not know if the cells I tested are actually a lower grade or the performance I saw is normal for this cell.
This cell has a bottom vent ring. This could be a concern if you have a mod that presses very hard against the bottom of the cell. This could split open the vent or prevent its proper operation in case the cell was accidentally short-circuited or was run much too hard.
The capacities for the two cells I tested were 2956mAh and 2966mAh at 600mA (0.2C) down to 2.0V. This is fantastic consistency and typical of the cells from the major manufacturers. This is below the nominal 3000mAh rating for the HG2L but above the 2900mAh minimum capacity rating. I am rating these cells at 2900mAh.
These cells perform essentially the same as the brown HG2 but run a little hotter at 20A. I am giving these cells a current rating of 17A. If you are looking for a good 3000mAh 18650 I recommend the 15A/20A-rated Samsung 30Q or Murata VTC6 instead of this cell.
Two cells were purchased for the purposes of testing by me.
Continuous Current Discharge Graphs
Ratings Graphic
Performance Specs
- DC Internal Resistance = 20.1mOhms*** (milliohms) average for the two cells.
- Wh testing was not done.
I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: Battery Mooch is creating battery tests and educating vapers | Patreon.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
***I have switched test jigs, resulting in slightly lower IR readings versus my previous setup. Add 1.6mOhms to this IR value in order to compare these cells to others tested previously.
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