Bench Test Results: Prodna Black 50A 3100mAh 18650…a 15A battery, not IMR, DO NOT BUY

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Mooch

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  • May 13, 2015
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    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, LG, Panasonic, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” batteries 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 protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s continuous current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.

    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.

    B5307801-DB8F-4101-B4C2-396BD91287E2.jpeg 9973F378-5D8F-444F-9BF4-10323F824DD8.jpeg 6565463B-323E-4C92-B8D4-29F874491DC6.jpeg B02B3887-233C-430F-A819-CFC9C3CA41F4.jpeg


    Bottom Line
    This cell has a hugely exaggerated 50A rating on the wrap. It can’t even be considered a pulse rating.

    Any “max” or “pulse” rating is useless unless we know the length of the pulse, the time between the pulses, and the criteria used to set the rating (Voltage sag? Temperature? Run time? A combination of those?). Without knowing this, and all companies using the same pulse lengths, rest times, and criteria, we can’t use the max/pulse ratings for comparing any batteries. They are useless.

    This battery says “IMR 18650” on the wrap but it does not use the battery chemistry associated with the IMR manufacturer’s model number prefix. It uses the “hybrid” chemistry sometimes identified with the INR prefix.

    I placed an order on their web site for eight cells but they were never shipped and Prodna ignored several attempts over a period of weeks to contact them via two email addresses. I only received my money back after filing a claim with PayPal. All of the cells I eventually tested were donated.

    This cell’s appearance and performance is essentially identical to the Sony VTC6. I estimate this Prodna’s ratings to be 15A and 3000mAh. This cell’s huge overrating and misleading use of “IMR” earns it a Do Not Buy recommendation.

    The cells I tested were donated for that purpose. Thank you!


    Continuous Current Discharge Comparison to Sony VTC6
    C6D5310D-62FD-4190-A20B-BBD3DE0B2204.jpeg


    Ratings Graphic
    46350B14-CEAE-4B48-8A7E-B63E568FB0FF.jpeg


    Comments
    To see how other cells have tested check out this link: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/list-of-battery-tests.7436/
     
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