Bench Test Results: Prodna Yellow 35A 3500mAh 18650…a 10A LG 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.

    2AD3480E-6AE8-4DA4-ABB8-0799BB7DDB26.jpeg 78F9B68E-A27F-4AF0-8054-838A46040F8B.jpeg 7D3C142B-4E31-453D-A1FF-B0EAAFF33BA0.jpeg F9ACD87B-8EE5-48F0-BD7B-5BB9B33ACF18.jpeg


    Bottom Line
    This cell has a hugely exaggerated 35A 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 close to the 10A high capacity LG cells like the MH1 and MJ1. I estimate this Prodna’s ratings to be 10A and 3100mAh. This cell’s huge overrating and misleading use of “IMR” earns it a Do Not Buy recommendation.

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


    Continuous Current Discharge Comparison to LG MH1 and MJ1
    F9E90465-DEB2-42B7-9E5C-050C0E3CEF20.jpeg


    Ratings Graphic
    F1B4CC4F-6647-480D-BA80-A4855422D8F6.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/
     

    stols001

    Moved On
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    May 30, 2017
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    Thanks Mooch again, I would not want one of those cells on my hands (I mean that literally).

    I really like it when a battery manufacturer or seller wants you to test their cells and works with you on keeping the wrapping as accurate as possible but yes, it does sound a LOT like this bunch pretty much knew what their testing would indicate. That is really almost criminally inflated rewrapping specs.

    It would be really NICE if there were a way to bring suit against manufacturers/vendors who operate in this fashion rather than blanket recommendations to not use any batteries in e-cigs. Obviously, things aren't going to go down that way but thank you for being a last line of defense :)

    Anna
     

    zoiDman

    My -0^10 = Nothing at All*
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    Apr 16, 2010
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    ...

    Bottom Line
    This cell has a hugely exaggerated 35A rating on the wrap. It can’t even be considered a pulse rating.

    ...

    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.

    ...

    Wow...

    Dangerously Overstated Amp Rating
    Mislabeled Chemistry Type
    Had to File a PayPal Claim to get Money Back on Non-Shipped Items

    Can it Get Any Worse?

    Thank You mooch for letting people know about this Company and their Battery.
     

    Barkuti

    Super Member
    ECF Veteran
    May 3, 2016
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    Alhama de Murcia, Spain
    Just a wild guess it could be F1L, as it looks to be a popular inexpensive cell in the chinese market (can be found with ease in AliExpress) and is yet “officially” untested. Just discharged its datasheet from KeepPower (LoL!), specced 1.5C.
    Your MH1 and MJ1's 10A curves about match with the ones published by HKJ, this Prodna cell is just a little bit lacking.

    Cheers :)
     
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