Fake Samsung 25Rs??

[joeybear]

I ordered some Samsung batteries off eBay and, even though I haven't read about them being cloned, think I received clone batteries. I've had them charging for 6+ hours and they haven't taken a charge. Also, the sticker that's on my older batteries is silver with black printing and was at one time a single sticker. The sticker on the new battery is white, the printing is off-center, and looks like it was cut out by hand. I'm wondering if I got taken. I emailed the seller who has reputable feedback but haven't heard back. Has anyone heard of fakes being made?

 

[Papa Lazarou]

The "stickers" are put on by third parties in all cases, and I suspect are to do with mailing regulations. The Samsung cells from the factory are just a blue plastic wrap with "INR18650-25R, Samsung SDI" and some other letters numbers, possibly a batch code.

Not taking a charge is obviously bad news though. However, new batteries can take a long time to charge to full, depending on the charger. Some chargers don't work well with batteries with very low internal resistance. I would suggest checking the voltage on them manually, if possible.

 

[Papa Lazarou]

Oh and yes, it is possible for anything that is in high demand and/or sells at a premium price to be cloned. I would not put it past someone to produce a clone, like they have definitely done with Sony VTC's, but I haven't heard of it specifically.

 

[joeybear]

Thanks, Papa. I'm using the Intellacharger and it's been great with all other batteries, except for these.

 

[Bunnykiller]

is the set of LEDs still on a single lite or are 2-3 lites lit?

 

[joeybear]

Two lights are lit, but when I first put them on the charger, two lights were lit.

 

[Froth]

If this ends up being a true counterfeit then this would be the first report of a fake 25R that I have come across. The problem with so many people taking a liking to one particular battery is that it does fuel the people that make fakes to get a quick buck by fooling people with an illegitimate product.

 

[Don Robertson]

I for one will never try and save a buck on batteries. Too many things can go wrong IF the battery is a "clone / fake". The folks at XTAR have the genuine SAMSUNG 2500mAh INR 18650 25R batteries for $6.99 each. Yes there is a modest shipping charge on top of the price -- but, it is worth the few extra bucks to KNOW you are getting the real deal. "Clones / Fakes" inside an enclosure can be part of a "pipe bomb" at eye level. Why take the chance to save a few pennies??

Senile Old Man Donnie