All the the “A” variants outperform their non-A counterparts, e.g., the VTC4A outperforms the VTC4, but which is the best performing “A” variant? Which is the best Sony 18650 as of early March, 2018?
I tested the VTC4A, VTC5A, and VTC6A at 25A down to 3.2V and the winner was clearly the VTC6A. It easily outperforms all of the other Sony VTC 18650’s.
The VTC6A and VTC5A are close in performance at the start but the VTC6A’s higher capacity holds its voltage up longer, resulting in longer run time. The VTC4A, due to its lower capacity, was the lowest performer of the three. But the VTC4A is still a damn good cell. It’s just that the other two are even better.
This was a preliminary test with the cells I had available as of mid February, 2018. These cells will be retested when they become more available and these test results are subject to change at any time.
A couple of notes...
I tested the VTC4A, VTC5A, and VTC6A at 25A down to 3.2V and the winner was clearly the VTC6A. It easily outperforms all of the other Sony VTC 18650’s.
The VTC6A and VTC5A are close in performance at the start but the VTC6A’s higher capacity holds its voltage up longer, resulting in longer run time. The VTC4A, due to its lower capacity, was the lowest performer of the three. But the VTC4A is still a damn good cell. It’s just that the other two are even better.
This was a preliminary test with the cells I had available as of mid February, 2018. These cells will be retested when they become more available and these test results are subject to change at any time.
A couple of notes...
- I do not know who has any of these in stock.
- I do not know when anyone will have any of these in stock.
- Your VTC3, VCT4, VTC4A, VTC5, VTC5A, and VTC6 cells are not suddenly crappy performers because of this test. Those are all still good choices.
- I have not tested the VTC5D, or know its true ratings, but I will post the test results when I do.
