Reliable Source of 14500 Batteries

Lyouknow on 05/06/2015 - 21:07

Like many Ozbargainers, I have around 20 "CREE" torches :)

I'd like to take my torch addition to the next level, and start using 14500 batteries. I already have a suitable smart charger, but I'm looking for a good source for the 14500 batteries.

There's literally hundreds of sellers on ebay, and other online stores, but batteries can be very dangerous, and many available online are reported to be unsafe or just outright fakes. Has anyone found a good supplier of these (ebay or elsewhere) that they feel confident about the quality of the product?

Many thanks

Electrical & Electronics 14500 Battery Lithium Battery Rechargeable Battery

Comments

  • jzdhgkd on 05/06/2015 - 21:27
    +1

    www.fasttech.com has had a good reputation for a long time.

    Their prices are good and shipping is free BUT sometimes can be slow (up to a month to receive) although I usually receive mine within 2 weeks.

    Do you have an idea of good battery brands?

    If not, I'd recommend sticking with Sanyo/Panasonic if possible and definitely stay away from xxxxFIRE sorts of brands (trustfire/ultrafire etc)

    • youknow on 05/06/2015 - 21:32

      Thanks

      No, I don't know which brands are good or bad, but I had concerns around counterfeit branding anyway (ie. fake Sanyo/Panasonics).

      I'll definitely check out fasttech though.

      Thanks again

      Edit: Just noticed these on the fasttech site.. https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10012801/2157404-14500-b… - that's just the kind of thing that concerns me…

      • scrimshaw on 05/06/2015 - 22:45

        Fasttech gets a thumbs up from me. They sell genuine batts.

      • jzdhgkd on 05/06/2015 - 23:01

        Haha yes… well there's another reason to stay away from your xxxfire brands ;)

    • youknow on 05/06/2015 - 23:13

      Also agree about avoiding any xxxxFIRE branded products. It's just a bad omen to begin with!

  • swiggity swag on 05/06/2015 - 21:38
    +4

    That is an absolute shitload of batteries!! Are you trying to power the sun?

    • youknow on 05/06/2015 - 21:41

      LOL :)

    • iridiumstem on 05/06/2015 - 22:48
      +1

      A typical question that many ozbargainers hear when they show off their collection of eneloop/xiaomi powerbank. ;)

      • youknow on 05/06/2015 - 23:06
        +2

        Ha, yes. it's strangely addictive… I would have well over 100 eneloops which is very much novice level for OzBargain. At least 20 of those low end Cree torches (yet strangely almost never have one at hand when I really need one!). The new addition is Xiaomi powerbanks (4 with another on the way) as well as the Xiaomi LED lights (about 15 of them!).

        One thing is for sure, my place isn't going to be dark in a prolonged blackout!

        • iridiumstem on 06/06/2015 - 08:22

          Are you trying to power the sun?

          Kudos to you for having that many eneloops (I've joined the bandwagon slightly too late, after COTD deals on Eneloops were all gone). I do own eneloops, bought them to see what all the fuss is about, realised that I am not getting the best value (all my eneloops are made in China ones), so I've ended up not collecting eneloops (most of the electronics I own don't use conventional AA and AAA batteries anyways).

  • Thrifty McGifty on 24/08/2016 - 22:13

    Does anyone have any other reliable sources, or is it Fasttech all the way? Looking for 14500's, and maybe 18650's. Got a Nitecore D4 smart charger on it's way in the mail, so unprotected shouldn't be an issue. I just don't want to buy these "2300mah!" that turn out to be 150mAh.

    • youknow on 24/08/2016 - 22:31

      I've ordered 5 time with fasttech since I posted this (mostly 18650s), and they have all been good batteries and experiences. Fasttech batteries seem to be the real deal, but they claim that if the title of the product says "authentic" then they guarantee those batteries are authentic and not fakes. I also have the Nitecore D4. Love it. Only just fits the 18650s (length wise) - certainly not a problem, and C cells are hit and miss width wise, but you'd only be able to do 2 at a time (not that many people bother with C cells these days).

      • Thrifty McGifty on 06/09/2016 - 15:22

        Fasttech isn't really viable any more. I thought $2 they were charging me was fair enough (4x 14500, 2x18650), but now they want more money. $8USD for $21USD worth of batteries isn't really worth it.

        We apologize for that we got the notice from the shipping agency that Australia expedited air cannot ship battery any more due to the strict custom security checking.
        We get a new way, e-packet via Dubai Post which takes 7-10 days for delivery normally. But you need to pay us additional shipping fee 6.44 US dollars. If you agree, you may need to send a manual payment for the price difference via this PayPal link:

        Anyone got any other places for reliable batteries?

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