With a thousand purchases and ratings on Amazon, many people are loving 18650 flashlights. And who can blame them? 18650 batteries offer greater capacity, voltage, and reusability. These batteries are infamous for energizing gears, gadgets, and of course, your flashlights.
The Best 18650 Batteries
Fenix is a great brand that offers some of the best 18650 batteries in the market. Getting high-quality 18650 batteries is important unless you want your equipment to act up and short-circuit. Fenix is a trusted brand and sells top-quality protected 18650 batteries.
You can also check out Fenix Store for some great stuff. But for now, let me share with you each of the best 18650 batteries that provide solid performance and lasting light.
1. Fenix ARB-L18-3500 High-Capacity 18650 Battery - 2-Pack
The Fenix ARB-L18-3500 High-Capacity 18650 Battery offers users the best battery that Fenix has to offer. They make it even more convenient by having a twin pack so you can get two batteries!
Since many flashlights use two batteries to work, this twin pack is a perfect choice! These 18650 batteries can be used for Fenix flashlights such as TK47, TK47UE, and TK35UE and any other 18650 compatible flashlights.
The Fenix ARB-L18-3500 High-Capacity 18650 Battery is one of the bestselling batteries in Fenix. This 18650 battery encompasses improved safety features that Fenix has developed to make it safer for users. It can function well with 500 charge cycles.
Key Features
- Two ARB-L18 Series 3500mAh Batteries
- Button-Top Design
- Comes with Micro USB Port
2. Fenix ARBL18 High-Capacity 18650 Battery - 2600mAh
The Fenix ARB-L18-2600 18650 batteries are the next generation of 18650 batteries. This top-of-the-line Fenix 18650 battery has increased safety features with its multiple layers of protection.
The riveted steel shell prevents short circuits from occurring. Its pressure relief vent eliminates the internal short circuit gases to avoid explosions. Users can expect three sets of overheating protection.
The Fenix ARBL18 High-Capacity 18650 Battery - 2600mAh can reach up to 500 charge cycles and still retain up to 75% of its total capacity. The recommended charges for this battery are ARE-X1, ARE-X1+, ARE-X2, ARE-C1+, or ARE-C2+.
I like its innovative and new button-top design that fits many flashlight brands. Indeed, Fenix continues to improve its products and lead the gear industry for better lighting and innovation.
Key Features
- Button Top Design
- Built-in Protection circuit
- Up to 500 Charge Cycles
3. Fenix ARB-L18-3500U USB Rechargeable Li-ion 18650 Battery
The Fenix ARB-L18-3500U USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery can be directly charged using its micro USB port. You can also use an external battery charger. A protective circuit is present in the anode, and it comes with a riveted steel hat.
The shell prevents the occurrence of short circuits from impact and collision. A built-in pressure relief vent removes gaseous from the internal short circuit to avoid cell inflation and or explosion.
The Fenix ARB-L18-3500U USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers three sets of overheating protection. You can guarantee that the battery will be safe from overcharging, over-discharging, having the risks of short-circuits, and overheating. Moreover, it can also have 500 charge cycles while still maintaining 75% of its original capacity.
Key Features
- Rechargeable
- Micro USB charging port
- Three Sets of Over-Heat Protection
The Best 18650 Battery Flashlights
Developments in flashlight technology have increased the power of even small, handheld flashlights. Now we have powerful flashlights that fit easily in a purse or pocket, many of which are 18650 flashlights. In this part, we'll go through my picks for the best 18650 flashlights.
1. Fenix E28R Rechargeable 18650 EDC Flashlight
The Fenix E28R Rechargeable 18650 EDC Flashlight is a powerful EDC Flashlight that runs on one 18650 or two CR123 batteries. It has 1500 lumens with a USB Type-C Fast Charging feature. It also uses only one switch for easy operation.
Users can choose from five different levels of brightness and a strobe mode for self-defense. This Fenix 18650 flashlight presents a compact design with its aluminum body and IP68 water resistance. Indeed, it is a reliable EDC light. It can be brought to trips conveniently because it is small enough to fit pockets.
This rechargeable flashlight is very lightweight as it only weighs 2.33oz even with the battery. It’s so light; you’ll forget it’s even there. It offers an excellent handgrip since its body diameter is only 0.89 inches.
Pros
- Comes with a Battery level indicator
- Has USB Type-C Charging (Fast Charging)
- With Intelligent memory circuit
- Has a Rechargeable Battery
Cons
- The power button is difficult to find in the dark
- Hard to learn the interface for beginners
2. Fenix TK22UE Tactical Flashlight - 1600 Lumens
The Fenix TK22UE Ultimate Edition offers multi-use functionality among the best 18650 Flashlights. It is a 1,600-lumen flashlight composed of tungsten with unique edges for rescue and combat.
The Fenix TK22UE Ultimate Edition has a 405 meters torch throw. It functions with a tactical tail switch and Strobe. Also, the toothed bezel could break glass in emergencies, so it doubles as a weapon for combat.
Users receive a high-capacity rechargeable 5,000-mAh lithium-ion battery pack. It can also charge fast on the USB-C function. With its water-resistant advantage, you can use it anytime, anywhere.
I also like its sleek design and how it clips to different belts, making it one of the best 18650 flashlights. The slope at its head increases grip control when using the striker tip. The torch has a durable nylon side pouch, and a belt clip accompanies it.
The Fenix TK22UE Ultimate Edition weighs 5.29 ounces. It is 5.91 inches long and has a 1-inch body diameter perfect for a comfortable grip.
Pros
- Comes with an ultra-clear glass lens
- Compact carrying size
- Composed of anti-reflective coating
- Has a rear and side switch
Cons
- More expensive compared to other flashlights
- Sharper edges create extra bulk.
3. Fenix UC35 V2.0 LED Rechargeable Flashlight
Another one of the best 18650 Flashlights is the Fenix UC35 V2.0 LED Rechargeable Flashlight. This 18650 Flashlight is a tactical and compact light with micro USB charging that perfectly fits a pocket! It presents a sleek appearance with a wide-distance beam that can be operated using one hand.
It has a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED with 1000 Lumens and a distance of 872 feet/266 meters. Users can expect a tactical tail switch and a functional side switch that accesses five output levels plus a strobe mode. A boot-up battery level indicator keeps you informed about the battery status.
The Fenix UC35 V2.0 comes with a 3500mAh 18650 Lithium-ion battery. It is also compatible with cold-resistant CR123 batteries that work well in cold environments. The Fenix UC35 V2.0 can be a good companion for policing, lighting outdoors, and emergency cases.
This tactical flashlight is very light and handy, with a weight of only 3.13 ounces. It is 5.5 inches long and has a 1-inch head diameter, just big enough to fit into your pocket or carry using a holster.
Pros
- Features a rechargeable Micro USB function
- Has a boot-up battery-level indicator
- Comes with a low-voltage warning
- Composed of high-strength oxidation-resistant aluminum
Cons
- Less illumination compared to other flashlights
More about 18650 Battery Flashlights
Fenix uses a specific battery for many of the flashlights that are available on their website. These are the lithium-ion batteries called 18650 batteries. The name is derived from its size, which is 18mm by 65mm. These batteries are useful for power tools, cameras, electric vehicles, laptops, flashlights, vaporizers, and many more!
Button top 18650 batteries come in many forms. There are also flat tops that are available. 18650 batteries can also be categorized as protected batteries or unprotected batteries and USB to non-USB 18650 batteries.
Longevity of 18650 Battery Flashlights
The longevity of 18650 batteries depends on many factors such as the amount of usage time, frequency of recharging, and general care. Most 18650 won’t get worn out easily even with repeated and frequent use. Many last years even.
How Much Do 18650 Battery Flashlights Cost?
The cost of 18650 batteries can range from $3.00 up to $30.00. Many 18650 batteries are available online, so you can check the price for each brand and compare them from one another. You get the battery quality according to the amount you pay. 18650 batteries are built differently so that the pricey ones will have more advantages.
Final Thoughts
18650 batteries are the standard batteries for many flashlights and electronic gadgets. There are many options to choose from, so it is vital to know the best ones in the market. With this in mind, you can make the most out of your gear expenses.
