A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Blackcell Proton 20.3A 3018mAh 18650…accurately rated, a good 20A battery

While this cell has a useless 40.2A “Max” current rating on the wrap it has accurate continuous  current and capacity ratings and is a great choice for regulated mods. It is essentially equal in performance to the Samsung 30Q and LG HG2. The VTC6 still performs slightly better than this Blackcell though.

Blackcell’s are not widely available in the US and EU but are very popular in Asia. These cells can be a good option since genuine Samsung, LG, and Sony cells are hard to find there.

I hate seeing the use of a “Max” current rating on the wrap, particularly when placed above the continuous discharge rating (CDR), but at least the CDR and capacity ratings are accurate. I hope Blackcell removes this “Max” rating soon.

The two cells I tested delivered 3119mAh and 3109mAh at 0.5A down to 2.5V. This is consistent with a cell rated 3000mAh minimum.

I’m often asked about ratings like these but I have no idea why they used “20.3A” and “3018mAh” as cell to cell variations make that kind of rating unnecessary and confusing. It is very easy to misread these numbers, especially when they are made so small. Hohm Tech also does this and I think it just takes away from the simplicity and clarity we need when placing ratings on the cells we buy.

I am estimating this Blackcell’s ratings at 20A and 3000mAh.

Three cells were donated for the purposes of testing by Blackcell (http://www.blackcelltech.com). Thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/CVfJVS4

Test report: https://bit.ly/2tObAU3

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These tests 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.

Any rating in my ratings tables can change at any time as different grade cells appear on the market, we get swamped with fakes, or new information becomes available to me. Please, never assume that the ratings in the tables are permanent and will never change! Always download the latest version before considering any cell purchase.

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Author: John Muchow