Soshine 18650 2600mAh

The 18650 format has become the reference for rechargeable cylindrical lithium-ion cells, found everywhere from torches and headlamps to e-bikes, cordless tools, DIY battery packs and some vape mods. That generic name covers cells of very different quality, real-world capacity and safety though, and that's where the Soshine 18650 2600mAh protected cell stands out.

Unlike a bare cell, this Soshine battery packs a protection circuit (PCB) right under its positive cap: it automatically cuts power on overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit or overcurrent, a genuine safety net for everyday use. That protection circuit is why it comes in button top format (a raised positive terminal), slightly longer than a plain flat top cell, so it's worth checking your torch or device accepts this format before buying, as some holders are built for one or the other only.

On performance, the rated capacity is 2600mAh (2500mAh minimum guaranteed), at a nominal voltage of 3.7V, with a continuous discharge current of up to 5A according to the current datasheet, enough for the vast majority of powerful torches, DIY packs and cordless tools. Each cell measures 68.5 x 18mm and weighs about 47g. Soshine sells it in packs of 4, bundled with a rigid storage case that's handy for carrying and isolating the cells.

Two warnings apply here, as with any 18650 cell. First, this is one of the most counterfeited formats on the market: plenty of cheap cells advertise capacities far beyond what they can actually deliver, so it pays to buy from a trusted source rather than the cheapest listing you can find. Second, like any lithium-ion cell, it must always be charged on a charger designed for 3.7V lithium cells (never a NiMH charger), and handled with the usual precautions. For torch enthusiasts and confident DIYers after a dependable protected cell at a reasonable price, the Soshine 2600mAh ticks the right boxes.