I acquired these cells to conduct tests. To avoid any confusion with lithium-ion batteries, I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18350, 18650, 26650, and so on.
While the test results provide factual data, the conclusions and recommendations I draw from these tests are purely my subjective opinion based on my rating criteria. It is essential to thoroughly research any cell you are considering before purchasing.
Testing cells at their maximum limits is highly hazardous and should never be attempted by individuals who have not extensively studied the associated risks and methods for minimizing them.
If the cell only displays a single current rating figure or mentions "max discharging current," then it must be assumed that the company claims the cell can be discharged at that current level in any manner, including continuous discharge.
18650 Cells Bulk Summary
This Imren, ridiculously overrated like the Imren 20700 3200mAh, is now utilizing a different cell with a rating of merely 10A!
In my previous test, I rated this cell at 17A. It appeared to be a lower-grade LG HG2. However, they have now switched to using a Panasonic cell. I don't have all of them here for a direct comparison, but I have only observed the triangular top contact on a few Panasonic cells. It could be the 10A/2900mAh NCR18650PD. Its performance is too good to match the 3.6A/3200mAh NCR18650BE.
This Imren 3200mAh battery is one of the most excessively overrated cells I have ever encountered and should be used at most 32W/10A. At its 40A rating, the voltage completely drops, and it only provides a couple of mAh down to 3.2V. For optimal performance, it is advisable to stay below 20W/6A. Anything higher than that will result in poor performance. If vaping around 65W/20A and there is a malfunction in the mod or accidental button press, this Imren battery will reach hazardous temperatures (approximately 116°C) and may potentially vent. My recommendation is to avoid using it altogether, like Imren 18650 3500mAh.
The following characteristics can identify this 10A version:
The logo features "Imren " in black lettering instead of white.
The top contact is triangular, with three "legs," instead of being circular with four legs.
Both versions are labeled as IMR but do not use IMR chemistry. They are hybrid chemistry cells, sometimes referred to as "INR."
The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this particular cell.
Previous Test Findings
Imren Green 40A 3200mAh 18650 Bench Test Results...only 17A, the purple Imren 3000mAh rewrapped!
18650 Lithium Cells Review
At a continuous discharge of 10A, it reached a capacity of 2807mAh. This is a subpar performance for a 3200mAh cell at 10A but satisfactory for a 2900mAh cell. Hence, I rate this cell at 2900mAh.
At a continuous discharge of 10A, the temperature rose to 66°C. This is approximately the average temperature for a high-capacity battery cell operating at its constant discharge rating (CDR).
At a continuous discharge of 15A, the temperature rose to 92°C. This exceedingly high temperature indicates that we are operating well beyond its CDR.
At a continuous discharge of 20A, the temperature rose to 116°C. This significantly exceeds my safety threshold of 100°C, suggesting that it should not be used at this level in case of a mod malfunction or accidental button press.
There was an absurd amount of voltage drop at 30A and 40A (the cell's rating). It only provided a couple of mAh at 40A down to 3.2V. Clearly, this is not a genuine 40A cell.
