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SCIGOLD 18650 Li-ion Cells — Standard

Tested & Certified

IEC 62133-2 UN 38.3 FCC CE RoHS
Li-ion 3.6V Li-ion 18650 Protected button-top

SCIGOLD 18650 Li-ion Cells — Standard

SCIGOLD 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable cells in 2,000 / 2,200 / 2,500 mAh capacities. 3.6V nominal, protected button-top construction, 500+ cycles. For flashlights, vape mods, e-bike packs, and power tool rebuilds.

260
Wh/kg density
500+
Charge cycles
7.5 A
Max discharge
-20°C
Cold rated
Cell size
18650
Power
3.6V Li-ion
Material
Protected button-top
SKU range
SL1865020 / SL1865022 / SL1865025 — 3 capacities × 2 packs = 6 SKUs
Capacity 2000mAh
Pack 2-pack
Price SG-1865-20-2
$9.99 USD · in stock

Specs at a Glance

Everything in the spec sheet.

  • 3 capacity options: 2,000 / 2,200 / 2,500 mAh (7,200 ~ 9,000 mWh)
  • Nominal voltage 3.6V, charge cut-off 4.25V, discharge cut-off 2.3V
  • Protected button-top with overcharge / over-discharge / short-circuit / over-current safety
  • Standard discharge current: 6A7.5A depending on capacity
  • Operating temperature: -20°C ~ 55°C
  • Energy density ≥260 Wh/kg, internal resistance ≤22mΩ
  • 500+ cycles to 80% capacity retention (IEC 61960-3)
  • Dimensions: 18.5 × 65.3 mm · 44±2g per cell

The 18650 cell that powers the modern world.

From Tesla packs to Surefire flashlights to Bafang e-bike kits, 18650 is the universal cylindrical cell of the consumer Li-ion era. SCIGOLD’s Standard series brings third-party safety certification (IEC 62133-2, UN 38.3, FCC) to a price tier that competes with no-name cells on AliExpress.

Pick your capacity by use case

CapacityEnergyBest for
2,000 mAh (7,200 mWh)Entry tierReplacement cells for older flashlights, learning packs
2,200 mAh (7,920 mWh)BalancedDIY e-bike packs, vape mods at moderate wattage
2,500 mAh (9,000 mWh)High capacityPower tool rebuilds, long-runtime tactical flashlights

All three share the same physical dimensions (18.5 × 65.3 mm), same chemistry (3.6V Li-ion), same protection circuit. Pick the capacity that matches your runtime needs.

Honest about what this isn’t

If you’re in sub-zero environments (winter EDC, ski cabin, hunting) — go to our 18650 Cold-Weather series. The Standard series operates down to -20°C, but the Cold-Weather variant holds capacity down to -40°C with ≤15mΩ internal resistance (33% lower than Standard).

Compared to NiMH and unprotected Li-ion

SCIGOLD 18650 StandardEneloop NiMH AA packNo-name 18650 (eBay)
Energy density260 Wh/kg100 Wh/kg200-260 Wh/kg (unverified)
Protection circuit✅ IntegratedN/A❌ Bare cell
Cycle life500+ cycles2,100 cycles50-200 cycles
Voltage stabilityFlat 3.6V (until cutoff)Sags from 1.4V → 1.0VVariable
Safety certificationIEC 62133-2 + UN 38.3UL listedNone
Price per cell$3-5$4-7$1-2 (counterfeit risk)

The premium over a counterfeit 18650 is not the cell — it’s the protection circuit that prevents your device from venting fire if the cell shorts internally.

Frequently Asked

Quick answers, before you buy.

Are SCIGOLD 18650 cells protected or unprotected?

Every SCIGOLD 18650 Standard cell is a protected button-top. An integrated circuit guards against overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit, and over-current events, so the cell shuts down before it can vent or overheat. This is the key safety advantage over the bare, unprotected cells sold by no-name sellers.

What capacities do SCIGOLD 18650 cells come in?

Three capacities are available: 2,000 mAh, 2,200 mAh, and 2,500 mAh. At 3.6V nominal that equals roughly 7,200, 7,920, and 9,000 mWh of energy per cell respectively. All three share identical 18.5 by 65.3 mm dimensions and the same protection circuit, so you simply pick the runtime you need.

Are these 18650 cells flat-top or button-top?

They are protected button-top cells. The raised positive terminal ensures reliable contact in spring-loaded flashlight tubes, vape mods, and most battery holders. Note that button-top cells sit slightly longer than flat-tops, so confirm your device has clearance before ordering for tightly spaced packs.

How many charge cycles do SCIGOLD 18650 cells last?

Each cell is rated for 500+ cycles to 80% capacity retention under the IEC 61960-3 standard. With typical use that translates to several years of service. For comparison, our AA NiMH series is rated to 1,600 cycles; the 18650 trades raw cycle count for far higher energy density at 260 Wh/kg.

What devices use 18650 cells?

The 18650 is the universal cylindrical Li-ion cell of the consumer era. SCIGOLD cells fit tactical and EDC flashlights, vape mods, DIY and replacement e-bike packs, and power tool battery rebuilds. The 2,500 mAh option suits high-drain power tools, while 2,000 mAh works well for older flashlight replacements.

What is the difference between 18650 and 21700 cells?

Both run at 3.6V nominal, but the 21700 is physically larger at 21.9 by 71.0 mm versus 18.5 by 65.3 mm. That extra volume holds about 40% more energy, with 21700 reaching 4,000 to 5,000 mAh against the 18650 range of 2,000 to 2,500 mAh. Choose 18650 for existing devices and compact builds.

From the Lab

Read before you decide.

SCIGOLD 18650 Li-ion Cells — Standard

18650

18650 Li-ion Cells — Standard

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