Discovering the Finest 18650 Li-Ion Battery for FPV Lengthy Vary Flying and Gear

18650 Li-ion cell is a well-liked battery alternative for each lengthy vary FPV drones and tools equivalent to FPV goggles and radios. Nevertheless, with so many choices in the marketplace, choosing the right 18650 cells could be overwhelming. I examined numerous 18650 batteries, evaluating their efficiency and true capability to search out the best batteries that provide lengthy flight occasions and dependable efficiency.

Among the hyperlinks on this web page are affiliate hyperlinks. I obtain a fee (at no further value to you) if you happen to make a purchase order after clicking on considered one of these affiliate hyperlinks. This helps help the free content material for the neighborhood on this web site. Please learn our Affiliate Hyperlink Coverage for extra data.

Why 18650 Li-ion Batteries?

Selecting the best battery is essential for optimizing the efficiency of FPV tools. The 18650 Li-ion battery emerges as a best choice as a result of its stability of broad availability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. It’s notably favored by long-range FPV pilots for its superior energy-to-weight ratio in comparison with conventional LiPo batteries. Though it could not ship the excessive present output of LiPo batteries, it’s enough for drones designed for effectivity and endurance.

For a deeper dive into the professionals and cons of Li-ion batteries over LiPo, try this publish: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/

Left: 4S 1500mah LiPo; Proper: 4S 3500mAh Li-ion

To sum it up, right here’s why 18650 batteries are most popular for FPV drones and equipment:

• Capability and Effectivity: They provide substantial vitality storage in a compact type issue.
• Rechargeability: These batteries are able to lots of of cost cycles with out important degradation.
• Availability: They’re extensively obtainable and used throughout numerous digital gadgets and instruments.

Concerned about long-range flying? Take a look at the following tips: https://oscarliang.com/long-range-fpv-flying-mini-quad/

The Contenders

To search out one of the best, I examined a wide range of 18650 batteries from respected manufacturers, contemplating totally different specs for a well-rounded overview.

* Worth in line with my native reseller on the time of publishing.

** Weight is measured on my own

Testing Methodology

To find out one of the best batteries, I centered on two key efficiency indicators:

• Capability: Measured by discharging batteries at a sluggish fee (2A) from 4.2V per cell right down to 2.9V to precisely gauge their vitality storage capabilities.
• Voltage Sag: Assessed by discharging at a sooner fee (12A) from 4.2V per cell to 2.9V to guage their efficiency underneath load all through the discharge cycle.

In case you might be curious what testing tools I used, it was the SkyRC BD350 discharger.

Outcomes and Suggestions

When evaluating the discharge fee, the Molicel P30B and P28A stood out for delivering constant energy, particularly underneath heavy load, making them very best for high-demand lengthy vary FPV flying. The Sony VTC5A and VTC6 have been shut contenders, performing admirably as nicely.

By way of true capability, the Molicel M35A and Sanyo NCR18650GA led the pack, providing the very best mAh at roughly 3260mAh. Right here’s an in depth breakdown of marketed versus measured capacities:

Based mostly on our testing, listed below are our high suggestions for various FPV wants.

For lengthy vary FPV flights, the Molicel P30B emerges because the best choice for its distinctive capability and discharge efficiency, minimizing voltage sag. The VTC6 and P28A are glorious alternate options, with the VTC6 barely edging out in flight time and the P28A offering a bit extra punch.

Prime decisions:

Second decisions:

For low present functions like powering FPV goggles and radios, the Molicel M35A and Sanyo NCR18650GA are my go-to choices. The Radiomaster 3200mAh and VTC6 are additionally worthy issues.

Prime decisions:

• Sanyo NCR18650GA:
• Molicel M35A:

Second decisions:

Constructing Your Personal Pack

You may construct your personal battery packs utilizing singular 18650 cells following this information: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/.

Whereas I’ve examined numerous pre-made 6S Li-ion packs from respected distributors, none matched the efficiency of Molicel cells (I suppose they aren’t utilizing one of the best cells to maximise revenue). Due to this fact assembling your personal Li-ion battery pack utilizing top-quality cells, ensures the very best efficiency, generally even cheaper.

Conclusion

Selecting the best 18650 Li-ion battery requires weighing a number of efficiency components. I hope our comparability and testing helped you resolve which 18650 cells to get. Joyful flying!

Charging 18650 Batteries

Trendy LiPo chargers usually help Li-Ion battery sort; merely join them as you’ll a LiPo battery. For charger suggestions, try: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/

Edit Historical past

• Feb 2018: Article creation.
• Mar 2024: Replace with the most recent take a look at outcomes on new market-available 18650 cells.