These cells were acquired using funds generously donated by the vaping community for the sole purpose of conducting tests. I express my gratitude! To avoid any confusion with eGo-type batteries, I employ the term "cell" to refer to a single unit, such as 18350, 18650, 26650, and so on.
Although the test results provide factual data, the conclusions and recommendations I present are solely my subjective opinion based on my criteria for establishing ratings. It is essential to thoroughly investigate any vape battery cell you are considering before purchasing.
Attempting to test cells beyond their limits is perilous. It should never, under any circumstances, be undertaken by individuals who have not extensively studied the associated hazards and methods of mitigating them.
If a cell bears only a single current rating or states "max discharging current," it must be assumed that the manufacturer asserts the cell's capability to handle that specific current level in any discharge scenario, including continuous discharge.
The MXJO 18650 2500mAh is an overrated and rebranded version with a rating of 20A. When tested at its claimed 35A rating, it reached a temperature high enough to boil water and only delivered approximately 100mAh down to 3.2V. Its capacity is 2400mAh, 100mAh lower than the result of testing this cell one year ago. They may utilize a slightly inferior grade of the cell. The 18650 ratings table has been updated to incorporate this specific cell.
Pulse-Current Test Results
Pulse testing was omitted since this is a rewrap of the LG HE4. The pulse test outcomes for the HE4 can be found here: LG HE4 20A 2500mAh 18650 Bench Retest Results.
MXJO 18650 2500 Battery Reviews
At a continuous discharge of 10A, it achieved a capacity of just under 2200mAh. This performance could be better for a 2500mAh cell like the MXJO 18650 3000mAh but falls within the average range for a 2400mAh cell. Hence, I am assigning it a rating of 2400mAh.
At a continuous discharge of 15A, the temperature rose to 71°C. This remains below the average temperature of a cell operating at its designated continuous discharge rating (CDR).
At a constant discharge of 20A, the temperature rose to 81°C. This is slightly above the average temperature of a cell operating at its CDR, indicating that we are working near its actual rating.
At a continuous discharge of 25A, the temperature rose to 93°C. This temperature significantly exceeds the average temperature of a cell operating at its designated continuous discharge rating (CDR), suggesting that we surpass its actual rating.
At a continuous discharge of 30A, the temperature rose to 100°C. This temperature is remarkably high, accompanied by significant voltage sag.
At a continuous discharge of 35A, the temperature rose to 108°C. This excessively high temperature indicates that this is not a genuine 35A cell. It falls a mere 2°C below my threshold for classifying it as a hazardous cell. Moreover, it only delivered around 100mAh down to 3.2V.
I am establishing this battery cell's continuous discharge rating (CDR) of 20A. While operating any cell close to its maximum current level inflicts damage, I anticipate a good cycle life from this cell when used at 20A continuously.