As a beginner myself, I thought I would post a review of my experience purchasing 8 EVE LF280K cells from 18650batterystore here in Beginner's Corner in case it helps another newbie trying to navigate this stuff. I researched for months about DIY lithium cells and how to build packs, etc. It's a deep rabbit hole. Once I had enough confidence to decide I wanted to try my hand at building the packs myself, I was very unsure about where to order from. I wasn't so confident in ordering on AliExpress or similar sites. It seemed like it would take forever to get the cells, if there was a problem I wasn't sure how much support I would get, and other various concerns. I was especially concerned with getting a refund and returning the cells should it come to that. I wanted to purchase from within the US (my home country), but I didn't find much for vendors. The day I was going to place my order I happened to come across a thread about 18650batterystore. Turns out they are based in the US. After researching further I decided to purchase from them. I have since also learned of Sun Fun Kits based in the US as well although I have not used them to date.
As mentioned, I ordered 8 EVE LF280K Grade A cells. They arrived well packaged within 6 days of placing the order (which was on a Friday evening). That was one month ago. Since then I have tested the capacity of each cell with satisfactory results; 284.9, 285.7, 285.8, 285.9, 286.4, 287.1, 287.2, and 287.2.
Before ordering, the advice on this forum seemed to be split on whether it was worth paying $50 per cell more for the Grade A vs the Grade B, but I chose to go with the Grade A's. The seller listed them as having a longer return period, longer warranty period, and higher cycle life. Some on this forum stated there is no difference between grade A and grade B because there are no actual grade A cells on the market. I also believe many sellers misuse the grading anyway. But in this case, the seller differentiates the two based on warranty and return periods and that indicates to me that they believe the difference in cells warrants the difference in price. Who knows?
Support...I did send an email to 18650 asking a question about the cells (specifically about the studs) and did not ever receive any response. I figured it out on my own so not an issue. However, if that is indicative of the support level they provide it could be a concern. That said, if I had a serious issue such a warranty related I would call them first rather than just email. But I haven't had the need so cannot provide much in the way of their ongoing support.
Overall, I liked that I could order from within the US. I liked that I received the cells within a week and in excellent condition. And I liked that the price was very competitive with what I found on AliExpress at the time. I will say that I have since placed a few orders through AliExpress and have had no issues there either. It just takes a bit longer for delivery.
Hope this is helpful to someone out there trying to figure this stuff out.
As mentioned, I ordered 8 EVE LF280K Grade A cells. They arrived well packaged within 6 days of placing the order (which was on a Friday evening). That was one month ago. Since then I have tested the capacity of each cell with satisfactory results; 284.9, 285.7, 285.8, 285.9, 286.4, 287.1, 287.2, and 287.2.
Before ordering, the advice on this forum seemed to be split on whether it was worth paying $50 per cell more for the Grade A vs the Grade B, but I chose to go with the Grade A's. The seller listed them as having a longer return period, longer warranty period, and higher cycle life. Some on this forum stated there is no difference between grade A and grade B because there are no actual grade A cells on the market. I also believe many sellers misuse the grading anyway. But in this case, the seller differentiates the two based on warranty and return periods and that indicates to me that they believe the difference in cells warrants the difference in price. Who knows?
Support...I did send an email to 18650 asking a question about the cells (specifically about the studs) and did not ever receive any response. I figured it out on my own so not an issue. However, if that is indicative of the support level they provide it could be a concern. That said, if I had a serious issue such a warranty related I would call them first rather than just email. But I haven't had the need so cannot provide much in the way of their ongoing support.
Overall, I liked that I could order from within the US. I liked that I received the cells within a week and in excellent condition. And I liked that the price was very competitive with what I found on AliExpress at the time. I will say that I have since placed a few orders through AliExpress and have had no issues there either. It just takes a bit longer for delivery.
Hope this is helpful to someone out there trying to figure this stuff out.
