MXJO 18650 3000mAh Batteries
These battery units were acquired using funds contributed by the vaping community for the purpose of conducting tests. I express my gratitude! To avoid any confusion with the eGo batteries, I utilize the term "cell" in this context to denote a single 18350, 18650, 26650, etc.
While the test results provide objective data, the conclusions and recommendations I offer are solely my perspective, shaped by my own criteria for determining a rating. Before making any purchase, it's wise to conduct a thorough investigation of any cell you're considering using.
Testing cells at their maximum capacity can be risky. It is essential that this practice is never attempted by those who have not thoroughly researched the potential hazards and ways to mitigate them.
If the cell shows only one current rating value or mentions "max discharging current," it means the company claims that the cell can be discharged at that specific current level in any manner, including continuous discharge.
MXJO 3000 mAh Summary
This cell is highly overrated and merely repackaged, leading me to give it a rating of 15A. When discharged at its advertised 35A rating, it reached an alarming temperature of 122°C, which ties for the highest temperature I’ve ever recorded. It suffered significant damage following a single 35A discharge, like other MXJO 18650 batteries. These MXJO cells have the same look and performance as the MXJO 18650 2500mAh..
There is a different version of these batteries currently available on the market that features "Type-2" and "20A CDC" labels on the back of the wrap. I believe "CDC" stands for Continuous Discharge Current, although the front of the wrap only indicates a rating of 35A. The MXJO website does not mention or display this "Type-2" battery.
This variation of the cell is equipped with a 3-prong top contact. I'm uncertain if the 4-prong version, which is a rewrap of the LG HG2, is still in stock. The 18650 ratings table has been updated to include this cell.
MXJO 18650 3000 mAh Review
At a continuous discharge rate of 10A, the cell produced a capacity of 2752 mAh. This performance is typical for a 3000mAh cell when operating at 10A, which is why I rate it as having a capacity of 3000mAh.
When tested at a continuous discharge of 15A, the temperature of the cell rose to 70°C. This is below the average temperature for a cell operating at its constant discharge rating (CDR), indicating that we are using the cell below its maximum rated capacity.
At a continuous discharge of 20A, the temperature reached 81°C. This exceeds the average temperature for a cell operating at its continuous discharge rating (CDR), indicating that we are operating close to its maximum capacity.
When the continuous discharge increased to 25A, the temperature rose to 97°C. This extremely high temperature suggests that we are operating well beyond the cell's CDR.
At a continuous discharge of 30A, the temperature rose to 108°C, which exceeds my safety limit of 100°C and approaches hazardous levels.
When discharged continuously at 35A, the temperature rose to 122°C. This is one of the highest temperatures I have ever observed for a cell operating at or below its stated rating, putting it at risk of venting.
Furthermore, the voltage experienced a significant drop, and the cell only delivered 137mAh before the voltage fell to 3.2V. A subsequent discharge at 35A clearly illustrates the severe damage the cell incurred from just one attempt at its 35A rating.
I am setting the continuous discharge rate for this cell at 15A. Operating any cell near its maximum rated current can cause damage, but I expect good cycle life from this cell with a continuous discharge of 15A.