MXJO 3500mAh 18650
To eliminate any confusion with eGo batteries, I use the term "cell" to specifically refer to individual batteries like the 18350, 18650, and 26650, among others. While the test results provide solid data, my conclusions and recommendations, based on these findings, are my own opinions shaped by my specific criteria for evaluating performance.
It’s also crucial to do your research on any cell you're thinking about buying before making a decision. Testing cells right at their limits can be hazardous and should never be attempted by those who haven't thoroughly understood the associated dangers and how to manage them properly.
If a cell only lists a single current rating or states "max discharging current," you should assume that the manufacturer claims the cell can handle discharge at that level, regardless of the use, including continuous use.
Final Verdict
This rewrapped cell exhibits exaggerated current and capacity ratings and is identical to the older MXJO 18650 batteries, featuring a yellow wrap that claims 20A 3500mAh. When discharged continuously at its alleged 20A rating, an internal protection mechanism triggers around 100°C, permanently disabling the cell. While this safeguard prevents venting, it renders the cell useless and thus cannot be considered a 20A-rated cell.
The new green and silver wrap features "Type 1" printed above "10A CDC" in small text on the back of the cell, which likely refers to the Continuous Discharge Current. While I appreciate MXJO for including this rating on the wrap, it is somewhat obscured and therefore not particularly useful, as most people are unfamiliar with what "CDC" stands for.
On the front, they prominently showcase a meaningless 20A maximum or pulse rating without mentioning the continuous rating, which could have easily been added. Even if they had retained the continuous rating on the back of the cell, they could have clearly stated "10A Continuous" or even "10A Cont." using significantly larger lettering.
These MXJO cells bear an indistinguishable appearance and performance to the 10A/3300mAh Panasonic NCR18650GA. The 18650 batteries ratings table has been updated to include this cell.
MXJO Battery Review
At a continuous discharge rate of 5A, the battery delivered an approximate capacity of 3135mAh. While this falls short of its rated 3500mAh capacity, it aligns more closely with what you might expect from a 3300mAh cell that has a high internal resistance under similar conditions. Therefore, its performance is 3300mAh.
When pushed to 10A continuous, the temperature climbed to 63°C. Although this is still below the typical temperature for a cell operating at its continuous discharge rating (CDR), the capacity dropped to around 1750mAh at 3.2V.
At 15A continuous, the temperature rose sharply to 95°C, which clearly shows that we are operating well beyond the cell's Continuous Discharge Rating (CDR).
When pushed to 20A continuous, both cells failed around 100°C. Although we could detect some voltage after the shutdown, they wouldn't accept a charge and quickly dropped to just a fraction of a volt, even when discharged at 1A. This single discharge at the cell's rated 20A rendered both cells completely unusable..