Disappointed with the Fenix ARB-L16U batteries

LEDuser5 · Apr 10, 2018

I performed a runtime test using the Fenix CL09 Camping Lantern on Turbo Mode.

I tested two each of the following cells:

Fenix ARB-L16U 16340 700mAh - 1 Hour 30 Minutes. The rated runtime on Turbo mode for this cell is 2.67 Hours

Nitecore NL166 RCR123A / 16340 650mAh - 2 Hours 25 Minutes

After depleting the Fenix battery I charged it up with a XTAR VC4 charger at a charge rate of 500mAh
It accepted a full charge of 518mAh at 4.2 volts

In my experience the Fenix ARB-L16U batteries do not live up to their rated capacity.
Very disappointed.

I would love to hear comments from those who know better than me about my findings. Why did the Fenix cell only accept 518mAh of charge?

SubLGT · Apr 10, 2018

To determine capacity, start with a fully charged battery, and do a discharge test. Does your VC4 have a discharge mode?

LEDuser5 · Apr 10, 2018

SubLGT said:
To determine capacity, start with a fully charged battery, and do a discharge test. Does your VC4 have a discharge mode?

It does not and I have no way of testing the capacity of the cells other than this runtime test which is far less than advertised.

LEDuser5 · Apr 10, 2018

LEDuser5 said:
It does not and I have no way of testing the capacity of the cells other than this runtime test which is far less than advertised.

After more testing of the four Fenix cells, I have discovered that the 7 months old and lightly used ones are performing poorly.
The 2 month old cells are performing as advertised. So somewhere along the way the 7 month old cells have lost their ability to hold a charge.

vadimax · Apr 11, 2018

To rate cell full capacity you need to charge/discharge it from 2.5V to 4.2V.

RCS1300 · May 6, 2018

LEDuser5 said:
I performed a runtime test using the Fenix CL09 Camping Lantern on Turbo Mode.

I tested two each of the following cells:

Fenix ARB-L16U 16340 700mAh - 1 Hour 30 Minutes. The rated runtime on Turbo mode for this cell is 2.67 Hours

Nitecore NL166 RCR123A / 16340 650mAh - 2 Hours 25 Minutes

After depleting the Fenix battery I charged it up with a XTAR VC4 charger at a charge rate of 500mAh
It accepted a full charge of 518mAh at 4.2 volts

In my experience the Fenix ARB-L16U batteries do not live up to their rated capacity.
Very disappointed.

I would love to hear comments from those who know better than me about my findings. Why did the Fenix cell only accept 518mAh of charge?

Fenix provides a 12 month free warranty from the purchase date per the retail packaging.

Also, on the retail packaging it states to charge the batteries at 350mA, recommended. Possibly, charging the batteries at 500mAh may have reduced their useful life?

Took a look at the XTAR VC4 charger. Seems very tricky to know whether you are charging the battery at 500mA or 1A. If you have been charging the cells in the 1a slots, that could be your problem.

http://www.xtar.cc/downloadRepository/06b0f40b-aa5a-4d98-9cc2-23790d484a59.pdf

Disappointed with the Fenix ARB-L16U batteries

LEDuser5

Newly Enlightened

SubLGT

Flashlight Enthusiast

LEDuser5

Newly Enlightened

LEDuser5

Newly Enlightened

vadimax

Flashlight Enthusiast

RCS1300

Flashlight Enthusiast

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