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18650
18650 batteries are the rechargeable lithium-ion cells inside many thermal scopes, IR lights and flashlights. This category holds the 18650 cells we stock for night hunting gear, from the optic makers' own cells to protected 3500mAh cells you can use in more than one device.
OEM cells
The Nocpix IRB-2, the RIX 18650 and the PARD OEM 18650 are the cells those brands supply for their own optics. If your scope came with one, a matching spare is the simplest choice.
Protected 3500mAh cells
For general use we carry KeepPower 3500mAh Protected Button Top cells in a set of two, a Low Temperature KeepPower 3500mAh pair for cold nights, and Sniper Hog Lights 3500mA batteries. A protected cell has a small circuit that cuts power if the battery is shorted or drained too far, which matters in gear that rides in a pocket or pack.
When you pick a high quality 18650 battery, check three things: whether your device needs a button top or flat top, whether it fits a protected cell (which is slightly longer), and how cold it gets where you hunt. Cold pulls runtime down on any lithium cell, so carry a warm spare.
Batteries can't be returned, so call us at (309) 781-8421 if you are unsure which cell fits. Keep spares in one of our battery cases and holders, and see Nocpix batteries for that brand's other packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is so special about an 18650 battery?
An 18650 packs a lot of energy into a small, standard size: 18mm across and 65mm long, which is where the name comes from. It is rechargeable lithium-ion, so you can recharge it hundreds of times. That mix of capacity and size is why so many thermal scopes and hunting lights use it.
Are 18650 batteries just AA?
No. An 18650 is wider and longer than an AA, and it runs at about 3.6 to 3.7 volts nominal compared with 1.5 volts for an alkaline AA. They are not interchangeable, and forcing one into an AA device can damage it. Only use an 18650 where the device calls for one.
How many volts are in an 18650 battery?
A lithium-ion 18650 is rated around 3.6 to 3.7 volts nominal and reaches about 4.2 volts when fully charged. Voltage drops as it discharges, and your optic shuts off before the cell is drained too far. That is one more reason to use the cell your device maker recommends.
What is the average lifespan of an 18650 battery?
A good 18650 typically lasts a few hundred full charge cycles before its capacity drops noticeably. How you treat it matters: heat, deep drains and storing it fully charged for months all shorten its life. Store spares partly charged, in a case, somewhere cool and dry.
What battery can replace an 18650?
In most devices, only another 18650 of the right type. Match button top or flat top, protected or unprotected, and capacity. Some flashlights also accept two CR123A cells in the same tube, but check the manual first, because many thermal optics are built around one specific cell.
