The "Ultrafire" 18650 name explained December 27 2014, 3 Comments

Huge market penetration and little consistency

Everyone has used or seen an Ultrafire 18650 battery at one time or another. They come coupled with flashlights or sold loose on the internet, usually at much cheaper prices than other batteries.

A fierce Chinese trademark battle

The Ultrafire name has been in a legal battle for years while several factories battle to win legal control over it. Shenzhen is China's first and most successful special economic zone and the law is taken seriously there. However, with no one winner declared, it is a free-for-all, and anyone can print their own Ultrafire batteries without legal repercussions

That might all change in the first few days of 2015 when a decision is supposed to be reached. But for now we will have to wait.

How easy is it to make your own Ultrafire 18650 brand

A 18650 re-wrapping "factory" can be run efficiently with as little as six persons. Or you don't have to do it yourself - you can contact any number of OEM suppliers that will gladly do it for you. Ultrafire cells might be used, re-salvaged, or new. They might have correct specs, or exaggerated specs. It is usually the worse option in my experience.

How many different companies make Ultrafire 18650 batteries?

There are at least ten different companies producing them.

Should I buy wholesale Ultrafire batteries?

No, I do not recommend it because it's nearly impossible to ensure their quality until a trademark is issued. If you want the highest-quality wholesale 18650 batteries - choose Battery Bro. We curate our inventory and don't stock dangerous or low-quality batteries.