Cheap used batteries

[GroovyGeek]

Amazon.com

$105, from a 3P seller who is an authorized DJI dealer. Arrived sealed in what looked to be an OEM plastic wrap. Cycle indicator shows 1 cycle. Just ordered 2 more. No affiliation with the seller, just a satisfied customer.

 

[Starz]

Will be interesting to see the cycles on the incoming two.
I’ll cross my fingers for you. With “used”, it’s sometimes a guess.

 

[IronSky1]

Buying used batteries is not the best idea for a device that is flying over someones head.

 

[mavic3usa]

Buying used batteries is not the best idea for a device that is flying over someones head.

After flying all of my drones on day 1, all of my batteries are technically "used." Generally if you buy a used drone, you get a used battery too. Unfortunately, pretty much all the drones flying out there at any one point are likely over someone's head with a used battery. I think it's fine to buy from someone who sells these by indicating the cycles 1-5 $$$, 6-15 $$, 16-25 $, etc.

 

[Cafguy]

As someone that has to buy a TON of Batteries, I have purchased used on Ebay for years Not one bad experience.
Like stated above every battery is used once you "use" it.

 

[IronSky1]

After you have a drone fall out of sky you may change your mind. It happened to me years ago on a Parrot Bebop 2,
Agree with USED statement however, I always buy new OEM batteries when available and setting up a used drone. Not worth the risk.

 

[Starz]

Buying used batteries is not the best idea for a device that is flying over someones head.

The OP did mention that his newly acquired battery has one cycle. I would think that should not be an issue as long as the individual cells show correct information.

 

[Army Vet]

The term "refurbished" is misleading. Can't refurbish a drone battery. Unless it's a high gloss wax and wrapping.

 

[GroovyGeek]

I would never buy an aftermarket battery or charger. But I have never had a problem buying used OEM from reliable sources - reputable resellers, forum users with a long history of posting, and eBay sellers with stellar track record. There is always a first time...

 

[Capt KO]

My failed used batteries (5) all had less than10 cycles, over 10 cycles (15 now) had no fails and still in service. Is what it is..maintenance is everything charge/discharge regularly or die.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Amazon.com

$105, from a 3P seller who is an authorized DJI dealer. Arrived sealed in what looked to be an OEM plastic wrap. Cycle indicator shows 1 cycle. Just ordered 2 more. No affiliation with the seller, just a satisfied customer.

The link lists the battery as "used" and not "refurbished."
It's an OEM battery being sold that may or may not have any charge cycles.
Looks good to me.
Amazon return policy, too!

 

[Cafguy]

Out of the over 150 or so "used" Batteries on Ebay I have gone thru I only got 2 "Iffy" ones that I refused to use. so theres that.

 

[tstr14]

The term "refurbished" is misleading. Can't refurbish a drone battery. Unless it's a high gloss wax and wrapping.

Technically yes you can refurbish them but very few places have the equipment or expertise to do so, and chances are the market wouldn't support investing in the equipment or knowledge.

 

[GroovyGeek]

Updated the title of the post

 

[GroovyGeek]

Next two batteries came with cycle counts of 0 and 1. I flew the first battery today, drone did not fall out of the sky, did not catch fire and flew for a normal duration

 

[jwilson]

Buying used batteries is not the best idea for a device that is flying over someones head.

I don't see a problem if they're genuine DJI batteries.

 

[GroovyGeek]

I don't see a problem if they're genuine DJI batteries.

They are. The most recent one I received (4th) had zero cycles. Just some surface scuffs. Probably factory seconds.

 

[jwilson]

They are. The most recent one I received (4th) had zero cycles. Just some surface scuffs. Probably factory seconds.

I bought some "DJI" batteries from a e-commerce vendor I didn't know. You can email DJI the serial number, and they will tell you if they're genuine.

 

[slup]

They are. The most recent one I received (4th) had zero cycles. Just some surface scuffs. Probably factory seconds.

A sophisticated fraudulent seller will have access to the needed equipment to reset the charge cycles... this alone isn't a reliable sign of a good battery I'm afraid.

The most reliable before the buy is instead the seller credibility & return policies... after the buy it's performance testing over time regarding remaining battery capacity, voltage drops under amp draw, cell deviations, operating temps (all this in the flight logs) & visibly, signs of swelling immediately after use.

 

[Starz]

will have access to the needed equipment to reset the charge cycles.

Interesting thought. For all the years I’ve seen posts regarding DJI batteries, I’ve not seen any information that mentions this type of process.
Have I missed something?