What are your prefered / hated brand / models of cells and why ?

As far as I am testing some cells (just beginning with a few hundreds), here my comments

- Samsung 26F are quite good. Not that much failed
- LG cells are difficult to read from part number and spot welding is generally stronger that makes the tear down difficult. In average more weak cells
- Sony gave me no luck almost all of those I tested are deeply washed. Quite light spot welds that makes it easy to take apart.
- Sanyo red as hell ? not for me either almost new or fully washed.

What's your experience ?

I don't really care as long as it is a branded cell. Can't really say that one or the other manufacturer or model gave me better results. Had dead cells from all of the major manufacturers, as well as mediocre cells and good cells.
The quality of the spotwelding differs indeed, however I haven't found this to be anywhere near consistent.

Thanks.
Maybe my point of view will change over time. I just dismatled 150 laptops packs and 4 ebikes packs.