Any thoughts on the 18650 vs 2x CR123 for brightness and run time? Are they the same, or which is one superior?
2003549
I recommend the Orbtronic 3,400mAH 18650 rechargeables and the Intellicharger i4 version 2. The Orbs are quality Japanese parts batteries and all 6 of mine charge to exactly the same 4.7 voltage every time and they seem to last forever. The Orbs are also have been rated top marks and fit this flashlight well. Keeppower is the only other one that is about as good IMHO.
2003550
I work nights at an airport. I never let my batteries die out. Spare rechargeable 18650s and spare flashlights keep me and my crew safe.
2003551
The CR123's are brighter but you will spend a fair amount of money vs the rechargeable 18650's. One more tip, the 18650's will fit perfectly in one of those survival match tube's. Great for carrying a spare battery. This will be your favorite flashlight.
1214624
Milliohm hours deals with longevity, and depending on the flashlight it won't affect brightness. Most flashlights won't allow the brightest levels when battery starts to get low. Also the quality of the batteries and charger had an impact. My boss had a crappy 3600 mAh battery that lasted half as long as my 2600mAh Tenergy, both 18650 style. I would say that the 18650's are a better option than two 123's, but some flashlights won't take the slightly larger 18650's.
974290
This flashlight uses only one AA battery which puts out 1.5 volts. 18650 batteries put out over double that so the bulb may not last very long. With one AA battery in this light it is extremely bright so I would stick with just the AA.
887808
The tradeoff for super bright output is lessened run time...On a full charge, and if use continously you get less than an hour and the unit gets pretty warm...I always keep a spare battery with my if I amusing on project survey or such...
521072
I agree with Paul Moll, I bought the 18650 Batteries thru amazon and they are better than the AAA batteries. Idk how this worked but, when I used the AAA batteries I only had one mode, but when I used the 18650 battery all modes were accessable.
1262192
If you use AAAs and use it often thru out the day ( Contractor and a mechanic) you will use them up. It will SUCK them up!! I have 6 of the 18650 an this is the best battery ive ever had the light output is comparable to a large mag light an goes thru half a battery a month if you get this light buy a 18650 battery an charger combo 12 bucks extra an the difference will blow your mind. or you could waste that same cash on aaa an think you got a bum light. we use this light daily for a couple months good light also have a 501b an a couple 502b's awesome lights
778063
LEDs tend not to mind the extra voltage, but you will generate more heat. I know of one student who's IR light failed to operate when he tried the higher voltage batteries....but it did operate with CR123. Frankly the Super Tac IR is a good IR light, and does all you are going to need it to on regular 123's. I wouldn't push the added voltage....as it may damage the piece? In this one case the attempt did not.....hardly conclusive, but thats what I can tell you.
1824217
Can't be. An 18650 is WAY bigger than a CR123A and has 2-3,000 mAh. In a word...unpossible.
1352168
no, you must use the 18650, you can also use 2- 123cr batteries, but i would stay with the 18650.
1262194
If you use AAAs and use it often thru out the day ( Contractor and a mechanic) you will use them up. It will SUCK them up!!I have 6 of the 18650 an this is the best battery ive ever had the light output is comparable to a large mag light an goes thru half a battery a month if you get this light buy a 18650 battery an charger combo 12 bucks extra an the difference will blow your mind. or you could waste that same cash on aaa an think you got a bum light. we use this light daily for a couple months good light also have a 501b an a couple 502b's awesome lights
228023
Considerable difference. You can get two 18650 batteries with charger & free delivery for $10 - do it.
825288
It uses a cr2 battery not a cr123. But if you are looking for a good mini flashlight for me the best is the four seven cr2.
1201723
Any 18650 battery will do. The higher the mAh you buy the in these the longer the light will run between charges. I'd stick with name brand 18650's BTW - Panasonic, Samsung, etc. The low cost/low quality 18650 are certainly cheap but they can be dangerous.
644979
The CR123s will work, but are a little loose. The light is designed to use a single BRC18650 3.7V lithium ion battery, which is manufactured and sold by (you guessed it) UltraFire.
2221308
3 Volt CR123A. Takes two. Surefire brand is very good you can sometimes find deals online. Good shelf life so you can save buying in bulk. Hope that helps. Can't say enough about the light. I have had it for a long time,carry it daily and it takes a beating. Great customer support too
734064
Personally, I wouldn't. I could be wrong, but most of the better quality 18650's are protected, and on a light this nice, I just would not consider using less than a great battery. Not sure if that answers your question.
1373165
If it not charging the 18650 at all then yes. Do not charge the CR123! I noticed my light would not charge the 18650 batteries to 4.2 so I just use Nitecore's external charger and the light charing only while traveling. You can get the external charger here on Amazon. Hope this helps!Sean