18350 vs 18500 batteries - size vs utility - the poll

[recDNA]

It's funny. I've been reading this thread but never noticed that it is about HDS lights as opposed to a general preference. I rotate my carry lights are rarely use them for more than a few minutes at a time so seldom need to recharge.

HDS lights are kind of large for single cell lights so I would probably prefer the 18350 size with delrin spacer for primary use. I wouldn't want to add another inch for 18500 but folks who use their lights many hours a day might well prefer the extra run time. The 18650 HDS is too big for me to pocket carry (so not my cup of tea) but it is perfect for a toolbox or for those of you who wear tool belts or duty belts.

 

[HighLumens]

A) 18350.

I see the benefits of the CR123A/16340/18350 option (right length for EDC) and those of the 18650 (great runtime for people who need it and that might as well enjoy the extra length). I think the 18500 accomplishes neither of the previous benefits, being too long for EDC and not having the runtime an 18650 has while being only a few millimeters shorter.

That said, options are nice to have so whatever battery format you choose it will be good to have.

P.S.: +1 on the delrin sleeve for the 16mm batteries if you go with the 18350 body.

 

[desmobob]

I have a couple of lights that run on CR123A and 16340. One of them is also capable of taking the 18350. I have yet to do a real-world test of the 16340 vs. the 18350, but it's on my list of things to do...

Anyway, I vote 18350. If the light needs to be bigger for an 18500, I'll gladly go just a little bigger again to get the 18650 size.

Take it easy,
Bob

 

[MBentz]

I actually find that the diameter of a flashlight tends to be more important, IMO. So, given the two options here, 18500 please.

 

[JohnSmith]

I'm changing my vote. I previously said 18500, but you guys have convinced me the 18350 would be a better choice. And FWIW, I also own one of the new HDS 18650 lights and think its size is good to go.

[edit]Oh, hell, who am I kidding. I'd probably buy both/either...

 

[light-modder]

A thought as far as multi fueler. If you make it 18500 in stock form you can make sleeves and spacers for 14500/AA, CR123A/16340, and with a tail switch mod similar to the "zero rez shorty" you could fit an 18650. Heck after all that may as well have an adapter for AAA too. Yes it will be too long for some to EDC and going to 18650 will make it a twisty. I guess the real major selling point would be the multi fueler so that may be a small group of people.

 

[4rmless]

A thought as far as multi fueler. If you make it 18500 in stock form you can make sleeves and spacers for 14500/AA, CR123A/16340, and with a tail switch mod similar to the "zero rez shorty" you could fit an 18650. Heck after all that may as well have an adapter for AAA too. Yes it will be too long for some to EDC and going to 18650 will make it a twisty. I guess the real major selling point would be the multi fueler so that may be a small group of people.

You only need one spacer for both 16340 and 14500, see the Zebralight SC80.

 

[light-modder]

Yes I think I remember reading something about that earlier in this thread. If it works well then it's probably a great idea. Less things to carry and keep track of. Which poses the other side that if you loose it you can't use either without making something yourself. But if a person wanted a serious multi fueler they could keep those extras in a pelican case in a bag.