It isn't, but it requires more chargers. Personally I have three BC-900's and a Maha C808M. I have done a lot of 24 cells at a time charging.
Yes, but a simple two slot 18650 charger is much cheaper. Especially if you only plan to use protected cells.
Oh really? :huh:
I'm talking about the cells that go in there. If one cell fails (isn't hard) you are left with 5 cells. You cannnot just complement that with a fresh cell, so have to buy six new cells. With 2x18650 that is much easier: in case of a single fail: ditch one cell, keep the remainder for use in single cell lights and buy two new. Even from my Sanyo 2700 and PowerEx 2700 packs I've seen a lot of failures. And that includes all kinds of failures: not able to supply high current, high self discharge, not taking a full charge, etc. Still have to see the first AW 18650 fail on me.
If you own any mdocod AA > D holders you know you can't just put them in a pocket the way you can put a $1 box with two 18650's in your pocket. Good luck with putting fresh cells into a set of half-gone cells. With 18650's you can leave the holder in the Maglite. You need need a cylinder in there with external diameter of 34mm (Maglite inner diameter) and an inner diameter of 18-19mm to allow for the 18650's. In the same space a single 6AA holder would occupy you can easily keep three sets of 18650's
Even if they are good cells they will see a much shorter lifespan at such enormous discharge rates.
Personally I would go with Sanyo Eneloops because of the low self-discharge. These lights often don't see use for somewhat longer periods. Eneloops tend to not die just for sitting unused for a few months.
It's that I already have the 9AA holders; I think I'm going to complement them with 9 Eneloops each. Otherwise I would definitely go with the 18650 route.
EDIT: If runtime is no concern you could look at smaller IMR cells. Stuffing a 2D with that will enable 100+ W bulbs.
Paper can be burned outside with an WA1185