Battery/ charger questions for Fenix PD32

If I get a Fenix PD32 light, how would it perform on the AW 18650P cells, that are 2200 mAh? The site I saw sells them for $12.99 each. They also have the Pila IBC 2 cell charger for $46.99 Is there an 18650 battery that would be better for the light, assuming the 2200 mAh cell fits? I am wondering if the protected 2200 mAh cell would generally perform better than 2 regular CR123A batteries. Also, is there a smart charger that is good but less expensive than the Pila IBC? I am assuming you want a charger that does not over-charge the 18650 cells (intelligent). Thanks.

LightCrazy said:

If I get a Fenix PD32 light, how would it perform on the AW 18650P cells, that are 2200 mAh? The site I saw sells them for $12.99 each. They also have the Pila IBC 2 cell charger for $46.99 Is there an 18650 battery that would be better for the light, assuming the 2200 mAh cell fits? I am wondering if the protected 2200 mAh cell would generally perform better than 2 regular CR123A batteries. Also, is there a smart charger that is good but less expensive than the Pila IBC? I am assuming you want a charger that does not over-charge the 18650 cells (intelligent). Thanks.

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$13/each is very overpriced for 2200mAh batteries, you can get 3100mAh ones for that price, or pair of 2600mAh's for just a bit more (pair of Intl-Outdoor Store 2600mAh's cost $17.88).
Take a look here for dimensions of various batteries (to see if they'll fit in your light): http://lygte-info.dk/review/batteries2012/Common18650Summary UK.html
For a charger, take a look at Xtar WP2 II and Xtar SP2. They both do proper CC/CV charging (although WP2 II uses pulsed variation of it - it's not bad for battery in any way, but it makes charging a little longer than non-pulsed pure CC/CV would). They're ~$20 for WP2 II and ~$35 for SP2. Don't grab first version of WP2 though, only WP2 II - the first revision has bad charging algorithm, not the needed CC/CV.

The Intellicharge i4 v2 (stay away from v1!) is a cheap alternative. Make sure you buy quality cells; this forum is filled with information on which cells are good and which are dangerous.

I checked out the detailed battery chart. Since I cant easily contact Fenix to see what batteries fit, does anyone with a PD32 know how large of a capacity of AW 18650 cells will fit? Maybe some of the better battery stores on this site know what fits what?

I keep reading that it is really imprtant to keep track of the upper and lower voltages of the Li Ion batterlies/cells. Do the Xtar WP2 II and Xtar SP2 charge to the correct voltage, or would I have to keep pulling the batteries out to ake sure they dont go above 3.7 volts or whatever. How about not draining them too much in the Fenix PD 32? Do I occasionally pull the cell out and check the voltage?

I'm running Eagle Tac 3100s and unprotected Pannie NCR18650As in my PD32 and Zebralight SC-600, both cells work well in both lights.

Xtar WP2 II is the charger.

Chris

I use both AW 3100 18650's and Eagletac 3100 18650's. Both button top and non button top work just fine. And yes, you can get better pricing on 18650's if you look around. I like the Eagletac, a great price for 3100 with great run time. The light is regulated so you will not see a difference in lumens but better run time than primaries.

Thanks. I'll start looking at the Eagletac brand as well. Still dont have a PD32 yet, but I want to have an idea of what good batteries to use. I currently have some Streamlight CR125A promaries, as well as a bunch of Tenergy CR125A cells. The tenergy cells, silver and purple in color? say they are protected, but still they are Tenergy.

Which 18650 battery and charger?

I'll be picking up a fenix pd32 flashlight next week and want to find a good 18650 recharge able battery for it. So what a good battery and where can I get them at a good price? Next thing would be a charger to charge the battery.

Thanks

Re: Which 18650 battery and charger?

wisefire said:

I'll be picking up a fenix pd32 flashlight next week and want to find a good 18650 recharge able battery for it. So what a good battery and where can I get them at a good price? Next thing would be a charger to charge the battery.

Thanks

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Xtar WP2 II, Xtar SP2, Pila to name a few.

Batteries have been covered in this thread.

Chris