Rcr123/14500 recommendations

[Johnnyt]

Hi

Im looking for a light a little smaller than my 18650 d25lc2 that I currently use daily. I'd prefer to run rechargeable li-ions than primaries. What recommendations do you have that allow the light to run regulated and still have multiple modes using the li-ions? Would like to keep the price at 60 bucks or under and of course maximize output levels and runtimes

Would look at both the rcr123 and 14500 form factors.

Thanks,
John

[Gunner12]

How about a light that does both, Zebralight SC80. Has an adapter in the light for 1AA or 1 CR123. A Quark light with both the CR123 and 1 AA battery tube might work as well.

What type of beam would you like?

[Chicken Drumstick]

I don't have either, but they look good and seem to get good write ups.

14500 - Xeno EO3 XM-L
RCR - Nitecore EC1

[reppans]

A 14500 has greater capacity than a 16340/RCR123 and can take Alk/Li/NiMh AAs in a pinch do I'd go that way. My favorite for a 14500/AA is a Foursevens Quark XML since it fully operational (not direct drive) and has much longer low lumen runtimes than the infinitely variable ring lights (which have an overhead electrical drain).

[Johnnyt]

Great point about 14500 flexibility advantage. Will check out the quarks specs. Can anyone confirm the sc80 does not go into direct drive?

[Johnnyt]

Is this the quark: FOURSEVENS Quark Tactical QTA 109 Lumen 1 x AA CREE XP-G LED Flashlight

[reppans]

No... unfortunately, the XML Quark only comes in a 2xAA so you need to buy the optional 1xAA tube to run it single cell. The model is the QP2A-X or the QT2A-X (depending upon your preferred interface). These both brighter than the SC80, have much longer warranties and better customer service than ZL.

[ikeyballz]

johnnyt. you will have to get the Quark QT2A-X, and buy a 1AA body seperately for the 14500 on an XML LED. The LED light you are pointing out, will be an R5 XPG LED. The XML has a higher output but a smaller hotspot, while the R5 has a lower output but a tighter hotspot. The throw on the two are nearly identical (experience) with the R5 having a slight more throw.

[Johnnyt]

I think the Quark option will by too pricey for me to justify. More expensive than my d25lc2 clicky which I would say out performs it in every way. Am I mistaken? I truly do appreciate the feedback though! I think I am just spoiled by my eagletac

[loquutis79]

I have the Eagletac also. I don't really think it can be beat on size, lumens, and dollar. If you do find something, I would be interested also. But I do see the Foursevens to be a bit over priced for the rather low lumens. My humble opinion.

[reppans]

Well, the Quark AAX on a 14500 is my favorite because of the low, low lumens... nothing else out there can run ~400 lm high and ~200 hr+ moonlight in a small pocketable single cell.

[Johnnyt]

Reppans - good point on the low low. That is the one area where the d25lc2 does not excel. I may end up just spending the extra for a ZL SC600. This version has been out for a while to change topics has anyone heard of an upcoming update to it? Guess I'll start a new topic

[Chicken Drumstick]

A 14500 has greater capacity than a 16340/RCR123 and can take Alk/Li/NiMh AAs in a pinch do I'd go that way. My favorite for a 14500/AA is a Foursevens Quark XML since it fully operational (not direct drive) and has much longer low lumen runtimes than the infinitely variable ring lights (which have an overhead electrical drain).

I didn't think RCR's and 14500 were all that different capacity wise.

And while it's true you can use AA's you'll also suffer a huge drop in output. An RCR unit you can use CR123A's and still retain good performance.