Old Lights, new 18650 that fit?? (Fenix esp)

Stress_Test

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
1,334
I have several older Fenix lights, a TK30 (MC-E), couple of TK11s, etc, that I have always used with AW brand 18650 batteries (2200 mAh size).

I recently found the batteries won't power the TK30 at max power without shutting off. Granted, the date on these batteries was May 2011, so it's no surprise.

So, I need replacements, but the newer 18650 all seem to be larger diameter and won't fit the TK30 and TK11 body. Even some Fenix 2300 mAh that I recently got will not fit (the positive end flares out a bit and won't insert).

So, for older lights with smaller body diameter, is there any alternative for 18650 batteries, if the old AW 2200 are not available anymore? Maybe some of the basic Panasonic batteries don't have all the extra bulk? Can't tell just from photos of course.

It's pretty annoying that all these new batteries are actually larger size now. It defeats the whole purpose of having a standardized size!! :ohgeez:
 

Stress_Test

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
1,334
I have calipers at work, but I won't be back there till next week. I can check then.

Anyway, I double-checked the Orbtronic 3400 mAh (button-top) batteries I have just to make sure, and they are just barely too large for the TK30. Interestingly, they are on the verge of fitting the TK11. One will slide in fairly smooth, the other takes some pushing.

These Fenix 2300 batteries are REALLY large diameter for their capacity... larger than the Orb 3400, since they won't go in the TK11 at all.

Anyway, my fallback plan is to switch to my SolarForce lights for any high-output needs. For normal daily use I can get by fine with just 2AA powered lights, but on some occasions I want a more serious blaster. I tried out a 2x18650 setup on my existing XM-L T6 3-mode drop-in, and that works like a champ. The SF bodies I have are big enough to take the 3400 mAh batteries so hopefully I'll be able to feed these lights a while longer.

Oh, and I looked for 17670s as a fall-back, but it seems those have gotten rare. Battery Junction has some of the UltraFire brand, but since I joined CPF I always heard people say that brand will blow up and burn down half the city so I've stayed away from those :)
 

Stress_Test

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
1,334
Okay, diameter measurements (inches) are as follows. This is for two of my AW brand 18650, 2200 mAh, button-top batteries. I measured three locations along the length; each end and the middle. I rotated the battery and checked to make sure I was getting the largest diameter at each end and middle.

0.720
0.720
0.717

-----

0.717
0.718
0.718

-----

Also, I measured the tail-end opening of the TK30 body, and it was 0.731 inches, with a moderate drag on the caliper blades. (so a battery that was 0.731" diameter would still be too snug to really use)
 

terryoregon

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Sep 19, 2017
Messages
140
Location
Southern Oregon
I only have one brand of unprotected 18650. Looks like my Samsung INR18650-25R might work (Amazon link)
.723 (+ end)
.722 (middle)
.720 (- end)

All my other 18650s are protected. I measured them out of curiosity (knowing they would be too big), making sure I included the metal strip on the side:
Orbtronic .737
Acebeam .733
Panasonic .738
 

Stress_Test

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
1,334
Thanks for checking, that pretty much confirms my suspicion that the new cells are all going to be larger (the protected ones anyway). It's like the manufacturers all started using bulkier protection circuit components at some point...
 

Hooked on Fenix

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 13, 2007
Messages
3,076
AW 2900 mAh protected 18650s were the highest capacity cells that would fit in my Fenix TK11.
 

hiuintahs

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Sep 12, 2006
Messages
1,840
Location
Utah
Okay, diameter measurements (inches) are as follows. This is for two of my AW brand 18650, 2200 mAh, button-top batteries. I measured three locations along the length; each end and the middle. I rotated the battery and checked to make sure I was getting the largest diameter at each end and middle.

0.720
0.720
0.717

-----

0.717
0.718
0.718

-----

Also, I measured the tail-end opening of the TK30 body, and it was 0.731 inches, with a moderate drag on the caliper blades. (so a battery that was 0.731" diameter would still be too snug to really use)
I measured a green un protected Panasonic NCR18650B battery and got measurements like yours......around 0.720". They are flat tops and so your light would need to have springs on the ends.
 

Labrador72

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 28, 2012
Messages
1,851
Location
European Union
I have several older Fenix lights, a TK30 (MC-E), couple of TK11s, etc, that I have always used with AW brand 18650 batteries (2200 mAh size).

I recently found the batteries won't power the TK30 at max power without shutting off. Granted, the date on these batteries was May 2011, so it's no surprise.

So, I need replacements, but the newer 18650 all seem to be larger diameter and won't fit the TK30 and TK11 body. Even some Fenix 2300 mAh that I recently got will not fit (the positive end flares out a bit and won't insert).

So, for older lights with smaller body diameter, is there any alternative for 18650 batteries, if the old AW 2200 are not available anymore? Maybe some of the basic Panasonic batteries don't have all the extra bulk? Can't tell just from photos of course.

It's pretty annoying that all these new batteries are actually larger size now. It defeats the whole purpose of having a standardized size!! :ohgeez:

I have both the TK30 and TK11. The old Fenix 2600 mAh batteries fit. The older Fenix 3200 and 3400 won't go into the TK30 for sure. I think the new 3400 and 3500 button top Fenix 18650 batteries also fit. Have them so can do a test tomorrow if you want!
 
Top