Which battery type do you prefer and why?

[miket458]

Why would you get a flashlight that takes a special battery over using a flashlight that uses simple AA size?
In the event you would need to use your flashlight for long term wouldn't it be better to use a flashlight with a common battery? What are the pros to using special batteries ie. cr123, 18650? Im looking to buy another flashlight but need help deciding what cells to use. Thanks.

 

[Changchung]

18650 better runtime


Sent from my phone with camera with flash and internet on it... :D

 

[CamoNinja]

18650 better runtime


Sent from my phone with camera with flash and internet on it... :D

X2 or 26650.

 

[BobDeLaLuz]

I personally prefer Lithium (CR123, RCR123, 18650) to Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA) because my needs are to have a flashlight that can sit in storage , at home, in my car and in the office, for years and be relied upon to work years later, when I need it. Every alkaline battery powered flashlight I've own (many) has either failed to light up or has leaked its corrosive contents, destroying the flashlight and whatever the flashlight was sitting on or in. Lithium just does not have that problem. I've lost alkaline flashlights just by storing them in my car for two months during the summer heat.
For flexibility during emergencies, back in 2008 I chose a Romisen RC-N3 CREE Q5 LED Flashlight which is inexpensive, bright, and came with an extension tube that allowed use with either two AA or one CR123 battery. I store a pack of CR123 in the car and in case of disaster, I can scrounge AA batteries wherever I can find them.

 

[Lou Minescence]

There are a lot of requirements to take into account when selecting battery size and chemistry. Knowing what flashlight you like will narrow the decision on what type of battery to use. IE searchlight, EDC, size & output etc.
I feel 18650 battery lights are the way to go for me. I do have some EDC AA powered lights too. I think an 18650 battery has approx 3 times the energy capacity over an AA cell.
No matter what battery I use, rechargeable is the way to go.

 

[miket458]

You make a great point. I have not thought about the need to store the batteries. I just thought about the aspect that CR123's are a bit harder to find. Also 18650's need to be recharged at some point.

 

[whiteoakjoe]

AA, and 18650... Would not be able to choose between these 2. They each fit their own niche, the AA (eneloop) is my favorite pocket carry light and I can run easy to find a alkaline replacement in a pinch. ( I skip the AAA's because for me the jump to a higher capacity battery so far is worth the small size increase)
The 18650 to me is the workhorse battery for flashlights. Rechargable & long life with good output and compaired to C and D lights I grew up with its miniscule. But still not small enought for me at least for pocket carry. I am forced to use 16340's in lights that don't take the 18650 and I like the output of these 2 cell lights with this setup but would rather my favorite Quarks took 18650.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Multi-cell/chemistry fan here: NiMH AA/AAA/9v batteries, 18650/16340/14500 ICR/IMR cells, CR123 primaries for my alarm sensors and general back up. I even have some Energizer Lithium Ultimates in my SHTF bag. I haven't bought too many alkalines lately, but I have some spares in that chemistry, as well.

Chris

 

[StorminMatt]

I like NiMH, particularly larger ones like C and D cells. There are a few things I like about them over other battery types:

1. HUGE capacity. You can run lights on turbo for an eternity compared to other battery types.

2. High current capability. They may not be as small as lithium. But you would be hard-pressed to find something that NiMH C's or D's CAN'T power.

3. Safety. No worries about exploding batteries. The worst you will get is dead cells.

4. They're tough. No need to pamper them or worry about checking voltage to avoid overcharge/overdischarge.

5. They don't leak.

6. Alkalines can often work in a pinch.

 

[reppans]

Pick a chemistry, any chemistry, in a 1xAA-sized cell with a ultra-versatile light like a Quark for me. A spare 2xAA tube for added runtime/power when necessary. While you can't beat 18650s (and larger) for power and capacity, it still represents a finite quantity for me. The ability to cannibalize between devices (I'm standardized around Eneloops across most of my gadgets), find primaries in any store, and scavenge any household appliance, represents an infinite quantity for me.

Other benefits/options over the (R)CR123 format:
14500s have ~20% greater capacity than 16340s
3V CRAA/14505s lithium primary = CR123s
1.2-1.7V NiMh/Alk/Li L91 cheap/safe/widely available
AAAs and 9V (6xAAAAs) can be used in a pinch with spacers

 

[Poppy]

I like the 18650 batteries. They're rechargeable, have a long shelf life and have a much higher capacity compared to the AA.
approximately 3.5 times an AA alkaline
2.7 times an AA Li-FeS2
3.5 times AA NiMH eneloop


I do however like the AA and AAA size lights too and ususally use NiMH batteries in them.

 

[TEEJ]

If a light with features I need only takes a certain power source, I have gone that route. Generally, as for the same form factor, a lithium ion powered light can be brighter and run longer, its simply more convenient to use lights that can be smaller and more powerful and with better run time, than a larger, heavier, dimmer and shorter run time version.

For emergencies, the AA/AAA C and D's are stripped from the shelves first...as being common, that's what EVERYONE grabs. That leaves odd sizes like the CR123, etc, on the shelves, as no one knows what they're for.

I prefer rechargeables, and solar chargers, etc, for the same reason...you can't run out, and, they take up almost no room.

If the light simply is designed to fit AA's, I'll use a 14500, if AAA, a 10440, and so forth.

As 18650's seem to be the most economical dense power source, I have a lot of lights that take 18650's. If the light's regulation is such that the LED can handle it and the light is brighter at higher voltage, I might use TWO 18350's instead of one 18650, etc...if the run time is not as important due to the ease of swapping in fresh cells as needed, etc.

 

[Knight_Light]

I basically like and utilize the following types of batteries, and the reasons why.

1. AA high-quality alkaline.
   1. I have so many of them that I use them here and there in low current applications.
   2. On the road when I am traveling and my rechargeables are used up and I do not have the time to charge them up.
2. AA Eneloops.
   1. Since most of my gear and electronics utilizes AA this is my go to battery. Especially for high current applications.
   2. Cost-effective.
   3. Safer than rechargeable lithium’s.
3. AA ENERGIZER L91.
   1. Emergency lights.
   2. Reliability is a factor.
   3. Cold weather applications.
   4. Going off the grid. For the capacity and the lightweight.
   5. Long-term storage.
   6. High current applications.
   7. When safety concerns for both the electronics and user need to be considered.
4. AAA high-quality alkaline.
   1. Small electronics and appliances that utilize low current.
5. High-quality 18650
   1. High-capacity applications.
   2. High current applications.
   3. The ability to charge other electronics and types of batteries.
   4. Higher performing LED lights typically utilize this cell.
   5. The ability to transport high capacities with minimal weight.

 

[CamoNinja]

Nice detailed description Knight.

 

[Knight_Light]

Nice detailed description Knight.

Thank you for that. I just try to give back a portion of what I get from others on here.

 

[joelbnyc]

18650 3.7v LiIon for main in-bag edc. Reasons: Capacity (up to 3400 mAh), brightness (3.7-4.2v), and multitude of available flashaholic-approved lights with great specs.

AAA NiMH (eneloop) or 10180 3.7v LiIon for keychain. Reasons: small size. I like keychain lights very small, under 60mm which is abt the length of the 58mm Victorinox SAK Classic on my keychain. The only current decent AAA flashlights of this size I know of are Preon P0 and DQG Tiny AAA, but there are a ton of great AAA keychain lights if you move up to the ~70mm range. If I wanted a larger AAA, I'd prob use a klarus, maratac, fenix, or one of the larger Preons.

As for the 10180 (1/3rd AAA size) there are only a few flashlights that take them, but they're very cool, the Veleno Quantums and Overready Peak Eiger. 10180 has a much smaller capacity (~90 mAh) but higher voltage means high brightness in tiny package.

I don't use cr123 or AA for edc bec they are a pointless inbetween size for me, too big for keychain, but if I'm using AA or cr123 for my bag light I might as well move up to the 18650 and about double the brightness and increase the capacity. The smallest 1x18650 is I think the DQG which is only 3.7 inches, and standard mini 18650 lights are in the 100-150mm (4-6 inch) range, which is not much bigger than AA-size lights.

I do use a AA light for a nightlight tho, L3 L10 w/ Nichia 219, nice warm tint and accepts eneloop AA's. It is 79mm by 17mm, which many people wouldn't mind carrying loose in a pocket, but I prefer absolute minimum in pockets, small keychain in one, slim wallet in the other.

 

[Rosoku Chikara]

I personally prefer Lithium (CR123, RCR123, 18650) to Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA) because my needs are to have a flashlight that can sit in storage , at home, in my car and in the office, for years and be relied upon to work years later, when I need it... Lithium just does not have that problem.

I am very interested in obtaining more information on this subject.

Even Wikipedia says that [Li-Ion batteries have a] "Self-discharge rate of approximately 5–10% per month, compared to over 30% per month in common nickel metal hydride batteries, approximately 1.25% per month for Low Self-Discharge NiMH batteries and 10% per month in nickel-cadmium batteries.

According to one manufacturer, lithium-ion cells (and, accordingly, "dumb" lithium-ion batteries) do not have any self-discharge in the usual meaning of this word. What looks like a self-discharge in these batteries is a permanent loss of capacity.

On the other hand, "smart" lithium-ion batteries do self-discharge, due to the drain of the built-in voltage monitoring circuit."

What is the truth about Li-Ion self-discharge rates?

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Rosoku Chikara,

Li-Ion batteries have very little self discharge. Some speculate around 1% per month. In actual testing I think that is high.

There are some issues... When stored at full charge they will lose capacity. The amount lost varies from brand to brand.

When you connect a circuit to a Li-Ion battery, it is powering the circuit. When you power something and the battery loses capacity it may not be correct to call that "self discharge." It would be better to say that a particular capacity battery can power a micro amp circuit for so many days.

Tom

 

[Rosoku Chikara]

Li-Ion batteries have very little self discharge. Some speculate around 1% per month. In actual testing I think that is high.

Thanks for the info.

So, even that tiny little protection circuit on a protected 10440 is drawing some power all the time... Any idea how much?

 

[HKJ]

Thanks for the info.

So, even that tiny little protection circuit on a protected 10440 is drawing some power all the time... Any idea how much?

A protection circuit draws below 5uA. This means it takes more than 6 years to discharge a 300mAh battery.