14500 or Eneloops?

[joepa150]

I know the 14500 are brighter but the Eneloops seem to be a little cheaper. Any reason to go with the Eneloops over the 14500 besides price?

Also for the Eneloops should I go with the $16 4pack with a charger on amazon or buy a 4 pack of Eneloops with the Lacrosse $30 charger?

 

[bob_ninja]

I use 14500 outside during winter because it provides more power, more light and can handle below freezing temps better. Otherwise Eneloops.

 

[joepa150]

I use 14500 outside during winter because it provides more power, more light and can handle below freezing temps better. Otherwise Eneloops.

Why not 14500 all the time?

 

[John_Galt]

You're comparing apples to oranges. Eneloops and 14500's are two different sets of batteries.

Eneloops are LSD Ni-MH. They provide a stable 1.2v under load, and can handle high current drains, while remaining a safe method of energy storage.

14500's are Li-ion rechargeable batteries. When abused, Li-ion has a tendency to express its fury, and vent explosively. Also, 14500 batteries cannot usually be used in 2AA flashlights, as the voltage off the charger (2x ~4.2v) will fry the driver.

Eneloops have a mAh capacity of ~2000. 14500's are usually 750mAh.

I guess it comes down to the capacity vs. voltage argument, btu, IMHO, Eneloops are a better, safer choice, especially if you're not looking into an expensive charger for the 14500's.


My $0.02... But, remember, the dollar is weak, so my opinion is worth even less...

 

[rmteo]

The capacity of 14500's is lower but they edge the Eneloops by 15-20% in terms of stored energy.

 

[45/70]

rmteo is correct concerning the actual power comparison. 14500's are nominally 3.6 Volts, so in a simple explanation, 3.6 volts divided by 1.2 volts = 3, and 3x750mAh = 2250mAh equivalent. I have to say though that I've never seen a 14500 that actually had 750mAh under a typical flashlight current load, but there probably are some. Just the same, 14500's and eneloops have about the same actual power (watt hours), however since the 14500 will usually drive the LED harder, the runtime may be shorter.

If you go the 14500 route, make sure your light can handle the higher voltage. In some cases, yes, the light is brighter, but at the expense of straining the light's driver and, or LED. I would also recommend protected cells, if you're new to Li-Ion cells, and read up on their proper use, in the stickies and such, at the top of this Forum, or again.


And, yes, the cost of a good 14500 charger may be a consideration. Most of the $5-$15 ones, although a lot of folks like them, are crap. I'd recommend a Pila IBC. If you already have a hobby charger, they work great, but you have to come up with a charging cradle to use one.


Dave

 

[ShineOnYouCrazyDiamond]

. I have to say though that I've never seen a 14500 that actually had 750mAh under a typical flashlight current load

True, but can you say that under a comparitive load you've ever seen an Eneloop which will deliver it's rated load? I haven't.

If you are driving a buck/boost circuit with a 14500 at say 1C = 750 mA, to get the comparable amount of energy boosted from a NiMH you will need to pull 3 x .75A = 2.25A. At that load it is unlikely you will see rated capacity.

See the chart here and scroll about 2/3 down.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=920843&postcount=1

Granted the Eneloop does do a pretty good job but it loses about 10-15% as the load goes up.

What I have found is that if you are comparing these two NiMH AA and 14500 in a single AA light that will support both battery formats that you get less heat with the LiIon when run on high. The LiIon is running at a comfortable clip at the higher voltage while the lower voltage cell is heating up pushing out all that current.

Ultimately runtimes will be comparable but my preference is towards 14500 for single AA lights.

 

[45/70]

SOYCD, I was trying not to get into every last detail of comparison, and settled on saying they are about the same, as far as Wh, which they are.

Dave

 

[bob_ninja]

Why not 14500 all the time?

They cost several times more than Eneloops.
Also due to lower IR the flashlight pulls more Ws and cell lasts half as long.

 

[Wiggle]

They cost several times more than Eneloops.
Also due to lower IR the flashlight pulls more Ws and cell lasts half as long.

In a light with regulation on the 14500 (such as Quark AA) the runtime is alot closer.

 

[bob_ninja]

In a light with regulation on the 14500 (such as Quark AA) the runtime is alot closer.

I use mine in a Quark Mini. I forget exact numbers but get more runtime from NiMH.
Sure for regulated it would be about the same.

 

[ShineOnYouCrazyDiamond]

I use mine in a Quark Mini. I forget exact numbers but get more runtime from NiMH.
Sure for regulated it would be about the same.

Quark Minis are specifically stated to NOT use LiIon cells and are running in overdrive in this mode.

In a light designed with either a buck/boost circuit or designed to handle the extra push from a LiIon cell this would most likely not be the case. In my NDI I get at least 10 minutes more straight runtime on Hi than with an Eneloop and the light is much cooler at the end of the run.

 

[MarioJP]

My $0.02... But, remember, the dollar is weak, so my opinion is worth even less...

LMAO!! that quote made my day.

 

[T0RN4D0]

Nitro methane or gasoline? - That is what you are asking.

And the answer is- go for nitro methane in a top fuel dragster. And for gasoline in a normal car.

Different flashlights perform differently with different chemistries. (makes sense? )... Some are designed to take both, some will burn out using 14500s, some will shine brighter with lithiums etc...