18350 flat top VS button top

[Headspace1982]

Hi everyone, I'm on the hunt for my first flashlight and I've narrowed it down to a model that will use 18350 batteries.

I did a quick online search and where I am, they're sold in both flat top and button top versions, with the flat top ones costing about a dollar more.

Are both versions ok to use in flashlights? Or should I be choosing one over another?

 

[1313]

What flashlight? Some lights need button tops for contact, others don't matter.

 

[Headspace1982]

I'm thinking an Okluma DC1.

 

[WalkIntoTheLight]

Yup, and some won't take button tops, because they're too long.

 

[Truckvet]

I would do a search on the specific Flashlight, find out which one
the Manufacturer recommends and go with that. Some flashlights
can take both types of Battery.

If your flashlight has all the usual electronic safe guards that will
protect it from damage due to using an unprotected Cell, that gives
you more options as to what battery to use. If they fit.

But if your Flashlight does not have those safe guards you would want
a battery that has them built in.

It would be a shame (for instance) if you put in a flat top battery that is
unprotected and ruined your flashlight.

On the other hand it would be a waste if you bought a battery that was too
large to fit in your flashlight.

You want the battery to fit snug but not have to force it in.

Another thing to find out is, are the specs on the battery what the
flashlight manufacturer recommends?

Will the Flashlight need a battery that is a certain brand?

Some flashlights need their own brand battery to charge inside
the light.

The above advice pertains to 18650 flashlights, and if its not correct
for 18350 please let me know.