18650's, chargers and my flashlights....

[JimLob65]

Kind of new to this game, so I am asking for some informed advice.

I want to get into the rechargeable lithium ion game and have a few questions. I am looking to get a PILA charger, and want to buy rechargeables for my Fenix TK 12, TK 15, 4Sevens Quark TurboX 123x2 and Maelstrom G5. Will the AW 18650 3100 protected cells work with all of these, including the Maelstrom which, according to the 4Sevens web site needs button tops, and the Quark, which the same site does not list 18650s as compatible? If not, do you have any recommendations that will work with all of these lights? What is the benefit of protected cells?

Thank you in advance for your help. I hope that I posted this in the correct forum:wave:.

 

[Limey Johnson]

I await this answer as well.
I bought some protected 18650's for my TK's also, and they don't fit. The Trustfire Flames are too long. Turns out the only light I can use them in is my Armytek Predator

 

[JimLob65]

There is a HUGE amount of information on this forum, and I'm sure the answers are here somewhere if you can take all the time necessary to sift through it all. This topic is pretty confusing as well, as some batteries will fit different lights and some won't for different reasons. It appears the RediLast 18650's have button tops, but who knows if they will fit in the lights I own?

 

[Limey Johnson]

Here's where we're at. Those of us with Fenix TK series lights (15 and 21) have about 65 to 66.5mm of battery room. I have not yet found a quality protected cell that fit's within these measurements. Most AW's for example seem to be 68mm +.

It seems that we need to shop more by size, and may need to sacrifice some bells and whistles...ie...mah ratings, brand name...etc.

I've looked at the threads, and I've looked at the charts, and don't see a cell we can use.

So, if anyone has any input on a quality protected cell that meets these parameters, please advise.

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy,
First, you would probably get more responses if this were posted in the "Flashlight Electronics - Batteries Included" area of CPF:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?9-Flashlight-Electronics-Batteries-Included

Second, many questions of this nature have probably already been discussed and answered, and the quickest and easiest way for you to find that info is to use the Google Search Box located at the top left of most CPF pages. Leave it check marked for "CPF Only" and it will limit it's search to relevant CPF threads. Neat.

For instance, try entering "66 mm protected 18650" or other variations. It will usually bring up a page full of threads discussing that topic.

By the way, if you're new to using lithium-ion rechargeable cells, you should read up on the safety precautions suggested for safe handling, charging, and use of those cells, as they can be a bit dangerous if not used wisely. Here is a great place to read up on them:

Battery University:
http://batteryuniversity.com/

Do remember, that many of the latest and greatest lights place HUGE demands on the battery by way of current draw, and some of the less expensive cells actually can't keep up with that high current demand and either shut down or won't work for more than a minute or so, so it usually pays to get the best cells and charger you can afford right from the start.

So check out those links and I'll bet you get most of your questions answered.

 

[BullsEyeLantern]

I am using an AW 18650 3100 in my TK15. Fits great. Works great.

 

[Limey Johnson]

There's been revisions to the 15 from what I understand. "second generation" 15's have a black oring at the lens...is this the description of yours?
I tried my protected Trustfires in my 21, but not in my 15. When I get a chance I'll try it and see if there are any differences.

 

[roadkill1109]

get panasonic 18650's, they're the best.

 

[JimLob65]

Well Limey Johnson, it appears the Panasonic, either 2900 or 3100 mah batteries will work as to length, and they appear to be a quality product. Kind of tough to find, although Orbtronic has them for about $20 for two plus shipping (the 3100mah batteries). Thanks to all for your help!!

 

[Limey Johnson]

I think these are unprotected cells. Unprotected cells are easy to find in a useable length. It's "protected" cells that are tougher to find for TK series lights.

It was mentioned above that AW 3100's work...but they spec out at 68mm. I have 68mm Trustfires that don't work...so I dunno what's going on.

 

[JimLob65]

I think these are unprotected cells. Unprotected cells are easy to find in a useable length. It's "protected" cells that are tougher to find for TK series lights.

It was mentioned above that AW 3100's work...but they spec out at 68mm. I have 68mm Trustfires that don't work...so I dunno what's going on.

Huh.......I guess I assumed they were protected. Doesn't appear getting a charger and a bunch of 18650's will be worthwhile for me if my Fenixes can't run them.

Thanks for pointing that out to me. Guess I'd better be more thorough in the future.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Pila + AW, Redilast or Panasonic cells

The 18650 will not fit in the quark you will need a rare 18650 body or a 17670 (i think) battery. The TK's will be fine.

 

[loquutis79]

I have the TK35, TK21, and PD32. All running wonderfully on AW18650 3100's. Fit and function is perfect.

 

[BLUE LED]

The Eagletac 18650 3100mAh button top works. It's not quite as good as the AW 18650 3100 mAh, but it does work.