Am I a true flashaholic if I just stick to AA/AAAs?

[LED-holic]

All the lights I own are using simple AAA and AA batteries. Most of these are rechargeable Eneloops.

It seems the other form factors are definitely better for more lumens, longer lasting etc etc.

My personal philosophy is to stick to what's easily available and reasonably cheap as well. So that's why I avoided CR123s and have so far resisted buying rechargeable Li-Ios CR123s etc online.

Besides, the AAs and AAAs are very useful for other gadgets I have too, like portable MP3 player, radios, portable lamps, remotes, digital cameras, etc etc.

Finally, AAs seem adequate for my use so far - my L2D for example throws plenty of lumens, and I find I rarely use it on the highest setting (180 turbo or 107 high), mostly on medium and low.

So am I a not true flashaholic for not delving into other battery form factors, or is my reasoning logical for my purposes? Any compelling reasons I should consider delving into other battery form factors from a practicality perspective?

 

[maxa beam]

Yes, you are.
That's like saying "Am I a true flashaholic if I don't own a 525,000 lumen carbon-arc 60' searchlight?"
It all depends on your preference.

 

[LED-holic]

LOL thanks. I just wonder if I'm missing a big party if so many of my fellow CPFers are into other battery types...

Thanks for the post.

 

[Mr Happy]

It seems the other form factors are definitely better for more lumens, longer lasting etc etc.

Not definitely better, no. Possibly better, depending on any individual set of criteria -- or possibly not.

So yes, sticking to AA/AAA is a perfectly fine strategy.

 

[kramer5150]

I don't think so... so long as the cells you purchase are high enough quality/capacity to put a smile on your face.

 

[Black Rose]

Consider yourself a chargeaholic flashaholic with a specialty in AA and AAA cells :thumbsup:

 

[Darkpower]

All the lights I own are using simple AAA and AA batteries. Most of these are rechargeable Eneloops.

It seems the other form factors are definitely better for more lumens, longer lasting etc etc.

My personal philosophy is to stick to what's easily available and reasonably cheap as well. So that's why I avoided CR123s and have so far resisted buying rechargeable Li-Ios CR123s etc online.

Besides, the AAs and AAAs are very useful for other gadgets I have too, like portable MP3 player, radios, portable lamps, remotes, digital cameras, etc etc.

Finally, AAs seem adequate for my use so far - my L2D for example throws plenty of lumens, and I find I rarely use it on the highest setting (180 turbo or 107 high), mostly on medium and low.

So am I a not true flashaholic for not delving into other battery form factors, or is my reasoning logical for my purposes? Any compelling reasons I should consider delving into other battery form factors from a practicality perspective?

I was the same way. I fought and fought buying anything with the CR123s and finally I gave in and got several like the Fenix P2D and a Surefire L2. Now I have about a half-dozen cr123 based lights, The thing is that the lithiums have a much higher power density and and smaller form factor. I then got protected (rechargeable) RCR123s because I didn't like burning up a $2.00 battery in an hour. I can't say I regretted the move. The CR123 is just so much more compact and generally the lights are brighter and the drive electronics more efficient at higher voltage.

 

[Marduke]

Other than a preferred form factor (CR123 is shorter and fatter), they really offer little advantage. A good AA light has a much better range of cells it can use, from AA sized Li-Ion (14500), L91 primaries for extreme runtime and extreme temperature and long term storage, NiMH, alkaline, or even carbon zinc in a pinch.


NiMH has more power than a RCR123 also. L91's just blow everything away.

 

[discoverEDC]

Being a flashaholic is a state of mind :thumbsup: I EDC two 123's , one aaa, and one aa, they each potentially have a different uses as I go about my day. My biggest problem is trying to NOT mod my lights, I have exactly two lights I haven't modded, my D-Mini Q5 and my Ra Twisty 100 !

 

[baterija]

multiple lights - check
running lights on eneloops - check
discussing lights in terms of form factor - check
posting on CPF - check
wondering if you are missing out by not having other types of lights - check

Still wondering if you are really a flashaholic? :laughing:

Sounds like your choices work for you, and you have plenty of lights to play with and meet your needs. So your needs are met while being able to retain a simplicity of power sources. Sounds pretty logical. Don't worry, be happy.

 

[h_nu]

I'm sure no real flashaholic would question the credentials of anyone who hangs out in Candlepower Forums. That said, if you ever need an excuse to get another flashlight, consider that it might be nice to have a flashlight that runs on 1 CR123, 1 N, 1 9v, etc. so that whatever battery you have available it can power one of your lights.

 

[mdocod]

nothing wrong with power source preferences, if you like emitting light from a handheld device, and you found us, you are a flashaholic at heart!

Standardizing on 1 or 2 power sources for all of your devices, and building up a collection of quality rechargeable cells and a good charger for them (like eneloops) is a smart move IMO!

 

[Darkpower]

The real test of Flashaholism is whether you can go into a WalMart or a Target, and walk past an aisle full of flashlights like Brinkmann, Innova, Maglites, River Rock, Dorcy and see those product placards hanging there with large print announcing "New Luxeon 5 Watt" or "LED 3 Watts" and not be tempted to at least pick one up, study the nomenclature on the packaging and go into internal turmoil pondering whether you can justify purchasing it. :nana:

 

[Wattnot]

Eh . . . I don't know. I'm going to row in slightly the other direction here.

Personally, I wouldn't feel like a flashaholic if didn't have at least one CR123 light and at least one Surefire. Do both at once and buy an A2 or an L1 Cree.

If the search was up, I bet I could quote a whole lot of people saying "you're not a true flashaholic if you don't own an A2" (same for the M6 and other models as well!) Perhaps even some of the people in this thread!!!

You'll buy one eventually and when you do, you'll say: "you know, that Wattnot was right."

:nana::nana::nana:

 

[Fallingwater]

Personally, I wouldn't feel like a flashaholic if didn't have at least one CR123 light and at least one Surefire. Do both at once and buy an A2 or an L1 Cree.

Agree on the CR123, disagree on the SF. Surefires are too expensive to be a must have.

That said, I don't think you are or aren't a flashaholic based on your choice of batteries. However, you definitely are missing out on some good stuff if you refuse to own 18650-powered lights.

 

[LiteTheWay]

If you want to salve your conscience and still stick with AA/AAA lights, you can get AA/AAA lights which ALSO take 14500 and 10440 batteries.

This is basically what I do. I guess like you I prefer to have lights which take commonly available AA (in particular) batteries, but my NDI for instance also works just great on 14500 batteries so I can have the best of both worlds: common batteries but also able to use 'exotics'.