Batteries for VNs: Why The Silence?

[The Burgh]

I am fairly new to this hobby and am really appreciating the centuries-worth of knowledge on CPF.

More importantly, I have acquired a few good off-the-shelf lights (SRT7, M22, PD35) AND now four (4) VNs. The VNs are simply amazing and Wayne is superb in all that he does and how he does it.

BUT I have little confidence that I am choosing/buying the best-performing batteries for my lights, especially the VNs. Oddly (it seems), except for one brief thread on 26650s in Wayne's sub-forum, there are no hints, recommendations, opinions or experiences of value regarding batteries in VNs lights.

Maybe I just am not searching correctly - please respond with links if I am just a doofis (entirely probable). Maybe folks are just antsy about potential liabilty. I can't explain the reasons, but do know that I want to see all my lights, especially my VNs, perform optimally.

Thanks for reading and responding! Good to be in the VN Club!

 

[Xmldriver]

Which vn lights do you have? I use protected 3400 ncr18650b in my tn31vn. Nice and safe with great runtime and excellent output too.

I used unprotected samsung 20r 18650s in my shockervn for max output and watched the voltage carefully but it was only ever on for a few mins as a 'show off' light so these cells were perfect. Also the longer cells don't fit the shocker so that's another reason for the choice.

Perhaps members could post in this thread which Vn lights they have, which cells they use and the reason for their choice?

 

[archimedes]

Depends very much on the specifics of the driver used in the particular flashlight.

VN mods usually significantly bump up the drive current, so quality cells are a key component for optimal function.

AW is a highly respected source for batteries, and has a variety of sizes and chemistries available.

Be sure that the voltage and chemistry are appropriate for the driver, too. Very important to learn about battery safety, including proper use and charging. Even more so, especially, for multi-cell setups (!)

 

[kengps]

I use AW Black 3400mAh 18650's for any light that draws under 3.5A per battery (K40vn and S6330vn). I use the NCR18650PF IMR Hybrids for the single cell lights. They are 2900mAh, and they can be found for mid $6 dollar range shipped. Cheap! They add about 10% more output over the AW 3400's even at a 4.2A load.

 

[kpangy]

I use Efest IMR 16430s (unprotected) in my V11Rvn as Wayne offered me either these or Kinoko when I ordered my flashlight. Simply went for the Efest as I had heard of the brand before but not Kinoko.

 

[The Burgh]

It has only been a short time since my original post, but we're getting a few responses. I'm hoping that we get a few Battery Experts to respond.

Yes, I know that each VN (and each light type) have their own unique requirements. However, I'm hoping that we get as many rwsponses as possible like this: "I own a ________vn which draws ________ and, for safety, peak output performance and runtime reasons, I have chosen __________ brand with __________mAh; The best place to buy them IMHO (at reasonable cost) is currently ____________."

Subjct to Wayne's thinking on the subjct, I might even volunteer to compile, consolidate and post/update the results!

Hope we see more responses!

 

[Skylumen]

Here is my vote:

Protected Keeppower 3400mah 18650: Seems to be great quality at a good price.
Unprotected Green Panasonic 18650PF 2900mAh: Great capacity for how hard current draw
Unprotected Samsung 20R or Sony VT4C 2100-2200 mAh: Hardest drain 18650 I know
Unprotected IMR26650 Kinoko or this 45000mAh Blue label 26650: Hardest drain 26650 I know
Protected Keeppower 4000 mAh: Draw relatively high for a Protected battery
Unprotected IMRs Kinoko and Efest 18350 or 16340: Works great, cheap price


All can be bought from: http://illuminationsupply.com/batteries-c-48_50/

 

[metalhead69]

Here is my vote:

Protected Keeppower 3400mah 18650: Seems to be great quality at a good price.
Unprotected Green Panasonic 18650PF 2900mAh: Great capacity for how hard current draw
Unprotected Samsung 20R or Sony VT4C 2100-2200 mAh: Hardest drain 18650 I know
Unprotected IMR26650 Kinoko or this 45000mAh Blue label 26650: Hardest drain 26650 I know
Protected Keeppower 4000 mAh: Draw relatively high for a Protected battery
Unprotected IMRs Kinoko and Efest 18350 or 16340: Works great, cheap price


All can be bought from: http://illuminationsupply.com/batteries-c-48_50/

Vinh,
These in red don't seem to be on the Illumination Supply Site. ???
What are they?

 

[Skylumen]

Vinh,
These in red don't seem to be on the Illumination Supply Site. ???
What are they?

Illumination donated them to me so I assume he got them for sale...Let me ask him.

 

[metalhead69]

Illumination donated them to me so I assume he got them for sale...Let me ask him.

That's okay I've already bought the Kinokos, King Kongs, and Xtars.
I believe the Kinokos are the brightest followed by the King Kongs and then the Xtars. This is only my opinion from sight only. Thanks anyway Vinh

 

[Mike Docherty]

Which is the best 26650 for the X3vn?

 

[foxxkat]

Which is the best 26650 for the X3vn?

i think vinh mentioned in the x3vn thread that it's the kinoko imr.

 

[ven]

Which is the best 26650 for the X3vn?

i think vinh mentioned in the x3vn thread that it's the kinoko imr.

Yes as foxxkat states the kinoko which look like this

 

[Mike Docherty]

Thanks for the replies on the Kinoko. I just saw that he added that to the original post.

 

[ven]

Thanks for the replies on the Kinoko. I just saw that he added that to the original post.

In my testing or rather to my eyes anyway i can not tell in anyway between the kinoko and mnke cells in the x3vn


So i need a light to feed those as well as keeping 1 mnke as back up...........win win:twothumbs

But off vinhs tests the kinoko would be the better choice

 

[Hot Brass]

I could go for a "what's the best _________ battery(s) for this _______ light". Seems I spend more time researching what the actual dimensions are of (18650's) for me,once I find the light I like. Thanks,HB

 

[The Burgh]

Yeah, me too, Hot Brass.

Seems to me that we here in the VN54 Fanclub might be willing to share our battery experiences.

I tried!

 

[Hot Brass]

I can definitely say that the DarkMatter 18650's 3400 mAh(6.8amp) Protected fit in my K40vn,they are a little tight in length(68.85mm),seems fine not much more room to spare. Diameter is no problem either.Maybe carriers are all different...not sure? HB

 

[caddylover]

whatever batteries I can buy from Vinh, I do, when I buy one of his lights. Otherwise I have a small stockpile of Orbtronics 3400mAh ready to go to work:twothumbs

 

[thenorway]

i think vinh mentioned in the x3vn thread that it's the kinoko imr.

Would the Kinoko IMR or the MKE be a good battery for the X10vn as well?