Battery suggestions for Fenix L2D

[greenskies]

Howdy Folks -

I use a Fenix L2D for my duty light. I replace the batteries after each weekend's work. Costco has ginormous packs for cheap, and they have worked for 2 packs. But, this seems inefficient and bad for the environment.

I've tried some energizer lithium batteries in the L2D before, and noticed the circuit didn't like the higher voltages. I could never get the 9lumen (low) setting to shine when cycling through 9lmn->40lmn->80lmn->strobe

It was rather odd, and I use the 9lmn setting frequently enough where not having it is not an option.

So, given the criteria I guess this becomes a rechargeable questions. Obviously I am looking for max mAh in a rechargeable, battery longevity, and high number of charge/drain cycles. Ni-MH or NiCA, which charger (if the supplied chargers are crap), and where to buy? Looking for 5-10+ pairs of batteries to primarily use in my flashlight, and for other AA devices like my GPS.

Budget isn't really a constraint, looking for a quality rechargeable setup.

Cheers!

 

[csshih]

if you go to costco, then check out the eneloop battery package you can get there..


eneloops may be slightly lower capacity, but they're the highest quality LSD(low self discharge) batteries you can get out there.

 

[Igor Porto]

If you go through a pair of batteries each weekend, maybe good NiMHs are the way to go. Try Sanyo 2700mAh or any other good brand. They don't need to be LSD because you'll charge them every week.
Although I suggest having at least 4 LSDs stored for emergencies.

 

[greenskies]

Well, after some research on these eneloops, I am getting turned on to them. It looks asif Ni-MH perform a bit under under high discharge applications (i would consider the fenix L2D on 130lmn max setting a high discharge use, and my most frequent application of the light) and may hold a bit more energy overall.

I did note the time it takes eneloops to drop voltage is much longer, and they rest at a higher voltage throughout most of their usage. This would seem good for most devices!

Guess I am needing a bit more confirmation/encouragement that these eneloops will indeed last longer (cycle time, and energy storage) as an overall battery than Ni-MH. I mean, with is an advertised 700mAh difference really in actuality? Maybe 10-15% use?

Now this Maha 9000 charger, can anyone give me some more information on this? Or the difference in smart/dumb chargers, advantages, and the 'smart' chargers really treat batteries that much better?

Cheers!

 

[Retral]

I think the Maha C9000 might be the most 'advanced' charger, but it's not the easiest to use from what I hear.

You may want to give the La Cross BC-900 charger a try. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00077AA5Q/?tag=cpf0b6-20

Independent charging channels, readouts on the LCD for each charging slot, plenty of options (including a "Refresh" option for reviving old batteries).. basically the same as the maha c9000 except it's smaller and has like two less options (that most people probably wouldn't ever use)... plus, it comes with some batteries to start with.

I myself have quite a few Duracell 2650mAh batteries (I'd say around 16 batteries) and they seem pretty good, although I don't really have a way to test true capacity (my BC-900 is on its way atm, just ordered one a few days ago).

As for low self discharge, it won't be much of a problem if you're in to maintaining your batteries... it's up to you whether the reduced capacity is worth the longevity or not. Figures of discharge were something like 10% in the first month, 10-13% after 3 months, and after a year they still have about 80-85% capacity remaining. Other batteries can be down to 70% within 3 months and completely dead within a year.

 

[ltiu]

I use Eneloops in my own L2D. I bring some L91 as backup. That annoying Low (9 lumen) not being Low when using L91 only happens when the L91 is brand new. The Low becomes available once the L91 has been drained a bit, usually within 5 minutes of use.

 

[seaside]

As for low self discharge, it won't be much of a problem if you're in to maintaining your batteries... it's up to you whether the reduced capacity is worth the longevity or not. Figures of discharge were something like 10% in the first month, 10-13% after 3 months, and after a year they still have about 80-85% capacity remaining. Other batteries can be down to 70% within 3 months and completely dead within a year.

Quality batteries should self discharge like that.
But not all batteries are like that. Don't count on that when you got cheap batteries.

Some of my 2500mA batteries I don't want to tell you the brand supposed to keep going and going and going. But mine self discharge like crazy, 5 out of 8 become half empty in a week. I had to toss them after less than 10 charging cycle, and that's real waste of money. None of my eneloops, none of my dozen panasonics except 1 does that on me so far.

So, here's what I am going to say to OP.
Eneloop or not, please do not try to save a buck or two on your battery. That, after all, may not turn out to be a saving.

 

[filibuster]

Here are some charts of the L2D runtime based on the eneloop cells:
http://www.light-reviews.com/fenix_lxd_ce/review_l2d.html

L2D Q5
http://www.light-reviews.com/fenix_l2d_ce_q5/

Hopefully they will give you some comparison to what your own experience has been with other cells.

 

[Zenster]

I think the Maha C9000 might be the most 'advanced' charger, but it's not the easiest to use from what I hear.

Balderdash!

98% of the time, all that's needed on batteries is to simply recharge them, and doing so on the C9000 is simple.

Then when you "need" the other functions that are so useful, just look at the sheet that comes with it and you'll know what to do.

I use my C9000 for both charging and conditioning, and then I also bought a Maha C801D because I go through rechargeables in volume so I just throw them on the C801D and let her fly.

But if you only want to have one charger, the C9000 is really one of, if not the, best choice.

 

[alfreddajero]

My setup is C9000 with a pair of eneloops.......i also have great success with the titanium enduros.

 

[coppertrail]

Do you have the L2D CE? I use the Energizer Lithium cells in my L2D CE and LD20, no circuit problems.