Best 18650 setup for Fenix TK30?

[symes]

Hi,

finally got the Fenix bug after years of Surefires...

TK30 seems appealing for many reasons and I'm particularly thinking about the rechargeable option which I haven't done with the SFs.

The 18650 scene seems extremely complex for sizes etc... does anyone know a very capable make of 18650 and a good charger (quick, small, 110v or 12v option) that would work with the TK30?

Thanks!

Simon

 

[Hfili]

I too have switched from Surefire to Fenix for my main carry light. I still use the G2 and 9p for backups but I finally retired my 8AX with turbo head after several years of use (and not wanting to spend more money on bulbs and B90 sticks:thumbsdow).

I am the proud owner of a TK30 and love it!!! I have not yet purchased a set of 18650's and charger as I have been searching for the best combination/recommendation before once more opening the old wallet.

The Surefire B90 charger was very user friendly IMHO. I loved that it could go from car to house and it was easy and simple to use. I keep reading that the 18650's must be constantly monitored while charging or I am risking a Is this true? Sometimes it just would not be possible to be right there to take them off after charging. If I am busy on a long call or if I just plain forget, how much risk am I taking? I really don't want to explain to the chief how I burned up my patrol car while saving him a few dollars on Surefire 123's:mecry:

I was planning on getting one set of two 18650 to run and just use the 123 primaries while charging. Should I buy two sets of 18650's at the same time so they are about the same age? Would it hurt anything to mix an older rechargeable with a newer one once I get additional cells? Eventually I would like to convert over to all lights that use 18650 with 123 capabilities for an additional option. Hopefully, there is someone out there with some good advice and I don't have to learn the hard (and expensive way).

 

[Ray_of_Light]

I would buy four protected 18650 batteries and a charger.

In this way you will cycle the four battery, and will not need any primary battery.

The most regarded protected 18650 here are the AW brand. I own some of them and they never failed on me.
There are two type of AW 18650 battery, one is 2200 mAh, the other is 2600 mAh. On the contrary of many other brands, the capacity on the label is their true capacity.

Regarding the 18650 charger, there are some middle quality charger, like the HXY brand or Soshine or Ultrafire. They will charge the 18650 well, in three - four hours, but you need to remove the 18650 at the end of charge, because they don' t follow the Li-Ion charging protocol in full. They sell from 12 to 20 EUR.

The only 18650 charger which respects the Li-Ion charging protocol in full is the Pila IBC charger, which is more expensive.
I use the HXY brand charger.

Regards

Anthony

 

[hazna]

If you are likely to forget about your batteries on the charger, I'd recommend the Pila IBC... as they actually terminate charge properly.

 

[Hfili]

Thanks for the input.

So if I understand it right, the capacity of the cells only effect the run time of the light? The 2600 capacity cells don't have more "power" than the 2200 cells. Would it be correct to think of the 2600 cell as a 26 gallon gas tank and the 2200 cell as a 22 gallon gas tank, in that they both provide the same amount of power (gas) but the larger capacity will simply go farther in between fill ups? Or am I totally wrong and am going to risk damaging my TK30?

 

[Ray_of_Light]

If you use the 2600 mAh batteries, the runtime will be proportionally longer. There is no risk of damaging the light.
Anthony