Best Rechargable battery for incan A2 or LED A2L torch?

[MakeNoobslookNoob]

These comments are all discussing the stock torches.

I've read assorted threads and there seems to be a number of different opinions held.

1. The RCR123 batteries produce too high a voltage for the LED's and also have too short a runtime for the main lamp - however some seem to think the circuit in the torch will regulate the voltages?

2. The Incan bulb will have a shortened life when using batteries at below certain voltages - as rechargables drop in voltage under load this could be an issue?

3. The alternate batteries available have similar issues?

In a nutshell can someone recommend either a RCR123 or an alternate battery for the A2 or A2L that doesn't have any shortcomings?

Thanks in advance.

 

[fivemega]

These comments are all discussing the stock torches.

As far as I know, once you replace the batteries with rechargeable, it won't be stock flashlight anymore.

1. The RCR123 batteries produce too high a voltage for the LED's and also have too short a runtime for the main lamp - however some seem to think the circuit in the torch will regulate the voltages?

Circuit will regulate voltage for incan bulb but LEDs will be overdriven on A2

2. The Incan bulb will have a shortened life when using batteries at below certain voltages - as rechargables drop in voltage under load this could be an issue?

Soon as voltage drops to certain amount, incan bulb won't turn "ON" anymore and won't be underdriven.
In most cases, rechargeable batteries have less voltage drop under same load.

3. The alternate batteries available have similar issues?

Rechargeable CRC123 voltage under load is about 3.7 volt per cell but primary CR123 is about 2.5 volt per cell under same load.

In a nutshell can someone recommend either a RCR123 or an alternate battery for the A2 or A2L that doesn't have any shortcomings?

As of today,
There is no rechargeable battery to replace stock CR123 with same or similar voltage and provide same run time in stock A2 body.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello MakeNubslookNoob,

Some throw caution to the wind and simply put some R-CR123 cells in the A2 and use it. Keeping in mind that if the LED's die from being over driven, it will not be a warranty item.

Tom

 

[ampdude]

I used to use rechargeables a lot in my A2's and never had a problem with the LED's. I guess I wasn't too worried about it either, if they burned out I would just buy another ring or solder some new LED's on it.

The best choice for rechargeable A2 batteries that have the longest runtime and best fit are the IMR16340 cells of AW.

 

[KiwiMark]

I use LiFePO4 cells in my A2 - under load they are ~3.2V which is a bit high compared to a fresh primary, but not nearly as high as the LiCo or LiMn cells. My LEDs would be getting ~6.4V which is much better than ~7.4V. The IMR cells would be the worst for over-driving the LEDs because they will hold their voltage better under load and freshly charged ones would be running the LEDs at over 8V.

I bought 4 of AWs LiFePO4 16340 cells and they seem to be working fine, the LEDs aren't much brighter than from 2 brand new fresh 123a cells. I doubt that the LEDs will have all that short a lifespan from my rechargeable cells.

Another thing to consider is the low voltage cut off - when the voltage drops too low the incan cuts out, until then it is regulated and you wont see any decrease in output. This means that LiCo or LiMn may end up dropping to 2V per cell before you realise that they are too discharged. This will be bad for those cells and you could end up with a short lifespan for them. With LiFePO4 cells it isn't such a problem, when the incan cuts out the cells will be flat, but not really over-discharged - you can just swap the cells over and recharge the flat ones when you get home.

The lower working voltage and the lower minimum discharge voltage are 2 reasons why I prefer to use the LiFePO4 cells in my A2 incan.

 

[KiwiMark]

I've been thinking about getting an Onion ring to mod my A2 so that I don't have to worry about the LEDs being over-driven, but that low voltage cut-off level makes me think that my LiFePO4 cells are still the best option for powering my A2.

On primaries you can run your LEDs for hours after the incan bulb shuts off, but you wouldn't want to do the same thing with rechargeables. once the incan shuts off you voltage is as low as you want it for LiFePO4, so you should then shut the light off and change batteries. If you are using unprotected LiCo or LiMn then once the incan shuts off you have already damaged your cells.