C & D cell llights?

[Quiksilver]

What are some decent C and D cell flashlights? Single-cell if possible but double-cell is acceptable.

 

[joe1512]

These don't really exist. C and D cells only advantage is Runtime, since they are the same voltage as AAA and AAs. SInce LEDs are so efficient, these cells are just not necessary. A 1xD or 1xC is very short and fat which isn't very ergonomic.

Most common configurations are:
1xAAA keychain. 2xAAA penlight (rare).
1xAA keychain and normal light.
2xAA - one of the most common general purpose lights. Easily able to slip in pocket. Nice and thin.
4xAA (rare)

The closest you will find is the Fenix TK41, which uses 8 AA batteries which gives you similar runtime to 2xC/Ds and a similar feel. The itp A6 Polestar is 6xAA and a budget version.

You can also find lights with odd batteries like CR123s, 18650s but I'd avoid these as they are finicky and require special care or are expensive.

 

[Chrisdm]

No such thing as a single c or d cell light, but if you want a great 2 cell c or d light, get a maglite and put the appropriate malkoff devices drop-in in it.

 

[AB8XL]

Fenix makes the TK50 2 D cell, TK60 and TK70 that can use 3 or 4 D cells.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

What are some decent C and D cell flashlights? Single-cell if possible but double-cell is acceptable.

Rayovac has a 3-C light out, but it is identical in output and throw to the 2xAA version, although it maintains higher output for longer. For the most part, even a D cell alkaline suffers horribly under a 1-amp draw, while a 1xAA NiMH won't blink at that. The D alkaline cell might last a bit longer, but it's far bigger and more expensive than a NiMH after a few charges.

So you really only see D-cell lights with stacks of batteries - mag 3D and up are decent LED critters, although I have pocket lights that outdo them in everything but throw and runtime.

 

[Quiksilver]

The purpose is that if, in an emergency, I walk into a hardware store to get some batteries and there are only C/D cells left or whatever, that I have a light that can run on them. I would hate to walk into that hardware store and find only C cells, and have nothing to run them with.

I currently have a 3D Maglite with Malkoff dropin, however I'd like single-cell if possible since I wouldn't have to think about the batteries.

 

[Quiksilver]

Looks like a couple more Mag-Lites with Malkoff drop-ins might be the way to go.

I was hoping for single-cell but 2-cell isn't too shabby.

Thank you.

edit: looks like ill have to think about the 2-cell ... Malkoff is rated for 3-cell.

 

[joe1512]

Sooo... it's an emergency... AND all of your flashlights happen to be dead... AND you didn't bother to have any spare batteries, BUT you have ample time to get to a hardware store BUT they are out of AA/AAA batteries, BUT you can't just go down the street to the next store. Therefore you need a C-celled flashlight. Ok then. Get a 2C maglite.

 

[Vortus]

Might consider a 2 d and use a spacer.

 

[Lightingman]

Sooo... it's an emergency... AND all of your flashlights happen to be dead... AND you didn't bother to have any spare batteries, BUT you have ample time to get to a hardware store BUT they are out of AA/AAA batteries, BUT you can't just go down the street to the next store. Therefore you need a C-celled flashlight. Ok then. Get a 2C maglite.

\

Don't mind Joe, he just hates "D" battery flashlights.

 

[joe1512]

Nah. It just seems like really convoluted logic that is artificially restricting his choices. But hey, whatever floats his boat. We've given our input.

Speaking of D batteries, I do proudly own a TK70. Now THAT is what a D-celled flashlight ought to be. It kicks butt! But I will be the first to admit that it is not the most practical choice, even though it is awesome.

 

[Monocrom]

Sooo... it's an emergency... AND all of your flashlights happen to be dead... AND you didn't bother to have any spare batteries, BUT you have ample time to get to a hardware store BUT they are out of AA/AAA batteries, BUT you can't just go down the street to the next store. Therefore you need a C-celled flashlight. Ok then. Get a 2C maglite.

During the last major storm headed right towards Long Island and parts of NYC, everything except the 9volt batteries and the button-batteries was gone from the shelves. Including the C-cells.

However, I do agree that a light running off of C cells with an LED in it is a great option. I'd stock up on plenty of batteries though. Rayovac 'Xtreme 3C LED flashlight is another good choice.

 

[Lopezepol75]

Fenixes TK60 is pretty sweet I have one and its pretty Awesome. good light that takes three Ds with an extension to add a another batt. sweet light and will run 4 hours on 800 lms. check out reviews on it

 

[Quiksilver]

Some good ideas.

Got my hands on a TK50 the other day, but did not buy. If I didn't already have a 3D Mag-Lite (w Malkoff) it would have been right up my alley, and still is to an extent.

These lights (C and D cell) are not for general use. They're for emergencies, and perhaps all I could get my hands on would be C or D cell lights. Or another way to look at it is, say in an emergency you come by some C/D batteries ... I want the ability to use them. I'd hate to limit my options to just AA/AAA/CR123.

One thing that bugs me about the Malkoff in the C/D cell format is the lack of a LOW mode. Something around 5-15 lumens. I want something that'll take advantage of the nice C/D cell runtime. That really makes the TK50 look attractive, but alas I cant justify the $100 just for a low mode.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Fenix TK50

Wait in an emergency wouldn't AA's be way more common?

 

[Monocrom]

Fenix TK50

Wait in an emergency wouldn't AA's be way more common?

Yup! And that's the very problem right there. Too common. In a regional emergency, such as a major storm or Blackout, everyone and their dog will rush out and buy up AA batteries. As many as they can carry. The thought process is that C cells are less common, so they're likely to still be on the shelves when you hit the nearest pharmacy or Wal-Mart.

However, I've noticed that C and D cells are also usually gone by the time you head out the door to stock up. I took my own advice last night and bought some multi packs of both AA and AAA Duracell batteries. Ironically, I rarely use D cells and have plenty of C cells along with a case of CR123s at home already. Just like food and water, best to stock up on batteries before a disaster hits. Even a relatively minor one like a storm that knocks out power for a few days.

 

[itguy07]

Another option for C/D cells that don't require high power (say a 3/4 C/D Mag or other LED light) would be to pick up a bunch of those C/D adapters where you put in an AA and it spaces it out to be a C or D cell. That and a bunch of AA's and a 15-minute charger should get you through a storm quite nicely. You can recharge from generator power, 12v from your car or a 12v-110v inverter in your car.

Yes, the 15 minutes will cook your batteries but this is an emergency....

 

[gopurple]

Might want to look at LumaPower Mentor XM-L, 3C or 3 AAA. Adapter for the 3 AAA is included. I got the T5 NW version, very nice beam.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Ohhhh that kind of emergency in that case the TK70 you can signal planes for a rescue light up a landing zone for helicopters, blind looters and burn Zombies alive if they get to close.

 

[Mag-man]

If I were you, I would buy an incandescent 2-D cell or 2-C cell Maglite ($15) and drop in a Terralux TLE-6EXB blub (another $15). I have that bulb in my 3-D cell Maglite. Well over 100 Lumens, batt life is amazing due to the capacitance circuitry in the bulb, the throw is over 400 yards and the light spread is adjustable.

You get much more light upgrading an old incandescent Mag than getting an OEM Maglite LED.