CR123 or NiMh AA

[Doxiedad]

Ok I'm trying to decide on my next flashlight and I think I'm gonna narrow it down based on what battery it's gonna use.
I'm trying to decide if I should get one that runs off CR123 like these http://www.batteryjunction.com/2rc375reliba.html
http://www.batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html

or something that runns of Nimh AA like these: http://www.batteryjunction.com/sanyo-charger-eneloop-4-aa-batteries-kit.html

I pretty sure that the CR123's will be brighter and such but I'm not sure if they're really worth the extra $$ over the Nimh. I want something that's reliable, resistant to hot/cold (glovebox use).

The lights I'm looking at are:http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-149/**NEW**-Romisen-RC-dsh-G2-II/Detail for AA and

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-55/Romisen-RC-dsh-F4-CREE-Q5/Detail for CR123

I'm still open for other suggestions and help,
Thanks,

 

[half-watt]

I was going to click on your links to see for myself precisely what you are considering.

However, that turns out to, possibly, be unecessary. Why?

You have a, perhaps non-negotiable, requirement for glove box use. You mentioned "cold" and so I assume that you live in an area where the temperature drops into the 30's and possibly below freezing (at least at night - that's when you NEED a light, isn't it).

IMO, given this non-negotiable requirement, Lithium cells are your only choice.

I'm only stating what I myself would choose if I had similar requirements.

However, in truth, in my case, I wear trail cargo-pants (or soon SeV hidden cargo pants) every day (including "Sunday-go-to-meeting trail cargo pants - generally, in the color black, of course!). Therefore, I carry my lights with me at all times. So, cold isn't an issue for me. Obviously, this is only possible b/c I don't feel, right now, that I need to have at hand when I'm out and about anything more than 130-200 lumen one or two cell EDCs (generally 2 or 3 lights, very rarely 4 - the 4th would a new one to "play" with).

Even in my case, where cold is NOT an issue b/c my light are somewhat warmed, even in the cold, by my body heat or under insulating clothing, I always carry CR123A powered lights (and one or two spare cells), as well as at least one AA or AAA powered light and maybe a spare cell or two (these are easy and relatively inexpensive to obtain if I'm away from home for extended periods). IMO, Lithium powered when compared, in terms of performance, to somewhat comparable AA powered lights, are just superior in terms of both light o.p. and/or runtime (admittedly, this is a GENERALIZATION, so someone may be able to come up with an exception, but generally I believe what I've just stated is true, e.g. Fenix L2D vs. Fenix P3D - that's the type of thing in my mind right now as I type these word, or LumaPower Incendio vs. the 1xAA ConneXion for a second example).

If I felt the need to have ready at hand a larger light, then I'd need a good Lithium cell (primary cell or rechargeable) powered glove-box or trunk (aka "boot" for any Brits among us) light.

Hope these thoughts help you make your decision.

 

[Doxiedad]

Well it only gets into the 30's at night in winter here, not that often. I mainly didn't want to get something for my wife's car and have it crap out on her when/if she needed it.

So the CR123's would be my only option huh? Any thoughts on the LiPo4 v/s Li ion? I know a little about them from my rc cars and the LiPo4 is more stable, won't catch fire or anything as opposed to the Li ion.

 

[bob_ninja]

Well it only gets into the 30's at night in winter here, not that often....

NiMH operate fine above freezing. If you don't have to use if often below 0C/32F then NiMH should operate without problems.

I standardized on AAs because they are cheaper and widely available. I am in Canada and often have -10C to -20C, so well below freezing. If I bring warm cells from house and use them for a limited time then NiMH work because it takes some time to cool down.

Lithium is necessary when spending a lot of time (more than 1 hour at a time) at temps below freezing.

 

[Doxiedad]

hmmm so i guess it'll have to be a purse light instead of a glovebox light in the winter. That's not a problem.

Thanks for help.