CR2 vs 1xAA

[etc]

Just looking at the cost of CR2 lites, and the capacity and the lumens I get, I decided to abandon the idea of getting a CR2 lite and just get a 1xAA lite like Fenix L1D, whatever the latest bin is.

It's not much bigger but exceeds CR2 lites in all parameters. And just seems a lot more practical overall, as all my devices run on AA cells, with the exception of one that runs on CR2. (I have spare CR2 cells and thought I could put them to use but not anymore)

 

[Burgess]

I agree with you, completely. :thumbsup:


Some folks may disagree with us,

but we know that they are wrong.


:tinfoil:

( quickly ducks for cover . . . . )

_

 

[1M1]

So, I take it you are only considering CR2 and AA lights?

I probably won't buy anymore CR2 lights due to battery costs.

I prefer single cell CR123 lights over AA lights as they are just that bit smaller in length (usually).

 

[etc]

123's are not an option for me.

I wonder if I could get a 2xCR2 lite, with lumens to match latest-and-greatest Fenix. Just looking at what's available CR2-wise, I cannot justify the cost, and the bang per buck seems low.

CR2 cells *are* expensive. Plus they are rare. I have a single device that uses them (not a lite) and I am stuck keeping about a dozen CR2 cells at all times. I wonder if I should use a RCR2 cell, but like with 123's, the mAh capacity is ridiculous.

Lithium AA are cheaper, better, more widely available and I have more of them.

One important advantave of Fenix 1xAA lite, the digital version is that it will run on any cell chemistry. To realize the Turbo mode, of course you have to run lithiums or NiMH. But if all you have is Alkalines or even that crappy Super Heavy Duty stuff (I have a lot of them), they will run also. I found the latter runs Fenix's Low and Medium modes just fine.

No such flexibility with CR2....

 

[Flashlike]

Well, I just ordered a Peak Pacific with CR2 body. Then afterwards I'm wondering if I did the right thing!
Those CR2 batteries are expensive!
Can anyone recommend a good rechargeable CR2 (preferably protected) along with a decent quality charger? I've done some searching but haven't really come up with anything yet. The rechargeable batteries would have to be rated no more than the flat 3 volts because I don't believe the Peak Pacific will handle 3.6V (please correct me if I am wrong).

 

[ltiu]

FYI. Best Buy has 2pk Duracell CR2 for $2.99. Lots of them still available at the store in 77077.

 

[stinky]

I bought these:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.932

And this:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2031

I just leave two in the charger, although it says not to. They never get warm and battery life has remained good.

I also bought the Ultrafire WF-606B1 which I think is great:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4526

It measures 59mm in CR2 form, and is very nice, works well on the batteries above.

It is brighter, smaller and produces better looking light than the RC-C3 and the DX r2 buckle light. I bought all three a the same time and this is the best of the lot by far.

 

[Niconical]

To the OP, this could be a good option.

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3221

You get the L1D Q5, plus you will also have a CR123A if needed.

 

[Flashlike]

I bought these:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.932

And this:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2031

I just leave two in the charger, although it says not to. They never get warm and battery life has remained good.

Stinky--

Thanks for those links. Those batteries are not protected and the charger (according to some of the reviews) is very "cheap", but I haven't been able to come up with anything better yet.

Itiu--

Thanks for the heads up on the Duracell CR2 at BB. That is a great price!

 

[h_nu]

Well, I just ordered a Peak Pacific with CR2 body. Then afterwards I'm wondering if I did the right thing!
Those CR2 batteries are expensive!

You did the right thing. Use the CR2 when you need small size such as when carrying in a coin pocket in your jeans. Order a AA body from Peak for the Pacific and use a lithium AA. You can get a delrin cap for your CR2 body and use it to store a spare CR2.

 

[arty]

I like the Pacific with CR2 pocket bodies. You can always swap bodies with the Pacific.
You can get good, reasonable CR2s from:
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=162
Maxell batteries work fine.

 

[Lit Up]

Heck, I can shine the old, outdated Civictor across the street and between neighbors houses to slightly illuminate the trees behind them. Now add in the newer 1xAA LEDs and I think you'll find it more than satisfactory for general needs.

 

[etc]

Exactly how bright is PP with CR2 body?

 

[Flashlike]

I just ordered my Peak Pacific with CR2 body last week, so it should be arriving in a couple of days. I'll report back after I receive it on the brightness.
I requested the highest power option (SP) when I ordered mine.

 

[AvidHiker]

I appreciate the dilemma of the OP. The only thing that hasn't been mentioned is the general advantage of CR2 and other lithium cells in terms of discharge behavior - lithium chemistries being less prone to voltage drop and other degredations in performance under high loads. My understanding is that in most cases they will easily outperform any alkaline chemistry, thus limiting one of the primary advantages of owning a AA light - battery flexibility. So if you choose the AA route, plan on using lithium primaries (L91) or NiMH (if possible) to get the optimal performance from your light.

I would highly recommend AW protected RCR2 cells, unfortunately they look to be sold out at the moment - maybe try the marketplace.
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1686

 

[FsTop]

There is also the fact that a Lithium cell will be extra costly because you will always throw it away with just a fraction of its capacity used.

With AA, on the other hand, you can recharge at any time with no costs, and always have a fresh 100% battery...

 

[DM51]

Belongs in the Batteries section, not LED. Moving it there now.

 

[etc]

ISo if you choose the AA route, plan on using lithium primaries (L91) or NiMH (if possible) to get the optimal performance from your light.

Not exactly.

Fenix on low/medium will run pretty good even on 'super heavy duty' non-alkaline junk. Alkalines are good for intermediate modes and NiMH for Turbo, with Lithiums as backup.

The multi-mode Fenix has flexibility with cells.