Do you prefer RCR123's to 18650's??

[Delta]

I've been wanting to get into rechargeables, and ordered a 2p of UF 18650s. But as I read through reviews on DX, it seems most people report they get the brightest results with RCR123s instead. Why is that? What do you think? And what mah rating for RCR123's is preffered?

 

[ACMarina]

Well, 18650 is roughly (or exactly, I guess) the size of two CR123 batteries stacked on end. You could fit (with a little work) one 18650 in a Surefire 6P, for example - You could also fit two CR123s in the same flashlight. If you're looking at voltage only, you're looking at double the voltage in the same body..

 

[mdocod]

because most DX lights have buck-only driver boards, so they need the Vin higher than than the Vf of the LED to be at full brightness....

The best combination is a 18650 with a flashlight that is DESIGNED to stay in regulation on an 18650. Needs to have a buck/boost style circuit. Like the Tiablo A8