E2D battery conundrum

[flashdash]

I got myself a Surefire E2D, and I'm generally happy on all except one account; I mean the batteries here. Seeing that I will be using the flashlight almost every day in the dark depths of the warehouse where I work, buying new batteries every two weeks would put a strain on my budget. So I've done some research, but I got conflicting opinions in many cases (like whether 3.6V would work, since the default are 3V, among others).
So, could anyone give me a straight answer as to what rechargeable battery should I use? The output is preferred over the runtime, I won't be using it continuously for more then ten minutes anyway.
Thanks.

 

[divine]

$1.75 per week will put a strain on your budget? I think I'm missing something.

 

[flashdash]

Well, one battery costs about $3 here, and buying overseas is out of question (shipping costs). This adds up, and after about half a year the costs of a rechargeable battery would be favourable compared to one-use batteries.
That, and I just don't like to pay more than I have to.

 

[mdocod]

I'm assuming you are talking about the E2D incan version. If that's true read on, if not, disregard.

The bulb will not tolerate 3.6V cells, but there are plenty of options.

Basically, your going to need to switch to a different bulb, check out LumensFactory E series bulbs.

You'll need to decide if you want to have more runtime, or more output, or some balance of the 2.

I would personally suggest an EO-E2R coupled to 2xIMR16340s from AW. Pick up 4 IMR16340s total so you have a spare set.

Runtime will be ~40 minutes give or take a few, output will be slightly higher than the stock bulb. You'd probably be best off making a habit of topping up the cells any day you use the flashlight, so you always have a "fresh" start with all runtime on the table going into work.

Eric

PS: if you want to really go WAY brighter than stock, the IMR-E2 from LumensFactory is purpose built with those IMR16340 cells in mind, and it runs roughly triple the output of the stock bulb, but only runs for about 15 minutes.