Fenix and 18650 Batteries

explorer562 · Jul 27, 2012

Dear Experts,

I bought a Fenix PD32 a few weeks ago and am currently using the CR123a batteries that it came with, but would like to use rechargeables in the future. The user manual said to use 18650s with care, and when I emailed Fenix they said it was OK to use high quality 18650s. Would I be alright using this battery and charger combo in the Fenix PD32? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LHFU62/?tag=cpf0b6-20

Thanks

Bigpal · Jul 27, 2012

You will probably be alright for a short period. I bought 2 Ultrafire 18650's (the red and yellow ones) about 2 months ago. Both have now failed. One would not take a charge at all, the other would last about 5 minutes then set off the low voltage warning on any light I used.

There are so many "which battery" threads and comments you can look over. Type "which 18650" into the forum's Google search. You'll see that it's pretty much universally accepted to use one of the Panasonic 18650 protected cells.

This includes AW, Eagletac, Orbtronic, XStar, Redilast, Callies, and a few more I can think of off the top of my head.

You're going to get the same answer from almost everyone here - and it is the truth - You get what you pay for and it is worth the extra cost to buy quality from the start.

HotWire · Jul 27, 2012

I have had several of those red batteries fail on me early. None have lasted very long. Now I buy Callie's Kustom, AW, & Readilast. No problems with any those three.

explorer562 · Jul 27, 2012

Thanks guys.

Evltcat · Jul 27, 2012

Bigpal said:
You will probably be alright for a short period. I bought 2 Ultrafire 18650's (the red and yellow ones) about 2 months ago. Both have now failed. One would not take a charge at all, the other would last about 5 minutes then set off the low voltage warning on any light I used.

There are so many "which battery" threads and comments you can look over. Type "which 18650" into the forum's Google search. You'll see that it's pretty much universally accepted to use one of the Panasonic 18650 protected cells.

This includes AW, Eagletac, Orbtronic, XStar, Redilast, Callies, and a few more I can think of off the top of my head.

You're going to get the same answer from almost everyone here - and it is the truth - You get what you pay for and it is worth the extra cost to buy quality from the start.

I had the same questions on batteries you have. I did a LOT of research in the CPF battery sub-forum. I completely agree with Bigpal, you get what you pay for! I'm using AW and Xtar 3100 and 2900 mAh 18650's, and AW RCR123 batteries with an Xtar WP2 II charger. If you have any doubts or want to dig into this more, I suggest you head over the the battery sub-forum and start reading.