Fenix P1D-CE, P2D, P3D best batteries?

[WadeF]

I've seen a lot of talk in various threads about what batteries give you the best performance out of these lights. Could someone list what batteries will give you the best performance out of the Fenix PD1-CE, PD2-CE, and PD3-CE and a link to a dealer that has them available? Also advice on chargers is welcome as well. Currenty I'm running my lights on surefire 123's and I'd like to get myself set up with re-chargables, especially if they offer higher voltage and performance. Thanks.

 

[cliff]

Re: Fenix PD1-CE, PD2, PD3 best batteries?

I got this set here:

http://www.batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html

My P3D just came yesterday, so I haven't tested it out yet. However, the P2D ran strong for 30 minutes with this battery before it winked out (battery protection kicked in).

They come off the charger at 4.11 volts, and show 3.26 volts under the "load" of a 10-ohm resistor.

The P2D's Lower levels are not very low with this battery unfortunately.

 

[WadeF]

Re: Fenix PD1-CE, PD2, PD3 best batteries?

Those look pretty good. I'll wait to hear how they worked out for you in the PD3 to make sure they will fit, etc. I'm curious to find out if the higher volt lithium rechargables will still give you about 9lumens on low with the PD3, or if it will make the low a lot brighter.

 

[cliff]

Re: Fenix PD1-CE, PD2, PD3 best batteries?

WadeF:

They fit in the P3D like a charm, I just haven't tested how long they will burn. I suspect they will run it on Turbo for about an hour.

As far as the lower levels go, the P3D performs exactly like an L2D-CE with 2 AA batteries. Lows, mediums and highs are identical, but Turbo is a bit brighter on the P3D. I also tried primaries and performance is the same.

When I first got these batteries they were a tight fit in the P2D tube at one end of the battery. So, I rolled them between two boards and this seemed to make their diameter more uniform. Now they fall out of the tube(s) by their own weight.

 

[WadeF]

Re: Fenix PD1-CE, PD2, PD3 best batteries?

So there is no gain in brightness using the ~3.6V cells instead of primaries with a PD3?

 

[Thujone]

Re: Fenix PD1-CE, PD2, PD3 best batteries?

None of the lights in the title exist... Unless you meant P1Dce, P2D, P3D

 

[WadeF]

Re: Fenix PD1-CE, PD2, PD3 best batteries?

None of the lights in the title exist... Unless you meant P1Dce, P2D, P3D

Haha, I am a dummy!

Title fixed. Thanks.

 

[Steve L]

With the P3D your best bet would be the highest capacity(mah) CR123's that will fit(3.6v). All levels will work. With the P2D and P1D to get the different levels you need to use either a 3.0v CR123 or primaries. Another choice is AW's LiFePO4 CR123 they come off the charger at about 3.35v.

 

[Ray_of_Light]

How a single 17670 will fit and work in the P3D?
I'm planning to buy one and I would like to know more about rechargeable battery options.
Thanks
Anthony

 

[rycen]

A protected 17670 will not fit.

 

[sonofjesse]

So which 3.6 RC fit in the P3D? I can't find that info the ones I have sure dont' have a prayer of fitting.

 

[cliff]

The batteries in post #2 fit well and perform well in both the P2D and P3D. They aren't quite 3.6 volts under load, but claim to be 900 mAh though.

 

[Steve L]

So which 3.6 RC fit in the P3D? I can't find that info the ones I have sure dont' have a prayer of fitting.

I have four of these they fit fine. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.722 However out of the four one arrived to low to charge and one will not hold a charge. I got a bad two pack.

 

[Mike89]

I've used Energizer E2, Battery Station and Titanium cr123a batteries and I haven't been able to tell any difference as far as runtime. All of them are about equal. I think the Battery Station and Titanium are made by the same manufacturer because they both have that same distinct plastic insert at the head that I haven't seen in any others. Can't go wrong with any of them and the Titaniums are only a buck apiece.

 

[Ogg Vorbis]

Hi all, I'm planning on purchasing the P3D in the very near future and I'm slightly confussed on the battery side.

I currently own a Nuwai Q3 and it's been noted that rechargeables are a bad idea. So i was wondering... is the cree more flexible in the voltages you can feed it?

So say instead i bought a P2D and used a 3.7V RCR123 would it be ok and not be over driven, risking the lifetime of the bulb? As is the case with the Nuwai Q3

Or if I stuck with the P3D and used 2x 3.7V RCR123 would it again be ok?

I really can decide between the two...

• Brighter light, longer run time, ...BUT... bigger size, more batteries

-or-

• Slightly less light, lower runtime, ...BUT... smaller size, less batteries

So what configuration do you guys use and like? Any more info would be great!

Cheers, Danny