Heat Dissipation: Nitrolon Bezel/Aluminum Body

Deputy T.

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Mar 20, 2008
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What I have is a FiveMega 1x16340 (3p) aluminum body, G2 nitrolon head with a ULC lens, a Surefire Z59, and a Lumens Factory D26-Led (3-3.7 volt 3 mode), powered by a CR123. I prefer the G2 bezel because in my opinion, it make such a small light much more comfortable in my pocket. Ninety percent of the time that I use this light it is on the lowest level. I just wanted the CPF community's opinion on whether or not this configuration is providing proper heat dissipation.

I've also been contemplating using some thermal compound to for better heat transfer between the module and body. I know this is kind of a messy solution, but considering that batteries are loaded through the tail cap it's something I don't have to worry about until I decide to change the module in the distant future. I've seen a few people mention using strips of aluminum or copper cut to snug up the fit, but that seem a little tedious when I have the thermal paste on hand. Also can someone advise me on the toxicity content of thermal compound before I put it in something I'll be carrying in my pocket and holding in my hands. I'd hate to find my self with some kind of heavy metal poisoning or something.
 
My guess is that heat won't be an issue when running on 1x CR123 as it is ~2.5v under high loads. (On the other hand, a 3.7v RCR123 could easily create a heat issue.) For example, the Malkoff M30 (which I'm way more familiar with) is ~240 lumens (and is definitely not rated for a nitrolon bezel), but will be only ~150 lumens from 1xCR123. For comparison, the M60L is ~140 lumens or so on maximum output, and is rated for continuous use in a nitrolon bezel / nitrolon body. So my short answer, I wouldn't worry about it unless you go to 3.7v RCR123's.

Perhaps someone more familiar with your specific drop-in might post here, but I doubt it would run at maximum on your single CR123 configuration, and would produce correspondingly less heat than if it was running at spec on a 3.7v LiIon.
 
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