I just bought a Mag-LED 3D, what batteries are people using in them?

[RTTR]

Obviously alkaline batteries work fine, but are there any longer lasting, brighter alternatives that people are putting in these?

How is the self discharge on ni-cads for use in a flashlight? Sanyo D cell 5000mah might do the trick?

 

[Brighteyez]

Unless you are using that light with incredible frequency where you might go through say about 10 sets of D sized Alkalines per year, you're probably better off staying with the alkalines. D sized alklaines have a lot of capacity and are usually priced at the same price point as C sized alkalines. When the alkalines run out, all you need to do is to drop in another set. With NiCDs or NiMH batteries, you'll need to charge the batteries, which can result in a long downtime period for batteries of that size.

Just as a point of reference, the average person would not go through a set of D batteries in a year with a MagLED, and if you find yourself in that category, you might want to remember to replace the batteries once a year or so, just to keep the batteries from leaking.

 

[etc]

CTA 12,00 mAh cells, they are great.

NiMH is far superior in terms of more consistent brightness, longer.

 

[f22shift]

i use 3aa in aa to d cell converters that came with my la crosse charger.

i ordered some aa to d cell converters(approx 2 bux shipped each) from deal extreme. it holds 2aa in one d cell. that should increase the capacity for runtime although i never really had a problem with the 3 aa.

 

[RTTR]

Wouldn't the self discharge on those CTA 12,000's be bad for a flashlight?

 

[BigusLightus]

One of my many "try outs" was a 3D Mag using a generic 5 1/2D cell battery stick that fits the MagCharger. Originally I used the 4cell MagNumStar Xenon bulb and I liked that set up. Now I'm using a potted Carley 1499. I'm using the light almost every day now and like this configuration. I charge the batt about once per week.

Edit: Just re-read the original post. I don't think the brightness will change much across different lines of batts. The Mag 3D LED module is made just for 3 alkies. While you might be able to run it from 3 rechargeables I'm not convinced it will be any brighter. Has anyone done a side by side test with both alkies and rechargeables in the 3D Mag LED?

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

Plain old alkaline Ds for me (Rayovac baby!). I also don't think it makes any difference alk against NimH as far as brightness.