I know this will shock everyone who knows me, I bought a streamlight product!

[rwolfenstein]

I got the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA. I found that it was a really neat design that can run on 1 CR123a or 1 AA in either Alky or Lithium. I like dual fuel lights and this fit my nice pocket junk category. That way I always have a little light to get tasks done.

 

[aznsx]

I got the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA. I found that it was a really neat design that can run on 1 CR123a or 1 AA in either Alky or Lithium. I like dual fuel lights and this fit my nice pocket junk category. That way I always have a little light to get tasks done.

Good on ya! I don't think that's one you could possibly regret - or most anyone else I know for that matter. Also, if you want the extra kick that 3 volts provides, without the downsides of CR123A, you can use LFP123s like I have in mine right now. Less run time, but low operating cost, and I can always leave home with a 'fresh one' (known quantity) without dealing with half-used (and expensive) primaries. If I had to pick a 'no brainer' flashlight to recommend to or buy for most anyone, I would pick that one.

 

[rwolfenstein]

Good on ya! I don't think that's one you could possibly regret - or most anyone else I know for that matter. Also, if you want the extra kick that 3 volts provides, without the downsides of CR123A, you can use LFP123s like I have in mine right now. Less run time, but low operating cost, and I can always leave home with a 'fresh one' (known quantity) without dealing with half-used (and expensive) primaries. If I had to pick a 'no brainer' flashlight to recommend to or buy for most anyone, I would pick that one.

I never know what might be able to handle rechargeable cells. Problem is most manufactures dont put out enough information on it. I saw this light can handle CR123a, AA Alkys and AA Lithiums. It doesnt say dont use rechargeable cells, but it also provides no information on what I can get away with.

 

[aznsx]

I never know what might be able to handle rechargeable cells. Problem is most manufactures dont put out enough information on it. I saw this light can handle CR123a, AA Alkys and AA Lithiums. It doesnt say dont use rechargeable cells, but it also provides no information on what I can get away with.

Well, that makes you smarter than many people then. I'm not one of those (many) who tries crazy, foolish things like putting 3.7/4.2V cells into a 1.5V light. That's because I know better, technically. You're right to be cautious, but you can trust me on this one, I assure you. Fifty years in electronics has taught me that trial-and-error is not generally a sound approach in that field.

EDIT: Just to clarify, do NOT use 3.7/4.2V 16340 cells in that light. Second Edit: add 14500 to that prohibition.

 

[knucklegary]

Which mfgr LFP123 are you using (SF) ?

 

[xxo]

3.2V LiFePo4's are OK for this light, but runtime is short and you need a special charger.

Keep Power makes a 3.0V USB charging 16340 that works real well in the 1L-1AA, though it is a little too long for most multicell lights.



I like Eneloop or Fujiloop pros for my 1L-1AA when I use it as a lantern (lower lumens but much longer run times).

BTW, the 1L-1AA also runs on AAA's if need be.

 

[aznsx]

Which mfgr LFP123 are you using (SF) ?

I've been using K2 Energy LFP123A cells for >5 years now with good results. I believe K2 sort of specializes in LFP. They're not that widely available, so I'll mention that they appear to be in stock at batteriesinaflash, where I have purchased them previously. K2 has a proper data sheet for them, which I had K2 send to me. I tried unsuccessfully to attach it here, but failed (it's .pdf format), but I just did a crummy screenshot of it and will try attaching that below. If that doesn't work &/or you'd like the proper file, PM an address to me and I'll gladly shoot that file over to you. I also use these in other EDIT: LED lights (besides the 1L1AA) which are designed specifically for 1xCR123A cells. As stated, I use them in the 1L1AA because it provides far better output (per SL specifications) w/3V than w/1.5V, so why not?

I have some others from Tenergy, but have never used them because I'm not crazy about their stuff, and also can find no proper specs for them, so when I found the K2s after I ordered those, the Tenergys stayed in the wrapper unused. They might be OK, but I believe they are of lower capacity as I recall (besides lacking complete specs). I'll test them some time when I get around to it just to see how they work in case the K2s become unavailable at some point.

For the average bear I might suggest the SF cells, although I've never used them and don't have good specs for them either. They're probably more widely available (and like K2 have an available 2-slot charger for those who need that), and what they do have is a very well-known, established, and highly respected name on the label (which has value also), and I'm sure SF did proper due diligence and qualification of them before putting their good name on them. They have a lower capacity rating than the K2s, but I'm fairly confident they would work well, and would likely buy them myself if I needed more and couldn't get the K2s.

 

[bykfixer]

The ProTac 1L AA was a wonderful invention at the time. The ability to adjust from a aa to 123 was simple genious.
I mostly use a aa with mine and ten tapped it to start on low. A nice useable general purpose output with ability to greatly increase output with a half press, or even more by swapping out the battery to a CR123. Kinda like having ability to swap motors in my car from a gas sipper to an F1 car.

No issues with the tailcap slightly loosening causing no power to the light. Streamlight products used to come with small o'rings that allowed that. But they seemed to include larger girth o'rings anymore. If it becomes an issue a wrap or two with plumber tape helps. Either that or a sliver of alluminum foil around the threads but that prevents a lock out feature where loosening the tailcap some cuts the circuit.