I need some advice RCR123 or 18650?

[Ropes4u]

I am preparing to order a new light engine and thought i might venture into the rechargeable world. In short the engine can take either RCR or 18650 batteries. I have never used either and was wondering if there is an advantage or preference for one or the other. If it matters this particular light is a solarforce with a nailbender engine, I also have surefire and solarforce bulbs that could be used with the batteries..

Thank You, John

 

[Darvis]

Capacity. The 18650 will have reams more capacity: ~2600mah vs the rcr's ~750mah. Nailbender's engine usually run well on a single 18650, and if that's the case here, that is the path I would go down. Check out the AW 2600 and new 2900 mah versions, they're usually the most highly regarded

 

[Ropes4u]

Thank You Darvis, I will go with the primary 18650 option.

 

[tre]

One 18650 is also safer to use than two RCR123 cells.

 

[45/70]

I have never used either and was wondering if there is an advantage or preference for one or the other.

Real quick, as I have to go on a "mission", if you are unfamiliar with the use of Li-Ion cells, you would be well advised to read up on them a bit before getting started. The relevant threads in the "sticky" at the top of this Forum and the "Smoke an Fire" thread, are good places to start, as well as anywhere else you may find, such as Battery University.

Gaining some knowledge before using Li-Ion cells goes a long way towards preventing possible "incidents", as well as answering a lot of questions that may come up. The use of Li-Ion cells is not as straight forward as other types. Also, a DMM, or other means of measuring voltage is pretty much a "must have" item when dealing with Li-Ions.

Also,

......I will go with the primary 18650 option.

the 18650's that we use anyway, are Li-Ion "secondary" (rechargeable) cells, not lithium "primaries". These are two totally different chemistry and types of cells.

Dave