Is it worth it to invest in rechargebles in this situation?

[glazer1972]

I have an Olight M20 Warrior that takes two CR123A (or two RCR123A, two 16340, one 18650 or one 17670.) I run this one on 90 Lumens most of the time.

I also have a Surefire 6PL that uses two CR123A. This is 80 Lumens.

I have went through 12 Titanium Innovations CR123A batteries and two Surefire CR123A in the last two years.

 

[jayflash]

One possible advantage of LiIon cells is their flatter discharge curve. In unregulated lights they keep output more consistent than primary 123 cells, which drop more in voltage and current. This may not make much difference in the many regulated lights available. CR123's may have a little more capacity, especially at lower discharge rates, say 0.5C or less.

Since you're only spending about $20 per year on primaries, maybe it's not worthwhile. You'd need a charger and extra LiIon cells, unless you'd keep some spare CR123's on hand. You don't have to worry about abusing primary cells by over-discharging; LiIon's require more care.

Perhaps others will have additional info which may help you decide.

 

[casebomber]

Heck yeah buddy! I have been running an aw18650 and 6 18650s I salvaged from a laptop pack (very carefully, all at ~4.1 volts) for a while now and they have amazing life compared to the aa/aaa maha setup I was using. Can't speak to cr123 personally as I do not use them (cheapskate,) but I think you'll hear that 18650 will outperform most anything else and may give cooler running/longer runtimes than a 2x123 setup. Grab yourself a pila charger and a couple volt meters and it can be pretty fun checking voltages all the time! This way you know what's going on! Single cell is supposed to be safer as well.

 

[glazer1972]

I have two good volt meters already. That wouldn't way into it. Having to get a bored 6p body and possibly a new led would.

 

[casebomber]

Also a pila charger ~$50. Its more of a long term investment as it can be expensive and will take some time to pay for itself. 3.0 nominal for cr123 x2=6.0 and 3.7 for a single li ion... Can someone tell us about this specific led/driver's voltage requirements?

 

[glazer1972]

The LED on the OLIGHT is a Cree R2.

The Surefire is an 80 Lumen. I don't have it with me to check.

 

[GunnarGG]

My C2L works fine with a 17670, that cell fits without boring.
I don't know about runtime, it's enough for me. I have never drained a battery completely before charging.

 

[qwertyydude]

It's like having a printer. You're so afraid to use it because of the cost of the consumables, and the excruciating fear of printing photos. I have a CISS system on my printer and basically unlimited amounts of ink. I find that I print everything, including google maps directions with color map. Printing pictures is fun too

Basically get rid of the cost of consumables and you find you'll end up using the item a whole lot, I'm sure if you get a set of inexpensive li-ions and a charger it'll be a one time purchase and will pay for itself pretty soon especially if you find you use the lights a lot more.

 

[glazer1972]

If I went with a 17670 in the Surefire. Would I need to change the LED from the stock 80 Lumen LED? If so which would be good?

 

[GunnarGG]

The stock 80 lumen LED worked fine with the 17670. I think it was about the same brightness as with 2x123 or only a small difference.
Now I have a M61LW instead that also works fine on the 17670 (but has a better tint).
I also have a Lumens Factory 3,0 - 3,7 V dropin that is bright, good throw, less cool but not neutral.

If you like your Surefire LED module, just keep it and get a 17670. Then you can use your light as much as you want without thinking about battery cost.

 

[drmaxx]

Basically get rid of the cost of consumables and you find you'll end up using the item a whole lot.

+1:thumbsup:

 

[glazer1972]

I've got rid of the Olight. I now have only the Surefire 6P. Still not sure about getting it bored. Which 17670s would you guys recommended? Any recommendation for a charger besides the PILA?