I'm buying a Quark AA2 and have a battery question. I was told by 4Sevens that I couldn't use Li-ion batteries in this light because of the voltage, they recommended NiMh rechargeable AA cells. Will the regular Lithium batteries work? What is a good NiMh rechargeable AA battery and charger? Other then cheap work lights this is my first venture into flashlights on this level, so please bear with me.
Lithium Batteries
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vali
Enlightened
If "regular lithium" means Energizer AA lithium, yes, you can use them safely. Li-ion stands for rechargeable lithium batteries that have higher voltage (3.7 V instead 1.6 V) and are a bit dangerous if you missuse them.
If you want rechargeables, get some eneloops and a decent charger: Can charge the cells independently from the others (no need to use a pair of cells) and can detect if a cell is full.
If you want rechargeables, get some eneloops and a decent charger: Can charge the cells independently from the others (no need to use a pair of cells) and can detect if a cell is full.
I think what they meant was... You can't use two Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (ie: 14500's). The AA, AA^2, and 123^1 heads are all the same, and the drivers are meant to accept input voltages from 0.8-4.2 volts. Using two li-ion 14500's in the AA^2 type would provide ~8.4volts, frying the drivers.
You can, however, use two primary lithium AA's, or a rechargeable Li-ion 1xAA (14500) or 1xRCR123 or 1x 16430.
You can, however, use two primary lithium AA's, or a rechargeable Li-ion 1xAA (14500) or 1xRCR123 or 1x 16430.
kitelights
Flashlight Enthusiast
Primary lithium cells are OK in 98% of lights where you can use a 1.5v AA cell. The exceptions are multicell lights that are already drastically overdriving the LED and there just aren't many of them.
I love these cells, but use them sparingly because of the cost. They are great for temperature extremes, like lights that you would leave in your car. The seals are superior and they don't leak in high temperatures and they maintain their ability to deliver power in cold weather. Their shelf life is 15 years. They last longer and deliver more power. They are much lighter weight.
The downside is that they cost more and are primary, therefore not reusable.
The hands down choice of most CPF enthusiasts for NiMH are LSD (low self discharge) cells, specifically Eneloops or one of their clones.
Chargers will be more debatable. The grand daddy I believe is still the Maha C9000 Wizard and is still my choice.
Using NiMH cells requires learning about them to get proper use from them, although the newest generation of LSD cells has made them much more idiot friendly.
I love these cells, but use them sparingly because of the cost. They are great for temperature extremes, like lights that you would leave in your car. The seals are superior and they don't leak in high temperatures and they maintain their ability to deliver power in cold weather. Their shelf life is 15 years. They last longer and deliver more power. They are much lighter weight.
The downside is that they cost more and are primary, therefore not reusable.
The hands down choice of most CPF enthusiasts for NiMH are LSD (low self discharge) cells, specifically Eneloops or one of their clones.
Chargers will be more debatable. The grand daddy I believe is still the Maha C9000 Wizard and is still my choice.
Using NiMH cells requires learning about them to get proper use from them, although the newest generation of LSD cells has made them much more idiot friendly.
kitelights
Flashlight Enthusiast
Just checked the Quark driver and to be more specific, the light you are looking at takes two AA cells. If you wanted to use Li-Ion cells (3.7v) you could use one 14500 and a dummy cell. I don't know if a double sized AA cell that produces 3.7v is made or not.
You can use two AA of any other chemistry (akaline, lithium primary, NiMH).
Since this is your first light, you're new and seeking advice, I'll offer an unsolicited opinion. I'd recommend the single cell version. Single cell is much smaller, easier to carry, easier to pocket and therefore much more likely to be with you when you need.
It's more likely to be an EDC (everyday carry) just because it's more convenient to have on / with you.
Some will argue that they love their 2 cells lights (no arguments here), but the sales of single cell lights far exceed those of double cells.
Welcome to CPF.
You can use two AA of any other chemistry (akaline, lithium primary, NiMH).
Since this is your first light, you're new and seeking advice, I'll offer an unsolicited opinion. I'd recommend the single cell version. Single cell is much smaller, easier to carry, easier to pocket and therefore much more likely to be with you when you need.
It's more likely to be an EDC (everyday carry) just because it's more convenient to have on / with you.
Some will argue that they love their 2 cells lights (no arguments here), but the sales of single cell lights far exceed those of double cells.
Welcome to CPF.
It certainly is, with the only drawback being that every light after that will seem so big.
It's called a MiNi for a reason :naughty:
