Malkoff E2 battery compatibility

[laxtond]

This is what I have in mind.

Malakoff E2 run by a single 16340 battery. I've seen some reports of success using IMR batteries which from what I have seen are all unprotected cells.

My question is could I use some higher discharge rate (3-4a) protected cobalt cells for this head?

If so, what kind of brightness and runtime should I expect? Much different that the IMR 16340?

Malakoff lists discharge at 800ma for 6v so I assume it would be 1.6a at 3v?

Please take it easy on a flashlight novice and thanks in advance for any help.

 

[carrot]

It looks to me like the E2 model runs the same electronics as the M61. There is a lot of information on how they will run here: https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/malkoff-runtime-graphs-cr123-alkaline-comparo.445450/

Specifically, I'm thinking the M61 425lm 16340 700mAh runtime test would be accurate to the E2 model in your specified configuration.

 

[laxtond]

That looks like it would fill my needs nicely.

Thanks for directing me towards that data.

I like the added safety of protected cells but am open to unprotected IMR 16340 cells if this head would greatly benefit from it.

Would I be okay sticking with the protected rcr123s I already have or would switching to these IMR cells make enough of a difference to justify having the unprotected cells?

 

[carrot]

If your protected cells can handle the amperage, then I wouldn't worry about switching to unprotected cells.

The main feature for unprotected cells with this engine would be not having it shut off "by surprise" when the batteries have gone low.

 

[laxtond]

Carrot, thank you again for your helpful responses. The information you linked has been very helpful in making my decision to go ahead as planned.