MN16 vs MN20

[Bullzeyebill]

1. I am thinking that the MN20 would be better with two 18650's, than the MN16. My reasoning is that six CR123's (parallel = 9 volts) and the MN20 in the M6 will not drive the current down as low as three CR123's with the MN16. So, the MN20 can tolerate higher voltage than the MN16 when when both are driven in the M6, or a light with two 18650's. Is my reasoning ok here?

2. I ask this because I have MN16's for my KT1 with a two cell 18650 body and don't want them to instaflash with fully charged 18650's.

3. My other question regards the MN11 which I want to use with two 18500's in my bored M3. Here we have the same problem as the MN16, not sagging as much with two LiIon's compared to three CR123's, but I think that the 18500's may sag more than two 18650's and reduce the chances of instaflashing. This make sense?

4. Man, I wish there was an easy, easy way to provide soft starts for Surefire lights.

Bill

 

[mdocod]

The incidence of instaflash on MN11 and MN16 and P91 lamps is relatively low when driven by a pair of 18650s, however, there have been a few reports of it happening. The MN11 on the 18500s should be fine as you can expect the 18500s to sag a little more than 18650s. The MN20 would be the best alternative if bulb longevity and tolerance to recoil or other impacts is important to you. The MN16 will run brighter and whiter than the MN20.

I have an estimated lumen comparison in the compatibility chart for these configurations if you want to get an idea of how my best estimates stack up for these configurations.

 

[BSBG]

I have run both the MN16 and the MN20 on two 18650s.

The MN16 is a tighter spot and a bit whiter. It probably throws farther.

The MN20 is a larger, more oval spot but not slouch at all.

I keep the MN20 in the light for ready usage, and swap in the 16 for fun; for the reasons you mention - I am betting on a short, brilliant life for the 16, and the 20 seems much less overdriven.

 

[SunStar]

Ditto on what BSBG said...

The MN16 slightly overdriven is just amazing. I've not had a problem with instaflashing with 18650's. The MN20 is not quite as punchy but I'm sure lamp life is extended over the MN16 and I normally get about 10 minutes longer run time when using a pair of 18650's over the MN16.

Either provides a very nice setup.