My first build!!! Battery help..

[jeffdenney]

I am about to start my first build on my old 3d led maglite. So far I have:

H6flex driver
H22a p7 flat top heat sink
Cree Xm-l u2
And new glass

Can anyone recommend me a battery that wont break the bank too bad??

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Gtamazing]

Do you want protected or unprotected li-ions. I can't bring myself to put 18650s in a D cell tube, so I would suggest 26650. However there are lots of good 18650s but only a few good 26650. And really there is only 1 good protected 26650 the the Enerpower but they might break your bank. Stay away from anything XXXfire. You have some quality parts for a nice build, don't power it with cheap batteries IMO.

There is also 32650 but I don't think you can get 3 of them in a 3d mag. The smaller dia. batteries will go into the tail cap.

These are supposed to be pretty good but are unprotected.

 

[jeffdenney]

Im not sure what protected means?? Is that like a current limit or something?

 

[DIWdiver]

Protected means it has a circuit board at one end, under the shrink wrap, that will prevent serious overcharging or overdischarging, which are two of the things that can cause the cells to 'vent with flames'. That makes them somewhat safer. It also makes them a bit longer.

 

[alpg88]

3x 18650 buy ones that say with PCB. (protected) Panasonic are the best ones.

 

[jeffdenney]

Yeah I just googled the protected deal. Def sounds like the way to go. So 18650's or 26650's. If the 26650's fit, wouldnt the bigger battery last longer???

And also it says the 26650's are 4500mah. The flex driver supports up to 6600mah. If I wanted to run higher than 4500mah, what would happen?

 

[jeffdenney]

Nvrmind. I have figured out my dumb question. Mah is a capacity rating not a measure of current.. lol newb!

 

[alpg88]

the problem with 26650 is that no reputable brand makes 26650, there are good 26650 that are 3v cells but their capacity is 2500mah. XXXXfire brand 26650 don't really have much, if any, advantage over panasonic 18650 cells, and they weigh more.

 

[jeffdenney]

Whats youe take on feilong 32650s? I was just reading I could bore out the tail cap a little and they fit.. I have access to a lathe so are those worth trying?

 

[jeffdenney]

I guess a better question would be how long would the Panasonic 18650 batteries last at say 5a draw?

 

[alpg88]

Whats youe take on feilong 32650s? I was just reading I could bore out the tail cap a little and they fit.. I have access to a lathe so are those worth trying?

you wont be able to do much, since you'll destroy the cap, o ring seat wont let you bore it. and still keep it in 1 piece. those cells are lotery, you will miss more often that hit.

I guess a better question would be how long would the Panasonic 18650 batteries last at say 5a draw?

there are tests of them on the net, and also some panasonic cells are high current cells, able to handle 10A. check out callies kustom site.

but in your set up, (3 cells in seies, 1, or even 3 xml. driven at 3A) cells wont see 5A draw.

 

[jeffdenney]

I was just looking to see how much space for the o ring landing. So I should either get 26650s or 18650s. The 18650s do cost less from what I can tell. I will have to use a sleeve to hold them centered then or how does that work?

 

[alpg88]

i'd go with 18650. you can use many things as spacer, some use a hose, some pvc pipes, i just roll cardboard, never had problem with it. can't think of cheaper and more available material

 

[jeffdenney]

O ok I was thinking there would b another thing to add to the budget lol. Never thought I would b spending over a hundred to build a bright flashlight. Thanks for your help. I think I am gonna try the panasonic 18650 3400mah.