Newbie with battery questions.

[wfbont007]

Have to start off by saying that this forum is great! Full of information and I'm trying to take it all in.

I'm in law enforcement in southern NJ and I've been here for about one week. A co-worker went to the Police Expo in Atlantic City and came back with an Olight. I didn't know much about it and of course jumped on the internet to find out more, HUGE MISTAKE!

In the process of researching and looking at new technology, I purchased a Surefire G2Z LED, E2D LED, Fenix TK10 and a Stinger LED. Of course in the process, i sold some other Surefire to offset the expense.

My main questions is: Can I run rechargeable 123's in the Surefire or Fenix lights? I hear/read that the rechargeable's may not be as strong as primaries. I believe that Surefire recommends their batteries, off course.
If I can run rechargeables what is the recommendation?

 

[alfreddajero]

RCR's have strong output its just the fact that there mah is so low.....while a primary will last a long time contiuously an rcr wont. My brother is a cop and he uses rcr's and primaries.

 

[HKJ]

The problem with RCR123 compared to CR123 is the voltage, RCR123 has higher voltage.
This is a problem with incan and single cell led lights, but most multicell led lights can handle RCR123 without problems, this includes the Fenix TK10.

 

[wfbont007]

What would be the difference in a Surefire G2Z LED if I used RC123's as compared to primary 123's?

 

[HKJ]

What would be the difference in a Surefire G2Z LED if I used RC123's as compared to primary 123's?

Your will get same light output and shorter runtime.

 

[Zenster]

What would be the difference in a Surefire G2Z LED if I used RC123's as compared to primary 123's?

Since you're new to this, I'll just give you something to think about...

Do some research on lights that use the 18650 rechargeable battery such as the CL1H (but there are many others).

The 18650 is first of all, rechargeable, so lights that use them can be used for "free" for a very long time.
Secondly, you can get 2600mah capacity 18650's, so if you start your shift with a fresh 18650 in the chamber and another on you or in your cruiser as a spare, it's not likely that you will ever need the spare before your shift is over.

For the record, there are no Surefire lights that use the 18650 battery, BUT, I personally have a 6P with a Malkoff M60 drop-in where I have replaced the standard body with an aftermarket body that accomodates two 18650's in series.
Yes, it's about 3 inches longer than the standard 6P, but it feels good in the hand and I can't remember the last time I've had to recharge the batteries in it.

My .02

 

[wfbont007]

Thank you for all of the information!

I was looking at the Fenix TH11 with the 18650. From the research I have done, it looks like the general consensus would go the AW protected 18650's, right?

I assume that Lighthound would be a good place to purchase? Looking for guidance.

 

[Zenster]

AW's protected 18650's are considered to be some of the best. You can't go wrong.
I've also been using the Tenergy's from Battery Junction, and they've been doing fine by me as well.

If you're partial to the Fenix TH11 and it uses 18650's, then that's a decision as good as any. If you hang around here in CPF much longer (which we know you will :devil: ), I can assure you that it won't be your last light.

For probably the best charger for the price, look at the Pila IBC. It does a great job of maintaining and charging those 18650's.
Be sure to get the optional DC Car Adapter for the Pila, too. Then on those really long nights, you can pop a tired 18650 battery into the Pila sitting right there on the center console and have it back in the rotation in plenty of time by the time you need it again.
http://store.bugoutgearusa.com/bach.html