The question regarding which battery configuration to use (specifically for the ROP and Mag85 mods) has been a source of frustration for me when researching these two mods over the last week. The NiMH option is pretty significant expense, and it looks like I already wasted some money on Kai adapters that I'm now told won't work in either of these mods.
After reading several reports of people successfully using AW's protected 18650 cells - a common battery for most of us, this easily seemed like the best way to go with either of these mods. Still, it seems like the bulk of people are still going the NiMH route, so I wonder if there is something I'm missing.
Here is my understanding of the pros and cons of each. This assumes that no extra mods are being done to lower resistance - just the basics - battery, bulb, lens, reflector, bi-pin holder (for mag85).
Please let me know if I am missing something critical with either option:
AW Protected 18650's:
Pros
- Less expensive - most already have the charger / don't have to buy adapter+cells (slide right in C light, or use cheap PVC with D light) - $12 ea, ($24 total for ROP / $36 for Mag85)
- Slightly more output than NiMH
- Don't have to let cells "rest" or run them down before using light
- Less cells / hassle (2 or 3 cells at most as opposed to 6 or 9 cells)
- Hold charge longer (but not much longer than Eneloop)
Cons
- Not as safe as NiMH, but relatively safe since cells are protected from over-discharge
- Have to cut spring down, remove anodizing from inside of tailcap
- What else??
NiMH's:
Pros
- Safer chemistry
- Fits better (with expensive adapter), no cutting down spring
- What else??
Cons
- More expensive - most will have to buy batteries+special adapter+special charger (FM 9AA adapters still sold out)
- Have to let "rest" before using or rundown
- Deplete faster during non-use
- Slightly less output than li-ions
It seems to me that Li-ion is the better way to go hands-down with either of these mods. Is there anything I'm missing that would move it more in favor of NiMH?
After reading several reports of people successfully using AW's protected 18650 cells - a common battery for most of us, this easily seemed like the best way to go with either of these mods. Still, it seems like the bulk of people are still going the NiMH route, so I wonder if there is something I'm missing.
Here is my understanding of the pros and cons of each. This assumes that no extra mods are being done to lower resistance - just the basics - battery, bulb, lens, reflector, bi-pin holder (for mag85).
Please let me know if I am missing something critical with either option:
AW Protected 18650's:
Pros
- Less expensive - most already have the charger / don't have to buy adapter+cells (slide right in C light, or use cheap PVC with D light) - $12 ea, ($24 total for ROP / $36 for Mag85)
- Slightly more output than NiMH
- Don't have to let cells "rest" or run them down before using light
- Less cells / hassle (2 or 3 cells at most as opposed to 6 or 9 cells)
- Hold charge longer (but not much longer than Eneloop)
Cons
- Not as safe as NiMH, but relatively safe since cells are protected from over-discharge
- Have to cut spring down, remove anodizing from inside of tailcap
- What else??
NiMH's:
Pros
- Safer chemistry
- Fits better (with expensive adapter), no cutting down spring
- What else??
Cons
- More expensive - most will have to buy batteries+special adapter+special charger (FM 9AA adapters still sold out)
- Have to let "rest" before using or rundown
- Deplete faster during non-use
- Slightly less output than li-ions
It seems to me that Li-ion is the better way to go hands-down with either of these mods. Is there anything I'm missing that would move it more in favor of NiMH?
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