One battery type or different battery types?

[Lumenz]

Right now, my EDC flashlights are all different battery types. In my left pocket is a CR123A light (Ra Clicky), in my right pocket is a CR2 light (Muyshondt Aeon), on my keychain is a AAA light (Peak Eiger) and in my wallet is an LR41 coin light (Firefli).

I had thought about carrying an AA flashlight with me but I would have to replace either the Clicky or the Aeon and I cannot bring myself to relegate either one of them to shelf duty. I am not a fan of the AA form factor or its low energy density so I am reluctant to carry one.

The reason I am even considering carrying an AA flashlight is that if I am in need of a fresh cell and I am nowhere near my stash of batteries, I am out of luck. However, if there is a disaster, I will have no problem finding CR123A or CR2 batteries, whereas the AA batteries will probably be gone.

What are your thoughts on standardizing on battery types? Is it best to have varied batteries or is it better to standardized on a single, common type of battery, such as the AA? Or should I mix my "exotic" battery flashlights with more common cells?

 

[Niconical]

I tried for a while to get all my flashlights on one battery type, the CR123A. I sold (or passed on to family) some AA lights and the only AAA I had at the time, the Fenix L0D. However, then the Fenix TK20 came along and I had to have it. At that point, being back on at least 2 battery types, I was then not restricted in my purchases so I got 2 of the Fenix E20.

My point is this. If you simply need X amount of flashlights for certain tasks, choose a battery, get the lights, job done. However, for us as flashaholics there will always be something new around the corner and the single-battery-type battle is one you're unlikely to ever win, so I would suggest focusing on the spares and how/where you keep them rather than restricting the lights themselves to a single battery type.

I use the batuca cases. They can hold 4xAA, 4xCR123A, or a mix of each. In the various places I have them (bag, car etc, the usuals) I have 2xCR123A and 2xAA in each. That way one of those will always have a refill for my lights, 1xAA, 2xAA, 1xCR123A or 2xCR123A. Having said that though, I only really use 2xCR123A, the Surefire 6P.

If your battery needs are more than just AA/CR123A, you can have 2 of the cases clipped together for a total of 8 slots, and then use some of them for CR2 or AAA with a little foam to stop rattling.

 

[mfm]

However, if there is a disaster, I will have no problem finding CR123A or CR2 batteries, whereas the AA batteries will probably be gone.

That reverse-logic didn't apply during 9/11 or Katrina.

 

[tylernt]

That reverse-logic didn't apply during 9/11 or Katrina.

Yeah I wouldn't count on anything being available in an emergency. Even if customers don't clean a store out of every battery type, the looters will take everything not nailed down. Always keep your own supply!

Me, ongoing costs are a motivator to avoid expensive specialty batteries so I've standardized on AA and AAA. To be honest though, a lot of us probably overestimate the need for a lot of light and lots of flashlight batteries in an emergency. Other than evacuating, which is not likely to take more than one night, what do you really need a lot of light for? If you're sheltering in place, sleep when it gets dark. What is so important that needs to be done during an extended emergency that can't be done during the day? And if you're worried about bands of outlaws looting and shooting, attracting attention to yourself by using a lot of light is exactly what you don't want to do.

Other than a super-bright light for short bursts of 'tactical' use, a low-power long-life flashlight should about do it (and a multi-mode light can do both). Of course you'd want a backup light and a few spare batteries, but really... I don't think you'll be changing batteries more than 1-2 times before some semblance of normal civilization is restored, so I don't think going out to secure more batteries is a realistic scenario -- unless you are unwillingly separated from your vehicle and home. If you're stuck in that situation, you've got bigger problems than looking for flashlight batteries!

Now, if we're talking about total governmental collapse, or roving zombie hordes, then yeah... might be good to be able to use batteries of several different types, just as it would be good to be able to use ammo of several different calibers.

 

[andrewnewman]

Hmm...

My EDC lights are primarily single cell CR123a. For EDC I keep lovingly maintained Li-Ion rechargeables in them. I also keep no fewer than 10 CR123a primaries on hand. If I am going "off grid" I replace the RCR123 with a primary in at least one EDC I designate my "backup light". Under "off grid" (e.g. camping etc...) circumstances my primary light is typically a 2 cell AA with LSD NiMH cells. I carry enough fully charged LSD NiMH cells to accomodate the length of time I will be away from power mains.

When at home, these 2AA lights are the ones that tend to be in the useful spots in the house like my kitchen, workshop etc... I have lots of LSD NiMH and keep them charged and maintained in the event that there is a power outage. In a worst case scenario, once those are expended I have my 10+ lithium 123 primaries to fall back on.

If I am traveling in the winter for an extended period of time I always have one light with lithium primaries in it due to their cold weather tolerance.

I almost never plan to user Alkaline or Lithium AA batteries but acknowledge that if all of my planning falls through it is nice to have lights that will accept them.

 

[Launch Mini]

I tried sticking to just 123's, but I liked other lights that ran on others.
SO, my EDC and main lights ( SPYs & SF) are 123's, so when I take them to the cabin etc, I will take along enough batteries for them.
My "other" lights will also be EDC's but have different batteries. So not packing spared around, but will have some at home. These are more "fun" lights rather than work horses.
On my Xmas list is a couple Pelican cases for storage

 

[Oddjob]

IMO its a good idea to have different kinds so you are not limited. Standardizing is good but in a pinch its good to have options.

 

[bdancer]

I'm pretty new to flashlights, but my hope is to be able to standardize on two battery types: 18650 and AA. Doing so means that I'll miss the small 123 lights, but they seem like an ideal solution for people who want a small but bright EDC. I don't mind an 18650-based light for EDC, and AA fits the bill for backup.

Fewer battery types mean either fewer total batteries or more backup batteries per light... probably the latter. Of course, this strategy is all well and good until a battery unarguably superior to the 18650 comes out... then I'll have to rethink.

 

[moldyoldy]

the disaster scenario is the reason that I picked up a 4Sevens-converted Fenix L1P with the blue-green LED. The night-vision googles generally do not detect that color. "Generally" unless you happen to be one of the special mil-types with night-vision googles that will detect that color....

 

[kcinnick]

Don't under estimate the value of light when you don't have power for days on end. Having gone through Gustav and Katrina losing power for 8 days and 6 days respectively, a light when it is PITCH black everywhere is at the very least comforting. I used a combo of generators, deep cycle batteries with inverters, and hand held flashlights to make do. Generators were mostly for the window A/C and Refrigerator. My most used light was of all things a Coleman Lantern, the thing runs all night on a $1 of fuel.

In an emergency everything is scarce, and I would advise anyone to have multiple light sources available. From LED to fire, you will be thankful when you can't get power for one or the other.

 

[T0RN4D0]

I will try to keep it at at AAs and 18650. Both common batteries, especially AA. CR123s are basically same as 18650, so thats nice too in case i need them.

My workhorse is double AA, because i have plenty of those at home, and you can get alkalines if needed anywhere. And i have a cheap UF that takes 18650, double cr123a or tripple AAA... which could proove usefull.

And i'm seriously considering buying myself a hoby charger and making magnet holder wires for it, that way i could simply charge any battery used in our beloved gadgets. Every format and every chemistry, fast, custom, cell balancing, testing... I'm just waiting too see if i'll have some money left after this christmass, new year, aniversary jumbus. :shakehead

 

[tylernt]

In an emergency everything is scarce, and I would advise anyone to have multiple light sources available. From LED to fire, you will be thankful when you can't get power for one or the other.

True enough. In a pinch you can make a veggie oil light out of household materials:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-oil-burning-candle/
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/Make-Olive-Oil-Lamp.aspx

 

[Yucca Patrol]

I try to purchase outdoor electronics that all use rechargeable AA batteries so that I can always switch them from device to device in a pinch so I can ensure that whatever device I need at the time has power (GPS, weather radio, FRS radio, camera, etc)

As a caver, I've branched out to specialty headlamps that require special rechargeable lithium packs, and so have embraced both CR123's as well as a range or rechargeable lithium battery sizes. Some of this is out of necessity and some of it is to allow me to play with a wider range of flashlight toys.

However, I never enter a cave without an AA powered backup headlamp of some sort. If my lithium packs crap out and for some reason I do not have extra AA's, someone else on the caving trip will have an AA battery I can use to get myself out of the cave.

So I guess my advice for a new flashaholic is to get a couple nice AA lights first. These will become your emergency backups once you move on to using lights that require more expensive rechargeable lithiums or CR123's that require a bit more care and maintenance than basic NiMH rechargeable or alkaline batteries.

 

[alfreddajero]

I like lights which i call convertibles.....like lights that are able to use both AA's and Cr123's by changing the tube. We had a 2 day blackout because of the noreaster that hit us and the only lights that got used were my single celled AA and 2AA lights because of there long runtime on AA format......and my outdoor light was an ITP C6t on two rcr's because it puts out a wall of light to check to see if the car was still in front of the house and didnt just blow away. In my battery case i tend to have more AA's-alkies and lithiums, and use lsds for out and about. This is a great thread sir......nice to see what other members prefer when the lights goes out. Please dont get me wrong i still carry a light on me that uses cr123's but for long runtimes i like to use AA's.