Picking batteries

[Fatvod]

Hey guys its been a while. I decided to jump back into the scene with a Jetbeam BC40 and I had some questions about batteries. This light takes either 4 cr123s or 2 18650 batteries. I was wondering what the best way to go about getting batteries for this light is. Should I buy rechargeables or disposables? What is the downside to rechargables? Should I get 123s or 18650s? What is the difference? Where is the cheapest source for these batteries?

Thanks!

 

[Zenbaas]

Hey guys its been a while. I decided to jump back into the scene with a Jetbeam BC40 and I had some questions about batteries. This light takes either 4 cr123s or 2 18650 batteries. I was wondering what the best way to go about getting batteries for this light is. Should I buy rechargeables or disposables? What is the downside to rechargables? Should I get 123s or 18650s? What is the difference? Where is the cheapest source for these batteries?

Thanks!

I would personally go for some rechargeable protected AW/Redilast 18650 cells. In the longer run it will save you money. Those are the two brand I have read that most people trust on the forums. As for source you can go look in the CPF marketplace (Dealers Corner).

 

[shao.fu.tzer]

Get rechargeables... I'm not really familiar with that light, but I would get some quality cells anyway. Cheap batteries are a good way to blow your hands off... I mean, I still use them, but never in multi-cell applications. LiFePo4 and LiMn cells are your safest bet for multi-cell setups, but you'll need a special
charger for the LiFePo4s. The capacity is generally also lower in cells of these chemistries compared to the basic LiCos that you're going to most commonly run into. That being said, LiFePos charge in what seem like minutes - which is a characteristic that many people don't mention. LiMn cells will give you more current if your light needs it. Any way you choose to go, buy a battery tester or multimeter, let your cells rest for at least 15 minutes, and then check them before putting them in your light. If the discrepancy in voltage is of by more than, I'd say .02V even, I wouldn't pair the cells together.

There are good cheap cells to be found... Just look around and do some research on the forums... Everyone has an opinion...

Shao

 

[yliu]

Rechargeables are more cost effective, and gives you better runtimes than primary CR123s. The only downside is that Li ion tends to explode or "vent" more likely than CR123s.

 

[swan]

The rechargable 18650's are the the way to go. When i got the bc40 the dealer here had the jetbeam 18650 batteries and soshine charger combo, which have been great. After charging i get 4.18 on both and i did notice at no stage did the batteries get warm at all. The aw's seem very good judging by all the the positive feed back . The primaries do not match 18650 run times and are $5 each here in aus. I use rechargables in my other lights also , nothing but positives , highly recommended.

 

[mbreckner]

rechargable is my opinion and as far as the brand goes AW is the way to go and that's not an opinion thats a fact!

 

[HotWire]

Go rechargeable with 18650 batteries for long run times. I use AW, Redilast, and Callie's Kusom batteries. Never had a problem. Get a good charger and 2 sets of batteries and never go cheap. Lithium ion batteries can be dangerous. Learn the safety rules (Google CPF). You'll get plenty of light for a long time. Enjoy your new light!

 

[Quiksilver]

Lots of people here use rechargeables ...

I like to keep it simple and use reputable & high quality primaries. Not too interested in worrying about the issues associated with rechargeables and el cheapo primaries.

SureFire CR123 - More expensive, higher quality
4Sevens CR123 - Less expensive, lower quality (but still effective)

I have experience with the above two, and never had a problem.

 

[Lou Minescence]

Hey guys its been a while. I decided to jump back into the scene with a Jetbeam BC40 and I had some questions about batteries. This light takes either 4 cr123s or 2 18650 batteries. I was wondering what the best way to go about getting batteries for this light is. Should I buy rechargeables or disposables? What is the downside to rechargables? Should I get 123s or 18650s? What is the difference? Where is the cheapest source for these batteries?

Thanks!

Another factor in your decision is how often will you use your light ?

If you are only going to use your light in an emergency, primaries may be best for a long shelf life and low cost.

 

[DM51]

Moving this to the Batteries section.

 

[Chidwack]

I recently had to make the same decision that you are facing. I decided to go with 18650 batteries and I'm glad I did. The mistake I made was working from cheap up to what I needed. If I had it to do all over again, I would have just bought the good batteries in the first place. I have a couple of AW 2900 batteries and love them. I just picked up two Redilast 2900 batteries and tried them out yesterday. Right on par with the AW in my opinion. I don't need as many as you as my lights only take one 18650 but still I have plenty.

Since your light takes two, I recommend that you buy at least 4 batteries. That way you can always have two fresh batteries in your light and two others either charging or ready to go. If you don't want to spend that much money, at least get two good AW or Redilast and two others as backup. For less expensive batteries, the Trustfire 2400 flame wrapper batteries are the best of the inexpensive batteries that I have tried. They give me about 2/3 the burn time that the Redilast and AW do. Make sure you get batteries with the protected circuit. I bought 3 different inexpensive chargers and I use the Ultrafire WF 139 the most. Some have had problems with this charger but it has been good to go so far for me. If money isn't a problem, most folks seem to like the Pila chargers seem to be about as good as it gets.

PS. Don't get sucked into buying the Ultrafire 3000 batteries. They were cheap and I bought several when I bought my first light but they are the worst batteries that I have tried.

 

[deadrx7conv]

Pick batteries based on usage and expectations.

If you use the light regularly(dog walking, bicycling, or working... at night), rechargeables are your best bet. Stick with name brand protected batteries, as already mentioned: AW, Redilast, CalliesKustom.... BTW, the generic batteries are grossly overrated but can still be used.

If the light sits in the glovebox, trunk, or kitchen drawer, indefinitely waiting for that big power outage, then the CR123's are what I'd use.

You can also find CR123's locally if power is out and you can't charge the rechargeables.