question about batteries

[LJUSMC]

I know this has probably been asked to death, and I apologize for that...

...But I currently have a Fenix TK11 and and incoming Thrunite Catapult V2. I understand both will run on either CR123's or 18650's. Now, I'm no stranger to the 123's and know that they're expensive but work well.

On the other hand I know absolutely nothing about 18650's. So, what type should I get that would work well in both my TK11 and Thrunite catapult? I went over to lighthound and was checking out their AW 18650's and they come in 2200,2600,2900, and 3100 mAh...

1) What is a mAh?
2) which mAh should I get for the best performance in my flashlights?
3) recommend me a charger that won't fall apart or explode within a reasonable amount of time
4) should I look at any particular brands other than AW?

I'm kinda new here at CPF... but I have been an active participant in various watch-related forums for many years and know how frustrating it can be to have to deal with a "noob," and for that I apologize.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

I know this has probably been asked to death, and I apologize for that...

...But I currently have a Fenix TK11 and and incoming Thrunite Catapult V2. I understand both will run on either CR123's or 18650's. Now, I'm no stranger to the 123's and know that they're expensive but work well.

On the other hand I know absolutely nothing about 18650's. So, what type should I get that would work well in both my TK11 and Thrunite catapult? I went over to lighthound and was checking out their AW 18650's and they come in 2200,2600,2900, and 3100 mAh...

1) What is a mAh?
2) which mAh should I get for the best performance in my flashlights?
3) recommend me a charger that won't fall apart or explode within a reasonable amount of time
4) should I look at any particular brands other than AW?

I'm kinda new here at CPF... but I have been an active participant in various watch-related forums for many years and know how frustrating it can be to have to deal with a "noob," and for that I apologize.

mAh is the capacity of a cell. How many 'electrons' it can hold...similar to a 12oz beer, or a gallon bucket at 128oz.

We're at 3400 mAh for the newest and 'best' 18650 cells. 3100 mAh was the standard going back a few months. Next are 3000 mAh, then 2900 mAh then...ehh 2600 mAh.

Panasonic makes the 3400s, 3100s, 2900s, and 2600s. They are probably the industry leader. Samsung/LG make I think the 3000s. They're excellent, but maybe just behind the Pannies.

I use a little Xtar WP2 II charger, that does two cells at once, as well as smaller cells down to the 16340s (CR123 size) and charges at 1 amp and 500 mA. Their new SP2 is also a 2 bay charger, which gets good marks and charges at 2A, 1A and 500mA, but it doesn't have a USB out to charge your cell phone, or iPod type device.

18650s have really come of age in the past 12 months. Most use the Panasonic cells, but offer protection, which you should utilize for multi cell lights.

Right now, we have AW, Redilast, CalliesKustom, EagleTac, Orbtronics, International Outdoors, EnerPower, JetBeam, Fenix, Keeppower and a few others.

These guys are all rebranders and take the Samsung, LG and Panasonic cells, add a protection (PCB) circuit (protected cells) and market their offerings to the public. You really can't go wrong with any of them.

AWs were the Babe Ruth of cells a couple/few years ago, but others have hit the market at cheaper prices, so it's a matter of budget.

I have two Panasonic 3100s, that come in unprotected form and I only use these in single cell lights. I also have a couple of EagleTac 3100s, which have protection built in and I could use these in multi cell lights, if I had any.

$15 per cell is a decent price, $20 per cell is getting up there. My ETs cost me about $22 shipped, for a pair and that was a good deal a year ago, but they're a bit more than that, now. My unprotected Pannie 3100s cost me $19 shipped for a pair, so they're a bit less.

Whatever you buy, buy protected cells for your TK11.

Chris

 

[TEEJ]

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Good advice.

I'll add that Xtar also makes a 6 bay charger (WP6 II) that can do the same as their 2 bay charger, but 6 cells at a time....and it was highly rated.

A lot of us get a first charger to charge the number of cells in our first light to take rechargeables...but soon find we have a lot of lights, and need to charge more cells at a time for the sake of efficiency. To that end, I suggest starting with a 6 bay charger to avoid getting a 2 bay, and then another 2 bay, and so forth.

The Xtar can charge multiples at the same time, so I might have RCR123's next to 18650's, and it takes care of all of them simultaneously.

:D