STEER CLEAR Of Weird Batteries

[L3]

Insofar as LED flashlights are concerned, my definition of 'weird batteries' is any power cell that isn't one of the following: AAA, AA, C, or D. The rest are not cost effective and often not readily available. If a flashlight is powered by batteries in one of these four configurations, it passes the 'battery test'.

Meeting the 'battery test' ought to be viewed as an essential basic requirement for the common sense flashlight buyer. A 'cool light', with some great features, but failing the battery test, should be viewed as a DUD. Button cells may be occasionally OK for a throw away, and/or little used, miniature pocket light. They are; however, not for serious use.

Flashlight designers who build their flashlight configurations around around flaky, strange, and/or expensive batteries are either missing some critically important brain cells or they think the consumer suffers from such an affliction. With readily availabe LED driver circuits, the need for weird cells with high (such as 3V) terminal voltages is not justified.

Many enthusiasts are well aware of the importance of the 'battery test' and, yet, apparently many others are not. The rule, simply stated, should be, "Don't buy LED flashlights, unless they pass <font color="red"> the battery test! </font>

 

[Size15's]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

 

[DanMan4142]

what about 123's? you can get them for $1-$1.25 each and some of the coolest LED lights use them.

 

[Size15's]

Those who use 123A powered LED flashlights are the rebel enthusiasts it would appear. In which case, since I have almost 70 123A powered flashlights I must be a mega rebel!!

Al

 

[jtr1962]

I'll second not buying anything with non-standard batteries, and not just for flashlights. Basically unless there are size constraints that require button cells, I don't see why something should require non-standard batteries. Another drawback to non-standard batteries is the fact that rechargeable versions aren't always readily available. If something is used often, it makes no sense at all to use disposable batteries. For example, I personally don't understand the popularity of flashlights based on lithium 123 cells. These aren't rechargeable, aren't cheap (AA NiMHs cost about the same), and aren't that easy to find.

 

[Kiessling]

CR123 are standard batteries, for price (see above) as well as availability. Since they are used in cameras, every country with at least a little tourism does sell those if need should arise ...

And recheargables have a lot of drawbacks, too, but that is another matter to discuss ...

bernhard

P.S.: if you want the best, you have to be prepared to sacrifice some $$ on the way. If you want standard, standard is what you will get.

Rebel-Al then from now on ... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Topper]

I can remember when CR123's were on my "Weird" list. Might be 50 to 100 laying around here now.
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[naromtap]

Indeed CR123's MUST be filed in the non-weird folder as surely the beauty of them is the 3V in such a small package, which in turn keeps the lights more EDC able - thats how I've always viewed them anyway!?

 

[LifeNRA]

I remember seeing some "weird" flashlights one time. They did not look or operate anything like my "standard" maglites and cheap plastic flashlights. People said why would anyone want to buy those when these have been good enough for so long. And here I am /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

 

[BentHeadTX]

I stand clear of weird batteries since my travels dictate world travel. Hang out in say, Egypt and ponder were to get button cells or 123a batteries.

My two EDC lights use "normal" batteries. The Arc AAA uses an AAA and BB500 R2H minimag draws off of two 2200mAH AA cells. It can also run on alkaline, lithium AA and carbon AA batteries in a pinch.

For general use, 123a is fine as long as you buy the batteries online and stock them. In a pinch, run to the store and plunk down $5 each for the puppies if it is important.

Jumping across the pond again next month for 4 months. My main lights will be the keychain Arc AAA, lanyard mount Arc AA for walking around and reading. The BB500 R2H minimag at my side and a MicroIlluminator AAA in my tool pouch. If RED is called for, my other lanyard comes out with an Arc AAA and Peak AA 5 LED hanging from it.

If I need an ultralong throw light, the 2D Mag with MM+ R2H running around 3 watts through the reflector. Remove the head and have a huge flood beam for card games. My "card game light" runs off 11,000mAH NiMH D cells.

The 4 other people coming with me wanted some lights that used their "standard" battery, the AA cell. Streamlight Jr. Luxeon 2AA for bright white duties and Peak AA 3 red LED light for blackout (dimmable with electrical tape!) Since they don't get into bringing a dozen flashlights with them, the Peak will be used for walking around with the Streamlight Jr. for more power.

I will be bringing one light with me that uses a weird battery. A coin cell ultraviolet light. It's job will be brief checks to see if scorpions are in my boots etc at night. 10 seconds a day equals 21 minutes of use over 4 months. I plan on bringing a spare battery in case some nut goes scorpion hunting with it.

Weird batteries are fine when not using them for long periods of time in other countries. Heck, if you use a powerful light for hours a day... weird batteries are the non-rechargable types!

 

[greenLED]

Hey L3, that's a pretty strong position! A good one too, I might add. Personally, I'm open to any battery type that's able to do the job I need them to do. I share BentHeadTX's position needing "standard" batteries when traveling to a lot of the places I go. For the time being, however, I am also in the position to obtain 123's and carry them with me wherever I go. I guess it'll all depend on your needs and where you are/how long you'll be there/what's available where you are & go. My 2 cents.

 

[PhotonBoy]

123s make sense only in the U.S.

 

[Kiessling]

ahem?
so my 123s do not make sense then? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
bernhard

 

[MR Bulk]

Uh-oh L3, then I suppose ya absolutely REFUSE ta even LOOKIT rechargeables, eh? Ah mean, they's even Weirder than weird! No gettin' ta throw'em out, HAVE to use'em agin, and some is even (OMG, blasphemy!) ONE-AN'-A-HALF times the length of them Other already weird batteries, th' alien-lookin' 123 kind! Them's like pygmy D's, ah tell ya!!! And some don't even gots no nubbins on'em neither! So just how in the hayull kin ya tayull which sides is the pluses 'er the minuses? And the worst thang is -- they comes with a big black SKUH-WARE BOX! With a long war ya gots ta plug in a wall socket!!! How weeyurd izzat???!!!

Nope, ya better be safe'n stay with them pallets a D's, C's and AA's ya got stockpiled, and when yer feelin' REELY wild, go buy yerself some -- AAA's!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif


Well, obviously my meds have kicked in...but seriously, I do believe that 123s are quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception. When you consider that name-brand AAs can be about a half-buck each and it takes two of them to approximate the output of a CR123 which can be had for about a buck (BatteryStation and other vendors) or $1.25 (SureFire) apiece, it becomes a no-brainer to design a light around the smaller form factor (although I do somewhat agree when it comes to CR2 and N and even AAAA batteries, as they are not likely to be readily available at your friendly local Iraqi corner drugstore).

JMHO!

 

[PhotonBoy]

Kiessling: "so my 123s do not make sense then?"

Here's a simple question that will cast light on what I mean -- would you give a light that uses 2 x 123 cells to a relative?

I almost bought my brother a light like that, but decided against it, since I knew he wouldn't be able to find a convenient, affordable source quickly anywhere in Canada.

 

[JonSidneyB]

I been weird for some time. I guess most of us are weird.

 

[raggie33]

let me tell ya all a story it may realy help ya out some day

 

[CraigF]

You know L3, I totally agree with you, from a strictly cost perspective that is. In Canada, even AAAs are not worth it, cost much more for the same brand as AAs, but with less than half the mah. A 123 light would become just a decoration were it not for importing cheap cells. But I don't mind going to the trouble of getting 123s for special lights, just part of being prepared. Too bad I can't ever see carrying a D light in my pocket, that would be the best deal for us cheap *******s.

 

[eebowler]

Carry it on your belt insead.

 

[Topper]

Might want to take another look at recharging what ever flavor you choose.
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif