Trying to get smart on rechargeables..what am I missing?

[zx7dave]

This is primarily aimed at SureFire lights and the protected rechargeables for sale at Lighthound.
Here is what I think I know...I welcome any comments.
Rechargeable batteries that will fit a SureFire without it being bored.
17500, 14500 (apx legnth of 1 1/2 CR123 batteries)
17670, 14670 (apx legnth of 2 CR123 batteries)
Then we have the 18mm diameter batteries which are 18500 (apx legnth of 1 1/2 CR123 batteries), and 18650 (apx legnth of 2 CR123 batteries). A Typical SureFire body would have to be bored out for these to fit.
All the batteries have a peak voltage of 4.2V, but underload usually run at 3.7V.
The mAh go as follows...
17500 - 1100mAh
17670 - 1600mAh
18500 - 1300mAh
18650 - 2200mAh
14500 - 750mAh
14670 - 1100mAh
So having owned none of these batteries I assume that 17670 are the most desirable for non bored 2 and 4 cell SureFires, and the 17500 are the most desirable for the 3 cell SureFires. And for the bored out versions you would use 18650 for the 2 and 4 cell lights and 18500 for teh 3 cell lights.
I am guessing that since the normal CR123 battery is 16mm diameter, then the 17500, 17670, 14500, and 14670 are either 16mm or 17mm. I am assuming that a 17mm battery will fit in most SureFires (except maybe E bodies) since the normal CR123's actually fit a little loose.
So what I don't know (assuming the above is correct) is where the 14500 and 14670 come into play? They have low mAh, and would seem to discharge quickly in applications like flashlights. Any comments?
So please make me smarter by correcting what I have gotten wrong, and adding what I missed. Hopefully this will be a good thread for new guys like myself trying to get smart on rechargeables.

 

[spoonrobot]

14500 + 14670 are AA battery sized.

Referenced here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=140362

*** The 5 digit number is deciphered like : 18650 = 18mm ( diameter ) X 65mm ( length ) where the last ' 0 ' stands for cylindrical cell

 

[Glen C]

Dave, Spoonrobot is right, 14500 will also rattle a lot. For your unbored Surefire you need a 17670 or a 17500.

 

[bridgman]

I did read about a couple of cases where specific Surefire models (Ultra ?) were deliberately made a bit too small for 17xxx to prevent using rechargeables, and so the owners used 14670 to get around the "prevention".

I assume they wrapped something around the cell to prevent rattle ?

 

[zx7dave]

This is great info. I understand a lot more with the formula below. Thanks for all the other info as well. I think I am onteh right track now...


*** The 5 digit number is deciphered like : 18650 = 18mm ( diameter ) X 65mm ( length ) where the last ' 0 ' stands for cylindrical

 

[zx7dave]

As far as the 14500 + 14670 that are AA battery sized. Are either of these direct replacement for one AA and the other double legnth?

 

[benighted]

As far as the 14500 + 14670 that are AA battery sized. Are either of these direct replacement for one AA and the other double legnth?

actually the 14500 is the exact size of a AA. A 14670 is 1.5 times as long as a AA.

A 17670 is about the same length and width as 2x 123a lithium batteries

2x 17500's is the same length and width as 3x 123a lithium batteries and will run the same 9v bulb

I hope this info helps

 

[DM51]

With these batteries the first 2 figures is the diameter in mm, the 3rd & 4th figure is the length. The last "0" just means it is cylindrical. So 18650 = 18mm diameter, 65mm long cylindrical cell.

CR123A by this designation would be 16340; however to try to avoid confusion this format is usually only applied to Li-Ion rechargeables (but 123-size Li-Ions are mostly called RCR123s or some other variation with R in front).

Actual sizes of batteries vary quite a lot from one manufacturer to another. For example Wolf Eyes batteries are a bit bigger than most other brands and won't fit in some lights (WE have their own size-names too - 18650 = 168A, 18500 = 150A).

Enough to drive you crazy, huh?

 

[zx7dave]

All good info. Think I have enough knowledge know to make a informed decision. Thanks guys!