upgrading a WE "Defender" to use rechargables?

[Bushman5]

ok i've come to conclusion that in the last three nights i have used over 20 pairs of CR123A's in my W.E< "Defender light. i'm done, pocket book is empty, i cant afford this light in its current state, let alone its bigger brother i also got, the WE M100 (M90 body, M100 head, 4 x CR123A's). I use the light all night for random building, grounds patrol, as well as when i'm out cycling at night (repairs, blinding junkies who want to ripoff my bike etc).

What do i need to convert the WE DEFENDER from 2 CR123A;s to rechargeables?

so far i understand that the WE "defender" lamp assembly is 6V, and that i will most likely need to swap it out for a LED lamp to be able to use rechargables.

- Which LED "drop in" should i use? i would like 100% brightness and strobe only...is that possible?

- Which rechargeable's do i need?

- best prices? (i'm extremely broke at this point....:sick2: )

I would prefer NiMH batteries, i've heard too many things about Li ion rechargeable's, or dont understand the circumstances about them....i'm NOT someone who understands electronics. i'm used to buying packs of C and D batts, not these little batts.

humbly requesting info. :sigh:

 

[edc3]

Hi Bushman5,

I have a WE Sniper, which I think is pretty much the same light without the strike bezel. You will not be able to run it on NiMHs batteries. This LED from Wolf Eyes has 170 lumens, 100% and strobe and will take either one 3.7 volt 18650 or 2 of the newer 3 volt LifePo4 rechargeables. I don't think you can run it on two 3.7 volt rechargeable CR123A as that would be 7.4 volts total. Maybe someone with a little more battery knowledge than I have can expound. I have run my Sniper on one protected 18650. The run time is great, but it is a little dimmer than on CR123A primaries. The LifePo4 is touted as a newer, safer chemistry which will not vent or explode. This is what I'm currently using in my Sniper. I'm very happy with them. The only downside is that I only get about 40 minutes of runtime on a charge. Spend some time reading the "batteries included" sub forum. Lithium batteries, especially unprotected cells, can be dangerous. Good luck!

Don

 

[j3bnl]

I have the Defender II and run mine on 1 LRB-168A wolf eyes battery.
Save yourself some $$$ and get the CH-02 charger and a spare battery to extend your runtime.
You dont get full power and strobe only, you will need to get the 4 mode cree drop in if you want strobe or settle for the 2 mode hi and lo.
For the best prices try Glen C (quarterflash) or Mike @pts I am sure one of these gentlemen will do you a very good deal on a charger and a couple of batteries.

 

[Bushman5]

well, after reading all these fine posts, and perusing the specs on PTS and Wolf-Eyes, i have decided that a simple switch to this bulb http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=6360 will increase the run time alone. (using lithium CR123's), and give me my much wanted strobe function (with all the junkies in my catchment area, the strobe function alone will pay for the bulb)

thanks for all the help on this.

 

[edc3]

Good luck! Don't forget to get the CPF discount on your order.

 

[GilmoreD]

CR123A's for .79 cents each.
http://store.botachtactical.com/nabccr123.html

Dave