Which batteries for the zebralight sc60?

[leon2245]

I'm thinking about trying rechargeable batteries, and understand some new technologies are safer, & take much longer to deplete when stored fully charged. Are any 18650 size rechargeables of this type?

If my priorities are 1) the safest, 2) drains the slowest while not in use, and 3) has the longest lifespan, taking the greatest number of charges before it starts losing capacity, which setup would you recommend for this Zebralight?

 

[cistallus]

Your post reads like you already have a ZL SC60 and want to change from primary to rechargeable batteries. ZebraLight says the only battery the SC60 takes is a 18650. Are you currently running it on something else?

Anyway, best batteries IMO are AW 18650 (2200mAh). Look for AW in the CPF Marketplace, or at many of the CPF-favored dealers who also carry his batteries. Actually according to a major SC60 thread, it will even take the higher-capacity AW flat-top 2600mAh batteries - but if you plan to get more lights (and even if you don't, you probably will the regular AW batteries will be compatible with more lights.

 

[leon2245]

Your post reads like you already have a ZL SC60 and want to change from primary to rechargeable batteries.

No. Buying an SC60 will be dependent upon finding an acceptable rechargeable setup, as they are the only batteries you may use in this light (without buying a fake "spacer" battery).

 

[VidPro]

"safe" the li-fe type of li-ion is concidered safest, the IMR type is the next inline for safe, but the IMR are often found unprotected.

unprotected li-ions of the li-fe variety i would concider "safer" than even a protected normal li-ion, but then again shorted out they are powerfull. li-fe are lower voltage, and much less capacity (this week)
IMR are the next inline for safe, and they are often found unprotected again , they have adequite capacity but not most capacity, and again shorted they are very powerfull.

a "protected" normal li-ion is much safer than an un-protected, protection meaning the added curcuit on them that stops too low of discharge, too high of charge, and shorting.
a good quality li-ion treated correctally, and protected (which is part of treating it correct in the light) is not "unsafe". but then again protected or not it can be inticed into blowing the end off of a zebra or worse.

all of them will hold a charge put into them for a very very long time, until aged or failing.
the li-FE should have the longest Time life and cycle life, the normal li-ion can have a short TIME life from 2years to as high as 10years depending on the quality of the original build of the cell item, assume 2-3years for the stuff people are buying.
a li-fe should cope with 500-1000 full recharge cycles , a li-ion from as low as 30, to as high as about 500. the ones with the low cycles probably the same junk that dont last Time.

the safest thing is learning what to do, how to and not to treat it, following proper procedure, proper charging, and all, for any of them.
might be a good time to drop into the Stickies http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=133440
and learn some stuff.

I would be using a good quality protected li-ion cell in that item, just because i am not going to give on capacity vrses safety.
but
before i stuffed any battery on my head, i would know what is going on. check test, meter it, have an idea of its age , build, capacity, any visable damage.
Insure simple things like insulation is on and correct, it fits without crushing it or rubbing or tearing the insulation. and i have a charger that treats it well.
if i experience rumbling or gassing, or abnormal heating, or abnormal light output , it would be removed from my head, and kept away from my person, wherein i will investigate Later.
When i do all that, the chance of it ever being a problem is very very very low.

 

[psychbeat]

get AW2900s FTW

 

[leon2245]

before i stuffed any battery on my head, i would know what is going on. check test, meter it, have an idea of its age , build, capacity, any visable damage.

Acknowledged. Don't think I'm ready for all that a rechargeable set up entails just yet. Maybe when I'm feeling more adventurous I'll get the meter & everything I need to do it safely, then order some of the AW's as recommended.

In the meantime I'll stick with what I have, & wait on their sc51 to try a Zebra-Light.

 

[cistallus]

I wouldn't worry about it - it's likely you already carry Lithium Ion cells next to your body - in your cell phone.

Just get a pair of AW protected 18650 2200mAh and a WF-139 charger - a very popular combination. Take the battery out when the charger indicates charged. Don't run them all the way down in the light (top them off any time - it's not like old NiCad batteries where you had to cycle them right). That's the sum of using them.

I too wish the SC60 could take primaries - only reason I don't already have one - and never will until they address that.