Why did Fenix abandon the 26650 based flashlights?

[wjv]

Why did Fenix abandon the 26650 based flashlights?

The FD40 replacement (FD41) no longer support the 26650 battery. It only takes the 18650.
By all accounts the FD40 was a well liked flashlight that supported both the 26650 and the 18650 cells.

Seems like there is a lot of potential with the 26650 batteries.

Just sort of sad to see them go this way.

 

[Thom2022]

But with 20700's now being battery manufacturers new focus and then having a huge capacity for their size then if they abandon 26650 lights to develop 20700 lights (speculation) then surely this is a more favourable direction due to the smaller form factor.

 

[filibuster]

Fenix just came out with the 26650 PD40R which is the new USB rechargeable and 3000 lumen version of the older discontinued PD40 so they still have one model moving forward in the format.

I'm not sure the FD40's market niche was actually with the 26650 but more with the focusable optics and the move to the FD41 plays into a bigger and more popular 18650 market.

 

[wjv]

Fenix just came out with the 26650 PD40R which is the new USB rechargeable and 3000 lumen version of the older discontinued PD40 so they still have one model moving forward in the format.

Sadly the PD40 is all flood and little throw. . Unlike the FD40

 

[Tac Gunner]

The to be released TK65R is 26650 based

 

[wjv]

But with 20700's now being battery manufacturers new focus and then having a huge capacity for their size then if they abandon 26650 lights to develop 20700 lights (speculation) then surely this is a more favourable direction due to the smaller form factor.

Except it seems that the 20700 batteries are still a couple years out. The Tesla/Panasonic plant is ramping up, but most of their initial production will be going to Tesla. Probably be a couple years before we can get our hands on any 20700's with the new chemistry. BatteryJunction, for example, doesn't have a single 20700 battery for sale.

 

[SubLGT]

Except it seems that the 20700 batteries are still a couple years out. The Tesla/Panasonic plant is ramping up, but most of their initial production will be going to Tesla. Probably be a couple years before we can get our hands on any 20700's with the new chemistry. BatteryJunction, for example, doesn't have a single 20700 battery for sale.

Other vendors have been selling the Panasonic/Sanyo 20700 cells for a least a month now. HKJ has tested some.
The Tesla battery from the gigafactory will be a 21700, and is in production now.

 

[hahoo]

yeh, but what will they fit, thats being made now ?

 

[SubLGT]

yeh, but what will they fit, thats being made now ?

Custom built flashlights right now. See: http://budgetlightforum.com/node/52184

What mainstream manufacturer came to market first with a 18650 powered flashlight?