What is a 14500 Li-ion battery?

All of a sudden this seems to be the in-vogue battery. What's so special about it? Does it replace AA batteries? Can it be a replacement for any flashlight?

I see this type of battery mentioned a lot, but I can't find much information about it. Please help. Thanks.

Michael

AA sized 3.7V lithium ion cell ... fits any flashlight that can handle the higher voltage

Thanks. Now the answer begs the question -- which flashlights handle the higher voltage? Also, where can one buy these batteries?

Is there a list of flashlights that can be used safely with this battery?

Figure, most incand lights won't be able to handle switching from alkaline AAs to LiIons without also switching the bulb.

Most single (Luxeon or 5mm) LED lights that don't have a Cree or SSC probably won't be ble to handle switching to the LiIon. A lot of, but not all, multi 5mm LED lights that take a single AA cell will be able to deal with the extra voltage.

The Cree lights are hit and miss and there are a few non-Crees that can take the extra voltage.

This is in no way actual advice... just a general rule of thumb. It would probably be best to ask about specific lights.