2xRCR123 -VS- 18650 in a P60/6P type light

kramer5150

Flashaholic
Joined
Sep 6, 2005
Messages
6,328
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Curious...
what are the pros and cons of a single 18650 setup versus a 2xRCR123 config in a 6P type light?

TIA:wave:
 

Hypnosis4U2NV

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Feb 11, 2008
Messages
51
Curious...
what are the pros and cons of a single 18650 setup versus a 2xRCR123 config in a 6P type light?

TIA:wave:

If I had to guess here, Id say this..

18650 will give longer run time but lower output while 2xRCR123A's will give a higher output but lower runtime.. Also 18650 may not fit in some 6P bodies..
 

WadeF

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
4,181
Location
Perkasie, PA
18650 should have more energy than two R123's, so as long as the circuit is optimized for each battery type to deliver the same output the 18650 should have more run time.

Dereelight has pills that have been optimized for use with 18650's, and two R123's can't be used as they could fry the circuit.
 

roymail

Enlightened
Joined
Mar 13, 2007
Messages
696
Location
Lone Star State
I think the idea is to match the voltage requirements of the pill to the type battery used. A wide voltage range like 3-12v, for example, will benefit more from RCR123's as they provide more voltage (7.4v) resulting in the pill remaining in regulation until the voltage drops out. A single 17670 or 18650 (3.7V) would be better suited for a Dereelight P60 dropin specifically designed to run in regulation at lower voltages (2.8-4.2v). Otherwise, what's already been said applies as well. :D
 

PhantomPhoton

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
3,116
Location
NV
18650 are superior in every way. :grin2:

Well okay almost... the only times 2xCR123 is better is for very cold weather iirc, and when you can't recharge an 18650 but do have access to primaries.

The problem is that most manufacturers go the "easier" buck circuit route instead of spending the time for a nice driver. But that will change eventually I hope.
 

kramer5150

Flashaholic
Joined
Sep 6, 2005
Messages
6,328
Location
Palo Alto, CA
18650 are superior in every way. :grin2:

Well okay almost... the only times 2xCR123 is better is for very cold weather iirc, and when you can't recharge an 18650 but do have access to primaries.

The problem is that most manufacturers go the "easier" buck circuit route instead of spending the time for a nice driver. But that will change eventually I hope.

What does "buck circuit" mean?... is that the kind of circuit where Vin=Vout?

Thanks & thanks to all who reply!!
 

roymail

Enlightened
Joined
Mar 13, 2007
Messages
696
Location
Lone Star State
First, an 18mm (18650) won't fit in a 6P but a 17670 will. With either of these in a light using a module w/buck circuit, it starts out bright then slowly decreases in brightness over time. However, RCR123's will remain in regulation giving constant brightness but with reduced runtime.
 
Top