What 18650 batteries to run on Maelstrom G5?

Maelstrom G5 V2 being my first 18650 powered flashlight, I went ahead and purchased two Orbtronic 3100mah 18650 batteries a few days ago. Although the first mode group (Max/Strobe/SOS/Beacon) works fine on the flashlight, I found that my second mode group (Max/High/Medium/Moonlight) is missing the high mode due to the Orbtronic 18650 batteries I'm using. I confirmed this by using normal cr123's and found that the High mode was "restored". I am planning on purchasing new 18650's, but was wondering if any Maelstrom G5 owners can shed some light based on experience, which 18650's work with all the modes and which don't for all the mode groups. I have my eyes on AW 2200mah and AW 2900mah so far, because AW seems to be a pretty recognized brand and the store that I am purchasing it from only offers these two 18650's.

Well, I'm not so sure that "any" 18650 will do what you want. 2 x cr123 = 6v. An 18650 = 4.2V, max, typically less during load. I have a G5 S2 (V2 UI) that exhibits the same behaviour. If you want the modes using a rechargeable solution, you may have to consider 2 x rcr 123 that will give 8.4v, max, 7.4v typical, but the total capacity will be less. I use an 18650 and don't miss the other modes at all, but to each his own..

Closet_Flashaholic said:

Well, I'm not so sure that "any" 18650 will do what you want. 2 x cr123 = 6v. An 18650 = 4.2V, max, typically less during load. I have a G5 S2 (V2 UI) that exhibits the same behaviour. If you want the modes using a rechargeable solution, you may have to consider 2 x rcr 123 that will give 8.4v, max, 7.4v typical, but the total capacity will be less. I use an 18650 and don't miss the other modes at all, but to each his own..

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Sorry, I am a bit confused by your last line. You said that the 18650 doesn't miss the other modes at all. Do you mean that it has the same problem as mine but all of the other modes are working, or do you mean that it has no problems at all?

Mine has the same "problem" as yours. I just don't care, as I don't use those modes. Sorry for the confusion.

Oh no, the confusion was on my part. I was about to buy another pair of 18650's and probably would've ended up with the same problem. Thank you for answering my question and saving me some bucks haha.

I dont have an 18650 to test but I have no missing modes on mine using an AW 17670. You're using a button top 18650?

weez82 said:

I dont have an 18650 to test but I have no missing modes on mine using an AW 17670. You're using a button top 18650?

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Yes, the Orbtronic 3100mah 18650's I'm using are button tops. It is a pain in the buttocks switching modes when I'm missing high mode because I basically have to make a full half turn from max to medium 4 times to switch into the next mode set, instead of 4 quarter turns as stated in the manual. Like I said though, I popped in cr123's into my flashlight and high mode was restored, making mode switching a lot easier!

Your high mode issue has nothing to do with a 18650 brand.
AW, and Orbtronic are the same 18650 cells (Panasonic inside).
Orbtronic is showing even better results on tests by HKJ so no problems there.

I would rather look into 4.2V fully charged 18650 vs. 6V 2x CR123 (or 8.4V 2x16340)

Sorry for being ignorant, but how would 4.2V fully charged 18650 vs. 6V 2x CR123 (or 8.4V 2x16340) help alleviate the issue? Isn't the Orbtronic 3100's 4.2V fully charged?

space-cowboy said:

Your high mode issue has nothing to do with a 18650 brand.
AW, and Orbtronic are the same 18650 cells (Panasonic inside).
Orbtronic is showing even better results on tests by HKJ so no problems there.

I would rather look into 4.2V fully charged 18650 vs. 6V 2x CR123 (or 8.4V 2x16340)

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adhesivehandle said:

Sorry for being ignorant, but how would 4.2V fully charged 18650 vs. 6V 2x CR123 (or 8.4V 2x16340) help alleviate the issue? Isn't the Orbtronic 3100's 4.2V fully charged?

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No problem,

Let me ask you this?

Do you really think that another 18650 cell will solve your problem, or there is something within your flashlight?

You said AW. AW red vs. Orbtronic blue test at 5A:

I'm not quite sure of the logistics shown on the graph, but judging from the two curves I'm guessing they are quite similar and the differences are negligible? Can you please elaborate?

adhesivehandle said:

I'm not quite sure of the logistics shown on the graph, but judging from the two curves I'm guessing they are quite similar and the differences are negligible? Can you please elaborate?

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Blue line is better of course (less initial voltage drop at 5 Amp. load, etc.), but that is not the point.

My point is that going for another 18650 will not solve your problem.

You can try, and let us know.

I would contact flashlight manuf. first, and ask them directly, if maybe IMR 18650 battery needs to be used for your flashlight.

Not a battery issue.....the G5 should be good from 2.7-12v(I don't own one though). Either contact the manufacturer for clarification or get a RMA. It should be happy running on a LifePo4 @ ~3.37v!

space-cowboy is just trying to show that the base cell between the two batteries in ? are essentially the same....and defending what has been called out....unjustifiably.

SCD said:

Not a battery issue.....the G5 should be good from 2.7-12v(I don't own one though). Either contact the manufacturer for clarification or get a RMA. It should be happy running on a LifePo4 @ ~3.37v!

space-cowboy is just trying to show that the base cell between the two batteries in ? are essentially the same....and defending what has been called out....unjustifiably.

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Exactly

AW = Orbtronic
Panasonic = Panasonic