18350 vs 18500 batteries - size vs utility - the poll

Poll: Which battery size would you prefer given the specified assumptions?

A) 18350 given: 1) same overall external flashlight dimensions as a regular 123 model, 2) 45% increase in tactical runtime (79 vs 55 minutes on high setting) using IMR 18350 rated at 800mAh compared to IMR 123 rechargeable rated at 550mAh and 3) shorter tactical runtimes (79 vs 102 minutes on high setting) compared to primary 123 batteries.

B) 18500 given: 1) increase the flashlight length from 94mm (3.7") to 112mm (4.4") compared to the 123 model with other external dimensions remaining unchanged, 2) much better tactical runtimes (153 vs 102 minutes) compared to 123 primary batteries when using ICR 18500 batteries rated at 1500mAh and 3) better tactical runtimes (112 vs 102 minutes) compared to 123 primary batteries when using IMR 18500 batteries rated at 1100mAh.

C) Neither size is of interest to me. If you prefer a size other than 123, please explain in the thread.

A. 18350. For a pocket carry light, length matters

I agree with SOYCD. I would rather go all the way up to a 18650 rather than 18500.

Henry - glad to see you posting this thread and seeking input.

A)

AW 18350 cells are now being offered in 800mAh capacity so the benefits are getting even better than the numbers mentioned. My reasoning is that when you go up to the 18500 size you might as well go the extra 15mm up to a 18650 cell for more than double the capacity. I like the current small size of the HDS lights and would like to optimize rechargeable runtime.

A. 18350, I agree length matters, also, using the Nitecore EC11 as an example: being able to have the ability to run both 16340's and 18350's in "standard" configuration and also to be able to add a single extender and run 18650's gives a light the ability to be the perfect tool for multiple circumstances. I also concur with SOYCD that if you add the length for an 18500, I would just as soon have an 18650 with the increase in runtime. I am saving up for my first HDS light. If there was one that had the dual platform of 16340/18350 it would be my first choice.

I voted neither, which means that I'm going to stay out of this one

While 18500 is an intriguing size (same length as an AA/14500), they are way in the background as regards what is a popular cell.

Like Shine-on said, for just a little bit more you can have Much More - 18650.


Edit: I should have mentioned that I have lights in 16340, 18350, and 18650 - No 18500 (if you ask me, it is Stupid to make a light for 16340/CR123 Only - Bore that sucker out so that we can fit a 18350 - Provide a sleeve of course for the 16mm size). - CR123 ONLY does NOT compute unless your Boss gives you all you want for Free

Thanks, Henry for your poll...
-Chuck

18500 ... the 123A/350 size is a little too small to get a comfortable grip.

I have 18650/19670 tubes, which are great, too. But personally I would rather have an 18500 option than an 18350 option ....

I'd like an 18350 capable tube, and a corresponding length removable nylon or plastic sleeve allowing CR123/ RCR123/ IMR123 use as I have and use all of the aforementioned cells. Or, step right up to 18650.

i voted neither. never saw the reason to use any li-ion rechargeables except 18650.
i use primaries for all my single CR123 lights. those lights are usually used on lower settings, so i can go well over a month before changing batteries.

my work/task lights use single 18650. those lights are used on high mostly, and the 18650 are just so much superior than other size li-ions.

Between the two I'd go for (A), the 18350 tube is more versatile, 16340s and primaries still fit. My understanding would be the 18500 tube wouldn't allow the use of the shorter 16340/cr123 and a single AA would fit but not have the required voltage. Now if the latter is incorrect and 16340s/cr123s can still be used in the 18500 tube then I'd op for the 18500 as it would be more versatile (and I'm not sure why this couldn't work with a strong collapsable spring similar to a pistol magazine).

18500 gives the best of both world's of size and runtime.

18500...if in a wide voltage 0.9-4.2v boost/buck driven light, then use adapters/spacers to use AA/14500s and CR123/16340s similar to the Peak Logan 17500.

Otherwise, I'd prefer the shorter length with an 18350 in HDS's current 2.7-4.2v config.

I will say A. 18350..

I vote 18350. I like the size of my HDSs as they are, but a little added runtime is nice since I have both 16340s and 18350s. With a delrin sleeve or something, we could still use the 16340s and CR123s. Frankly, the springs are probably stiff enough to hold the cells tight without rattle even without a sleeve but it's nice to have. I have an Armytek that is sized so that it takes 16340 and 18350 and I like the flexibility.

PS: It's fun having you around again Henry. :thumbsup:

3400mAh 18650

"One Cell to Rule Them All"

Easy call, neither. 18650 is simply SO much better than either of the "baby" cells of the same width. Whether you want the most lumens in a direct drive light, or the highest capacity, 18650 is just in a different league. And given that the switch, springs, driver, reflector, and LED are all going to be more or less the same for any of those sizes, it doesn't add as much size as you might expect. Sure, if you REALLY need a smaller light for your use, go with 18350...but just realize you are giving up brightness, and runtime, and must charge MUCH more often, and you are using second-rate battery tech.

I only have 18650 cells but if I had to choose from the other sizes, the idea of being able to run 2x18350 cells to power pocket rockets seems fun. But the lack of Korea and Japanese cells in the 18350 format turns me off the format.

Option C for me: I'd always go for an 18650 light.

I wear impact gloves whenever I'm out and about, which I pay a price in dexterity for. I find that it's just too easy to fumble a short light, so I like my lights long. A 15cm / 6" length is ideal for me.

I also offset the extra length against the fact that the 18650 cell has the advantage of receiving the most R&D effort, which gives it the highest normalised capacity.

Finally, it occurs to me that a manufacturer designing for 18xxx cells would have the option of making one head, one tail and offering three tube lengths as options to satisfy everyone.

^^^

YES!

About: "making one head, one tail and offering three tube lengths as options to satisfy everyone".

Do not agree about the 6"/150mm length.

Thanks,

-Chuck

I am not too sure about 18350 tubes unless there are higher capacity Li-Ion 18350 cells available which will give a marked increase in runtime. Otherwise, I don't see how running a 700mah 18350 IMR would benefit me more since I am currently on 750mah 16340/RCR123. What it does give me though is battery versatility and that alone is good reason to go with the 18350 tube. With this tube I could take on CR123, 16340 IMR as well as ICR, and 18350 IMR cells. On a trek, I could grab a whole load of these cells and they will all run fine. I vote for 18350 based on this reason alone.

18500 is nice to have for something a little more compact than 19670 tube, but since I already owned the 19670 tube I see no reason for one.

pjandyho said:

I am not too sure about 18350 tubes unless there are higher capacity Li-Ion 18350 cells available which will give a marked increase in runtime. Otherwise, I don't see how running a 700mah 18350 IMR would benefit me more since I am currently on 750mah 16340/RCR123. What it does give me though is battery versatility and that alone is good reason to go with the 18350 tube. With this tube I could take on CR123, 16340 IMR as well as ICR, and 18350 IMR cells. On a trek, I could grab a whole load of these cells and they will all run fine. I vote for 18350 based on this reason alone.

18500 is nice to have for something a little more compact than 19670 tube, but since I already owned the 19670 tube I see no reason for one.

Click to expand...

I have no intent on starting a battery technology argument as that is not the point of the the thread, but those RCR123 cells are over rated at 750mAh. At 1A draw you'd be lucky to get 500mAh out of them. Check out HKJs battery review charts to confirm.