Rechargeables!

Hello,

I am currently making a large purchase of rechargeable batteries and charging units for my various AAA, AA, CR123, 16650 and 18650 lights, including:

Armytek: (2 x AA) Partner, (1 x 18650) Predator, (1 x 18650) Viking

Four Sevens1 x AAA) Preon 1, (2 x AAA Preon 2), (1 x 16650) Quark 16L, (2 x AA) Quark 2A

Klarus: (1 x AA) x XT1A, (2 x AA) XT2A, (1 x 18650) XT2C, (1 x 18650) XT11, (1 x 18650) RS11

Surefire: (1 x CR123) EDCL-1T, (2 x CR123) EDCL-2T, (2 x CR123) Tactician.

Streamlight: (1 x AAA) Microstream, (2 x AAA) Stylus Pro, (2 x AAA) Stylus Pro Reach, (2 x AAA) Stylus Pro 360, (1 x AA/CR123) Protac 1L-1AA, (1 x 18650) Protac 2L-X

For my work and EDC, I own a significant number of Surefire handheld (EDC 1/2 LT & Tactician) and weapon lights (X300V, XH35, XH30, XC1/2, X400 Ultra, M300 V Mini Scout, M600V Scout, M300 Scout, M600 DF (the M600 DF being the only which accepts 2xCR123 or a 18650).

I am looking at the NiMH GP Recyko+ Pro for my AAA and AA batteries, I bought some with my recent Fours Sevens lights, and seem to be recommended.

Where possible, I would like to avoid using rechargeable 2 x CR123s due to potential issues, however aside from the M600 DF, the Surefire lights cannot accept an 18650 battery.

Questions

1) Which rechargeable CR123s will work across my 1 xCR123 Streamlight and Surefire lights - will any do or do they need a particular output?

2) Aside from CR123s, which rechargeable battery will work in a 2 x CR123 only Surefire - will a 16650 provide a decent output or is it better sticking to CR123s?

3) Which rechargeable CR123s are safest to use in a 2 x CR123 format?

4) Which 18650 batteries would best serve my lights?

5) Which charger would provide decent capacity, feedback on cell health and would best serve precise charging for 2 x CR123s to be used without issue?

Many thanks for your help!

Japanese Eneloops or rebranded eneloops are the best NIMH AAA/AA out there currently. I actually prefer the Fujitsu branded ones as Fujitsu owns the plant in Japan that makes eneloops. With eneloops you have to be careful not to get the ones made in China or fakes – only buy batteries from reputable sources.

The only rechargeable 123 batteries Surefire recommends are the 3.2 V K2 energy LiFePo cells – these work well in most LED CR123A lights, but they require a special charger and run time is fairly short. 16650's will give longer run time in a 2X CR123 Surefires, but they may run at a little less than full brightness. 3.6V Li+ion 16340/RCR123's should not be used in most Surefires and Streamlights as they are not suited for the higher Voltage.

I have had good luck with keep power brand Li-ion cells, specifically the protected 3500 mAh for the 18650 size.

A CR123's is 3 volts (nominal), a RCR123/16340 rechargable is 3.7 volts (nominal), and a 16650, 18650, 21700, etc. are also 3.7 volts (nominal).

When stacked end to end (series) like in many SureFire's, two CR123's will give you 6 volts, while two 16340's would be 7.4 volts (up to 8.4 freshly off the charger). This might damage the light. The LiPo batteries are 3.2 volts nominal (although still more than the CR123's). Since a 16650 or 18650 are 3.7 volts, you will generally get less output compared to 2xCR123's (6 volts). If you are using your SF's for work, I'm assuming they give you free CR123's or your cost for CR123's are tax deductible since they are work related (might want to verify with an accountant)... I like to order my CR123's straight from SF as their pricing is competitive. It might be better to just use those and replace as desired, and if you're worried about not knowing the battery status from longer term storage or short usage, get a volt meter to check/verify what you have left.

Also be aware the the AA size Li rechargeable battery is the 14500. However, make sure your flashlight states compatibility. I've used these in my single AA flashlights, but mine specifically state 14500 compatible in the manual and on the manufacturers website. Again, the 14500 is a 3.7 volt battery, which is a large bump up from using a single AA at 1.5 volts. However, the run times are shorter on the 14500, although you're getting a much brighter output.

Additionally, if you go NiMH for your AAA and multi AA lights, remember that each NiMH AA and AAA is about 1.2 volts, where an alkaline and Li AA (nonrechargeable/primary) is around 1.5 volts. So you might get less output, but I think the NiMH might have a better discharge curve. I've heard that some AA(A) lights might get damaged with NiMH for long periods of use, so I might check with the manual or manufacturer on their suggestions.

As mentioned above, if you go LiPo for your 1xCR123 SF's, it's pretty close to original specs in voltage (mAh is still about half), but they charge differently than Li batteries, and therefore either a different charger, or a charger that you switch for LiPo vs Li (might be dangerous if you forget), would be required.

5) I use the Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus and it does just about Everything! though I am wondering what you mean about "precise charging"?
I do my 16340s in it without a problem, but you need a special charger if you want to do LiFePO cells though.

4) I use Molicel P26a cells in most of my lights, the rest are Samsung 30Q, Never had a problem with either.

Many thanks for your replies!

I am currently trying to find some 18650s for my non surefire torches ( posted above ).

I have been offered the following:

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3500mah-battery-button

or the following for 1000+ lumen torches:

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3000mah-15a-battery-button

however these seem to be unprotected, would the below options be a better bet?

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3400mah-battery-protected (6A discharge )

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3000mah-15a-battery-protected (15A discharge )

I assume a 15A discharge rate is a better bet for CREE LED high power flashlights?

thanks for your help!

ejcbrown said:

Many thanks for your replies!

I am currently trying to find some 18650s for my non surefire torches ( posted above ).

I have been offered the following:

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3500mah-battery-button

or the following for 1000+ lumen torches:

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3000mah-15a-battery-button

however these seem to be unprotected, would the below options be a better bet?

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3400mah-battery-protected (6A discharge )

https://www.ecoluxshopdirect.co.uk/ampsplus-18650-3000mah-15a-battery-protected (15A discharge )

I assume a 15A discharge rate is a better bet for CREE LED high power flashlights?

thanks for your help!

Click to expand...

First link appears to be a Sanyo-Panasonic NCR-18650GA, the second perhaps a Samsung 30Q and then there's the tried and true Panasonic NCR18650B.

At 1000 lumens, any of those will work.

For single cell lights, I just use naked cells and ditch the protection circuits because I'm not a dolt.

I'm just going to guess that none of your lights pull more than 5-7 amps, so the first two should be fine.

Chris