Pila 168s versus 18650 Li-ion in the SF U2

I have been using the Pila 168s - 3.7v - 1400 mHA Li-ion battery in
my new Surefire U2 for about 2 weeks. Although I haven't done a run
time test, it seem to perform well. The brightness is about the same
as with the 123A lithium batteries. Flashlight Review.com has also
stated that the run time with the Pila is also about the same.

I would be interested in hearing from those of you that have experience
with the U2 using both the Pila and the 18650. What is your opinion as
to the brightness, run time and recharging of each battery. I realize that
the Pila is a protected cell and I believe that the 18650 is not protect.

Thanks for your input !!! ............. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

This flashlight stuff is intoxicating .......... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy23.gif

My U2 measured 1777 Lux on Level 6, and 177 Lux on Level 1, with 2 123 cells.
Output was slightly less, but longer runtime, using a 18650 cell. 1496 Lux on Level 6, and 89 Lux at Level 1

My U2 ran for 1 hour and 30 minutes on one 18650 2400 mAh cell before it started to dim quickly. You have about 15 minutes of usable light after the U2 starts to dim rapidly.

Even though all levels are regulated..
Level 6 (highest) does tend to dim slightly over its runtime though. Mine dimmed approximately 230 lux over the 1.5 hour runtime.

jtice,

Great info ! .......... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

Thanks,

...... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy23.gif

Hello Pwdrkeg,

You might find this thread interesting...

Tom

SilverFox,

Very interesting thread ! ...................... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

The 168s Pila is 1400 mHA, the 168a is 2000 mHA and a
bit fatter, however, I have noticed that the U2 has a
wider battery tube when loaded from the top end after
removing the head. It would seem that the Pila 168a is
an outstanding protected Li-ion cell to be used in the
Surefire U2. J.S Burly states that the Pila 168a will
not work in Surefire Lights and I never gave it a
though.

At present I am using the Pila 168s, but am now
seriously thinking about the 168a !!!

Thanks for the INFO !!!!!

This flashlight stuff is intoxicating ....... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy23.gif

excellent post by silver on this topic.

note U2 is one of few lights with internal low voltage cut-off.

I've got 168A and 2400 mah bare 18650 both. other than runtime, not much functional difference.

PK really did homework designing this light!