So I bought an xt11 last week. Sweet light. I’m fairly new to this stuff and bought a bundle deal. The bundle included ultrafire 4000mah (yes, I know), batteries. Now that I’ve read up a bit on the battery review area, I’ve come to the conclusion that the batteries I have dont provide enough voltage to let my light scream at the top of her lungs. Don’t get me wrong, it’s bright, but it sure doesn’t seem that the light it provides is the “WOW” it’s capable of.
So, I realize The batteries provided are crap, but my question remains this:
Will buying a better quality battery enable my light to be brighter than what I have now?
I want my light to be able to provide the brightest amount of light for the longest period of time. I’ve read so much about battery brands, etc, that I simply need a link to a quality battery that will make me smirk when I press the button to turn the light on. Doesn’t have to be an elusive Panasonic cell, just a quality battery that will last.
Brightest and longest are usually mutually exclusive. Party due to heat and partly due to brighter needs more power so will reduce run times.
The XT11 is current controlled, so as long as your cells are putting out the rated voltage it shouldn’t really affect brightness.
That said if personally go for more quality cells such as an EagleTac 3100 mAh 18650 or an AW. They really aren’t expensive and the XT11 only needs one.
The XT does support 2 x RCR123’s. But Klarus say while supported they are not recommended. Running them will see a massive initial hike in output. Although I believe it steps down after a while. It will get hotter and drive the LED harder and with lower run times. I think it’s even more critical to run quality cells in series like this. I only use AW’s.
High quality li ion cells. Many places sell them. Try lighthound or battery junction maybe. I’m better off with UK retailers though as I’m in the UK. Failing that try Google and search for AW 18650 or 16340.
AW and eagletec are nice, but you dont need those, IMHO.
Just get a good 2900 or 3100 Panasonic cell from a reputable seller, and that will do fine. They will cost maybe around $15, much less than AW.
Please check out HKJ’s reviews, and search for one of his recommended cells, and you might pay around 10-12 per cell including shipping! There are quite a few topics about cheap but good 3100 cells
Is sbflashlights based in the US? If so definitely go with those, I just recommend Lighthound because they have amazing CS and quick shipping. I also feel loyalty to them just because they have taken care of me extremely well.
I will have to try ordering some time. :)