Coolook AA 14500 Rechargeable LiFePO4 Batteries

I just noticed www.intl-outdoor.com started carrying Coolook LiFePO4 Batteries. The addition of these batteries only came to my attention because I already have a set that I have been using. These are 3.2v LiFePO4 Batteries in hard to find AA size, as compared to their more common CR123 LiFePO4 brother. These are a great addition for anyone that likes playing around with AA flashlights.

I use these cells all the time in flashlights that I feel are being driven a little too hard by Li Ion 14500s. Ive found that a light that just gets too hot, too fast, with 4.2v powering it, will settle right down when you switch to 3.6v. Some lights that go into direct drive on Li Ion will regain their modes with LiFePO4. A gentler boost when the thirst for more lumens overwhelms you.

These Coolooks work great in Quark minis and I run them in my Eagletac D25A mini with the XP-G. Any torch that seems to be struggling with regular 14500s might really like these cells. Sometimes I'll pop one of these along with a dummy [Coolook also makes dummies] into a 2 X AA light.

These are 3.2v cells that come hot off the charger at 3.6v. Do not try charging these batteries on your Li Ion charger. You'll need a 3.0 to 3.2v charger.

The first thing you will notice is that these cells weigh nothing. You'll think your flashlight is empty. The chemistry of LiFePO4 Batteries is also safer for those who are nervous about using Li Ion. At $9.97 for four, a handy option to have. Below are the specs that I copied off the intl-outdoor web-site.

Description:

*Lithium iron phosphate battery

*High discharge rate

*Safest chemistry of all lithium based cells

*Non explosive

*Capacity: 600mAh

*Max discharge current: 3000mA (5C)

*Full charge: 3.6V

*Nominal voltage: 3.2V

*Discharged voltage: 2.8V

*1500+ Cycles

*Ultra Low Self-discharge:

6 months later retains 95% of the capacity

1 year later retains 90% of the capacity

*Light weight: 16.5g (1 battery)

Looks cool!

Thanks Ouchy. I like LiFePo4 and have been looking for the AA size.

Only two batteries;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190720532405?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&\_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Also if people want 1.5V rechargeable AAs, you can get NiZn Turnigys at hobbyking. They’re rated for 1500mAh, pretty good. I think they’re around a dollar-something each.

$1.35 ea + postage. I have some on order but no idea how good they are.

are the NiZn batts still going/viable? I thought they were caput/fail. I have noticed a few mentions of them lately on the forum.

Keith

Not in Canada.

I've been looking but so far I have not seen any 18500s. :( The l2r is a great light though, I really like mine. :D

I have no idea budynabuick. I have read the same as you , some good and some bad. I will have to wait until these turn up and form my own opinion.

Kind of annoying to buy a charger just for these, though. I think there’s one trustfire model that has a switch for 3v cell.

I think it’s a w188 or something like that. When I picked up my coolooks they came with a coolook charger. I’m surprise Hanks selling these without carrying a compatible charger. I wish he’d put a warning not to use a regular Li Ion charger with these cells.

IOS now has a charger on offer. http://www.intl-outdoor.com/powerlion-lifepo4-aaa-aa-14500-10440-fast-charger-p-576.html

I have no idea of the quality though.

Is it safe to use these on AA Flashlights that drains battery below 0.8v or doe this have over discharge protection?

These are not protected so just keep an eye on the voltage. I have discharged lifepo4 batteries down to .2 volts and they rebounded perfectly fine.

As far as I know, you don’t have to worry about draining LiFePo4. Just treat them like NiMh.

NO! they should not be discharged below 2.5V Once below around 3.0V they have VERY little capacity left. The voltage curve drops off a steep cliff.

Ordered some from ebay, now thinking where to buy a good charger or my Li ion charger will do? Universal charger that charges Lion and Nihm?
Thanks

Do not use your Li Ion charger unless it has a setting for 3.0-3.2v.

The batteries maximum charge is 3.6 volts. The charger on the website states that it charges to 3.65 volts.