Thanks to this forum and a plethora of folks on it my knowledge base has expanded quite a bit. But I’m far from an expert.
I now know that in a light like a Sipik I can use either a AA or a 14500.
I now know that in some of my other lights I can use either an 18650 or 3xAAA in a holder. And in my Trustfire A8 I can use either a 26650 or 18650 or 3xAAA in a holder. And I’ve purchased several sleeves as well for when I use an 18650 in a 26650 light.
Here’s a question; are there rechargeable (or even non-rechargeable) batteries that can be used as an alternative to the 18650 or 26500? I’m gaining a stock of each for my lights, but if other alternatives exist for these battery types then I’d like to get a stock of them a well. I like options. As an example, I use the TF A8 as one of my ‘out in the deep woods’ lights. I carry it with a 26650 and have one for a spare. I also carry a couple of 18650’s in sleeves and one or two 3xAAA holders as back ups. This works well because I have other secondary lights that use these types of batteries so I have lots of bases covered. If other options exist for 26650 and 18650 battery alternatives I’d like to learn about them.
The reality is, if you can find a power source with the right voltage specs and able to offer up the amp requirement. Then it will be suitable.
If it physically fits in the light and has the right contacts then even more so. Hence why 3xAA in holder will work in many 26650 lights.
Li-ion = 4.2v (3.7v nominal)
AA = 1.2 - 1.5v depending on if they NiMh or alkaline/lithium primary.
Too low a voltage and a torch won’t work, too high and it might fry the components.
Many high output torches pull quite a few amps. If you use a battery that can’t offer up the amp draw, then you’ll usually get less output from the light. But it will also run your batteries hotter and harder.
In the RC world, most batteries have a discharge C rating, showing at how many amps they can discharge (Peak and constant).
You don’t see this so much in the flashlight world.
It’s also worth understanding drivers. And know how and why different ones require different input voltages.
I will add that 2*CR123 often works in 18650 lights, but not always. It depends on whether the driver will support the higher voltage. CR123 are primary batteries that have a long shelf life (10+ years).
First, read Chicken Drumstick’s post above. On top of that, some lights that are made for 18650 can also take 2X CR123A Lithium primaries. My Olight S20-L2 Baton came with a holder for such an arrangement and separate output specs for each configuration (2X CR123A gave higher lumens output). The CR123A is a non-rechargeable cell that is available in most stores by now, as well as all over the internet. The Li-Ion equivalent cell is 16340, but, like most Li-Ion cells, is 3.7V nominal and 4.2V max rated. So, two of them would give you 8.4V max, probably too much for most lights. Since two of them together are a little longer than one 18650, they may not even fit in some of your lights. But, you can check it out for yourself. With the sleeve(s) you already have, you may be able to use two CR123A cells also in a 26650 flashlight. For the 3XAAA carrier, use Eneloop NimH cells. They are considered to be the best NimH rechargeable cells available. Also, you could replace your 3XAAA carriers that have the cells connected in series with carriers wired in parallel, then use 3X 10440 Li-Ion cells in those, if you’d like. Either of those options will give you better output than alkaline cells.
The 3 AAA holders which work in 26650 lights are typically set up for the batteries in series so they give 3.6 to 4.5 volts out. I would expect fairly short run times as they are only about 800 to 1000 mAh capacity when using NiMH batteries and if stuffed with alkalines and run at high output settings a set of alkaline batteries will be killed very fast. AAA alkalines just do not have the current capability to give much life in a high current draw situation. In comparison the 26650 may have up to 5000 mAh capacity.
The two or three AA battery holders that have the batteries in parallel, they put out 1.2V loaded with NiMH batteries and can take the place of true high capacity D size NiMH batteries. High capacity D batteries claim 8000 to 11000 mAh capacity while some of the adapters hold three AA batteries in parallel giving 6000 to a claimed 8700 mAh capacity depending on batteries used… Not as much but still good. If you use the three AA holders to replace typical Energizer/Duracell/Rayovac low capacity D size NiMH batteries the holder will be a major capacity upgrade. Three AA to D size holders are also available in series configuration for some applications.
Just saying there is more to consider than just “does it fit” as both voltage out and battery current capacity and delivery capability need to be considered and tested for to make sure that the substitutes meet your needs.
For 18650 alternatives there are both 16650 and 17650 batteries made. Scarce though so not sure of the point unless you have a light bored for two CR123A batteries that will not hold a 18650. Many Surefires come to mind.
There are also Primary Lithium Thionyl Chloride Batteries made which are 3.6V output with good capacity but their current output is quite limited per their specifications.
Okay, once again BLF members are a wealth of information!
So this brings up some additional questions:
As far as trying the CR123A option, what are some good brands/deals? I’m new to the type of battery so I don’t yet know who makes the ‘good’ ones and who not to get. Or what is a fair price. Just doing a quick scan of Amazon/Ebay for reference I see packs of 12 for $10. I see others that are more expensive. Or would this be something that is more along the line of getting a name brand like Energizer/Duracell at Wallyworld on sale?
In regards to the solar charger idea…I like it and it makes sense. I have several power sticks but they need to be charged in a USB. Having a solar set up sounds like a great plan. So in regards to that, who makes a good one? What is a fair price? I don’t need the Rolls Royce, a Ford F150 at a good price would work nicely. Looking around, again using Ebay/Amazon as a reference I see 5000 and higher on the mah. Any thoughts or suggestions on that? I have an Ankor Astro 15000mah that is the bomb. Recharges my S3 almost 6 full times. I realize that the more mah the longer the sun-time would be. Thoughts and links welcome.
Thanks folks. New information to chew on. Looks like Deputydave is working on his Christmas list
There may be better options for CR123A’s, but one thing I’ve learned from being here is that you can trust Richard (BLF member RMM) at Mountain Electronics. So, the easiest thing to do is just go to his website and buy the CR123A’s that he stocks. Having said that, I’ve bought Duracell at Lowe’s and I’ve bought cheapies from eBay. The Duracell seemed to give a little more, but that’s my perspective as a newbie myself. Unless someone gives me a good reason not to, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more Duracell. Perhaps HKJ has a review that I haven’t seen yet? Very likely, I’m sure.
For CR123A batteries in quantities of 10+ BG Micro has Panasonic Industrial batteries for 75 cents each typically if you are signed up for their special deals web offers. No free shipping but when you reach 30 batteries or more the price is very hard to beat even with the added shipping. If just fo to their site and put 10 or more in your cart the price is currently 89.2 cents each for 10 or more. Price not seen till the batteries are in your cart.
I have the 8W single port version of that Anker panel, works great to charge 5V USB battery packs. I used in on a recent camping trip, it topped off my 12500 mAH Anker battery from 1 bar to full in a 1 day of sun exposure, I don’t have more precise measurements than that though, sorry.
OK, I have a 1000 Lumen Tactical Light for a AR-15 it calls for the 18650 battery. What else could work and not burn any components up but get all the power out of it? Is there a Single non rechargable battery that will work? Or can a 3 AAA cage be bought to put in it? And where would a person locate such a battery cage?
Most likely a 3 AAA cage will not fit in the light but it’s possible. I don’t know of a non rechargeable battery close to the 18650 in size. Like the quote above says, 2 CR123 cells might work, depending on the flashlight electronics.
3xaa carrier probably to big and wouldn’t be enough to power. In most 18650 lights the cell barely fits in. Your probably going to have to get 18650s and a charger. You need to read your owners manual and see if 2 cr123 batteries will work in it. If the light can take that. That will be the only primary option you have.
CR123A batteries are typically rated by their manufacturers for a maximum continuous current draw of 1.5 amps. That limit often means that the highest modes of a 1x18650 flashlight should not be used when fueling with 2xCR123A. Something like 650 or 700 lumens is close to the max you can get while staying below 1.5 amps.
