Stability when standing the lantern on the end is important. However, I don’t believe that is alone is a good enough reason to choose a 26650 cell over a 21700. Correct me if I am wrong but it seems to me that 21700 size cells offer greater capacities than any 26650 cells.
Maybe it is more important to use a 21700 cell for greater capacities and then just make the standing end of the lantern enlarged?
I agree on that the 21700 is a better (more modern cell size with 5000mAh capacity) choice, and the plan to have the LT1M with a magnetic base, will be easy to have a flat base stand that sticks to it included. (already working on it.
With 21700 we could achieve bit narrower profile. The final shape is very important at least for me, I would greatly like something similar to the recent Nitecore Campbank lantern, which is more or less flat and can be easily worn even in pocket.
Very interested, I also think 21700 would be preferable. In regards weight what is the current target if there is one? The reason i ask is that when wild camping weight is a key issue, i dont get to just take things out a car and walk 5 feet in a campsite.
Thank you DBSAR for all of your lantern work recently im looking forward to this one.
Actually, Shockli’s 5500mAh 26650 cell delivers fantastic currents and also tends to test at or above capacity rating. Someone else sells it too, I forget who. To me it’s the best compromise cell, like a 30E. A 40T will get you higher drains but to me I’ll take the 1.7 extra amp hours.
26650 is to heavy for backpacking. Even 18650 is considered to heavy for some of us. But pared with a 18650 headlight I might consider taking a lantern that runs on 18650 as I only need to take one type cell with me. There’s no need for long runtimes or high output an 18650 is more than adequate if you really want to design it with backpackers in mind. Also size matters while backpacking, make it as small as possible. No need for usb charging (how the hell you gonna charge it in the forest?) but could be useful.