I was very stubborn about not using 14500 cells.

Currently I own four 18650 powered flashlight. Which are used but not much. I do have many AA/14500 powered flashlights that upto a month ago i just used Eneloop batteries in. My favorite type of flashlights now are 14500 powered ones. I was slow to accept 14500 batteries. So just for around the house work and short walks which type of lithium Ion powered flashlights are most favored? I vote for 14500 size cells.

I like 14500 for short periods. I carry a Zebralight SC52w or a Ultratac A1 most of the time when I don’t need extended run times. I have several more but those two are my favorites.

For walks, I really like Nitecore TIP attached to my hat, just because how light it is.

For around the house and night light, usually some AA light is plenty… either utorch ut01 or ultratac A1. No need for 14500 cells as I typically run them on lowest mode anyway, sometimes medium.

For me, cell size is incidental. I like flashlights of various sizes, and I’m not concerned about what size the cell is, as long as it is sufficient for the purpose. I’ve seen some 18650 lights that are smaller than some 14500 lights. so, cell size isn’t going to necessarily determine the maximum size of the light, even though it might help determine the minimum size. I like smaller lights for EDC, because I want to carry in my pocket or on a belt clip. I have a 10180 keychain light, a single AAA twisty, and a 18350 light with me right now. When I’m home, if I need to quickly grab a light and go outside, it could be a bit bigger, but not huge. A large pocket size, up to C8 size, is fine. Again, cell size isn’t even considered. If I’m going somewhere that has large open spaces, and especially if I want to show off, then a larger light with a nice big reflector and plenty of lumens will probably go with me.

I prefer 14500 or 16340 lights, lighter and smaller to carry around daily. Usually EDC a V11R but if its snowing or going somewhere that I feel my life could depend on the light (hoping it never does) I grab the Zebra SC600w for the longer run times and dependability.
I like a light that will run on a AA but when you can have 3 times the lumens using a 14500 in the same light, that’s what I load it with. :slight_smile:
I been using the 14500 since the days of the Akoray K-106, modded of coarse.

I’m still stubbornly only use NiMh in lights that take both. The reason is that I’ve had lights where using a 14500 in it damaged the driver so that the output on NiMh was very poor (essentially moonlight level). Is this still something to be concerned about or is it a thing of the past?

Thanks

[quote=SIGShooter]
I’m still stubbornly only use NiMh in lights that take both. The reason is that I’ve had lights where using a 14500 in it damaged the driver so that the output on NiMh was very poor (essentially moonlight level). Is this still something to be concerned about or is it a thing of the past?

Thanks[/quote

Having the 14500 battery destroy the driver was and still is one of my concerns.

I like 14500 lights too. In fact I got a Wuben E05 the other day & I am amazed with it. It has quickly become one of my favorite lights.

Has anyone have a name brand expensive AA/14500 flashlight only start to work correctly with 14500 batteries ? Only moonlight mode with regular AA or eneloop batteries?
Thanks All.

No, can’t say as I have. I don’t have everyone ever made but, I have about 20 from most of the more popular and budget friendly makers. If it says they take both I have tried both in them and haven’t had any problems. I use mainly 14500’s and only use NiMh in lights that don’t lose much output on NiMh. I like the new Wuben E05 as well, the only thing you lose with NiMh is it’s turbo mode. I like the Ultratac A1’s mode spacing on NiMh too.

I am also 14500 fan and I prefer them above 18650. Why? Because of mobility.
I can put small 14500 flashlight into jacket pocket and simply forget about it untill I need it. It’s not exactly as small as 10440, but still … smaller and lighter than standard 18650 flashlight while there’s still more than decent output - modern 14500 flashlights reach between 500 - 800lm on max. It’s not like I need anything more than that realisticly.

Another advantage as some above already stated is also that those flaslights can use also standard alkaline AA batteries available in every store.

I try to limit my flaslights to only (10180)/10440/14500/18650/26650 format because I prefer to have all flashlights available and functional long term, while there’s simply too many battery formats to take care of, replace and keep in good condition over years to come.
I am aware that I am missing some great flashlights because of that, but on the other side … how many od them we, as flashaholics with hundreds flashlights, have in regular use at all?

I like the Wuben E05 also but I think they should have used an OP reflector instead of a smooth one.

I agree that 18650 size flashlights are just too big to carry around (EDC). That is why I like AA/14500 single cell lights. Triple A size is even better but such short run times make them unfeasible in most situations needing light for more than a couple of minutes.

Zebra brand lights are nice. Just too expensive for me.

Amen. A OP for sure we need. :slight_smile:

Those Nitecore lights look so sophisticated and high tech. Tup/Tip/Tini/Thumb/Tube.

Wish I noticed the UltraTac A1 when it was $12.00 each.

I have a Tube and a Tip.

The Tube isn't very durable, but I love the Tip and it seems much more durable.

I tried some DC-Fix film on the lens of the E05. Just made the beam look worse. That film usually works wonders.

Sooo True teacher. Love mine. Will never leave collection.

Any related note 14500 much better for run times than any AA. Not knocking AA but prefer 14500 as primary and AA NiCad as backup.

NO ALKALEAKS!!! unless out of options.