Which Batteries to Feed a Solarforce L2

LED Flashlights – General Info CR123A Flashlights
1

I just kerplunked moola for a Solarforce L2 with the u2 XML 3 mode. I’m new to fancy flashlights as my gf calls them, so I’m a little lost when it comes to powering this sucker once I get it.
This is what the solarforce sales site says:
CR123A 3.0 or 3.7 x 2
(can use rec batteries)
or

18650 3.7v x 1 or 2 pc

or

CR123A 3.0v x 3 pc (once off non rechargeble batteries)

For this new version, you can use CR123A rechargeable x 2 pc batteries and will not hurt the led~

Also , you can run the light by 18650 batteries x 2 pc for long runtime, more than 3 hours</font Color=“red”>
Any suggestions on the safest/efficient/low cost(in order of importance) battery setup? I’ll also need a charger since this is my first go round with this type of flashlight. Thanks for your assistance.

2

If its the 8.4v driver ....

Then Im not sure about using one 3v Primary , 2 should be fine as they would = 6v

So any combination that gives you 8.4v

3x Primary would be 9v , ? You takes your chances

Now if you have L2 as in L2 , not L2m or L2M or L2 with extensions ..

Then the body takes either 2 x 16340 ( CR123 ) or a single 18650 ...

Your choices are 2 x CR123 Primaries ( 6v )

2 x 16340 for 8.4v

or a Single 18650 @ 4.2v

SAFEST = Single 18650 , unless you work for a company that gives you free CR123's , just need to check voltage with dual batteries before use ...

With so many Gov agencies using the CR123 there are lots of documented Boom's as a result of mixing fully charged and empty batteries ..

3

Safest? 1 x 18650. This Panasonic NCR18650B Protected 3400mAh is a popular choice. Panasonics are top quality batteries & these have a quality (seiko) protection circuit as well.

Did you get an Extension Tube? 2 x 18650 or 3 x CR123A 3.0v would need an extension tube.

4

No, I didn’t get an extension, maybe later. Right now, I just wanted a better flashlight than the one I have.

5

They’re referring to the dropin’s capabilities in the description. If it didn’t come with an extension you’re limited to either 1x 18650, 2x cr123a, or 2x 16340.

Solarforce has great quality I would worry about breaking it as long as you use what they list and don’t exceed it.

Personally I would tend to stick with 1x 18650 like the one Helios linked, doesn’t get much better than that cell for a general purpose flashlight.

6

How much of a difference will there be between 2600 and 3400mah?

7

About 34/26 = 1.31 times the capacity. :~

8

not exactly… the difference will not be so big. It depends on the brightness mode - in Low mode difference will be biger, but in Hi mode results will be more similar. With 2600(sanyo) on Hi mode bingtness will stay bright aprox. the same time as with 3400(Panasonic), and wen brightness will start to drop gradualy - with 3400 it will drop slower than with 2600 battery. If You run out batteries till flat (protection kick) - than yes, 3400 will give You much longer run-time, but if You will cahnge battery as soon as You notice bringhtness decrease, difference between these cells will be small…
my opinion is based on XM-L forward woltage specs and Panasonic/Sanyo batteries specs.

9

Well, no, maybe not exactly, but close enough for the OP’s (apparently) limited knowledge I think.

10

Ding ding ding. Yes, I’m flashlight naive. But you all are more than helpful. I never run anything into the ground. I fill up when gas drops below half a tank, recharge my phone as soon as the battery indicator flashes low, and my sipik clone gets fresh NiMH batteries every couple days unless I use it a lot in a day(I often walk and play with my dogs at night when I get home from work).
I basically want to know if I’ll notice a huge difference in run time between the two. Also if its even worth it for the price difference as I don’t usually get lost in the dark, and usually carry a spare battery if I plan on being out long enough to need it.

11

I ordered this:“18650 KeepPower 2600mAh Samsung ICR18650-26F Protected Button Top” from illumination supply, hopefully I don’t get burned like some others I have read about. I decided to just get one battery for now, as I don’t know enough about any of it to blow $30 on batteries that wind up being fakes. Or deciding to go in a different direction.

Now, onward to step 3: operation picka charger. I’m looking at the Xtar mp1, wp2II, and nitecore i2. Is there a reputable u.s. dealer(not ebay) that I can get a decent price on one of these?
After reading some of the horror stories of fake batteries, counterfeit chargers, language barriers, and destroyed flashlights, I’m almost ready to toss this fish(l2) back once it gets here. How long does it normally take to receive orders from solarforce sales?

12

A couple of weeks from solarforce sales.

Illumination supply is great along with mtnelectronics.

Can’t go wrong with those chargers.

13

Welcome to the addictive world of L2 series Solarforce lights. It started with one for me, I have about nine or ten, it’s hard to tell because I put the parts together to make the light I want at the time I want it.
You’ve got a good start with those parts.
I hope you enjoy your Solarforce as much as I enjoy mine.

14

Thanks. I actually found what I wanted on amazon. Got the i2 for $11, a sipik clone(I killed my old one last night trying to dedome it) and a lithium 14500. All free 2 day shipping. Yessss…

15

I got my new Sipik Clone, Nitecore i2, and 2 ultrapoots from amazon yesterday. And today Igot my keep power 18650 from illumination supply. Charged up the 14500’s and fired up the sipik and its awesome. I wish I had discovered lithium ion batts a long time ago. I cannot wait to see the l2 in action.
Now, I have another question. Well questions. First, is it safe to charge two different types of batts(18650 and 14500) on the i2 at the same time. Seeing how the i2 charges each slot separately, I don’t see it being a problem.
Second, what is the best way to store the batteries? Full charge, half charge? in a drawer, fridge, steel box?

16

1. Yes, You can charge 18650 and 14500 in i2 in same time without any problems, besides - these are same type batteries (Li-ion), just different size/capacity.
2. Best way to store batteries is half charge (aprox. 3.8V) in plastic box.