Or should I direct my attention to an 18650 powered XM-L light? Would the 18650 provide much less runtime, or would it be negligible? I think I want to stick to lights running on a single cell (lithium-ion cell lights at least).
The advantage of the 26650 lights is that you can always get a sleeve to fit/convert a 18650 to fit into a light meant for the 26650. The question is, who sells replacement cells? I looked at Manafont and DX and could not find the 26650 cells by themselves.
Int-outdoor sells 2 different 26650s. Ric of cnqg also sells another brand. Brstinone.net also sells 26650 IMRs. I will do a review when it arrives later this week.
So what about runtime difference of an 18650 versus a 26650? I'm having a hard time deciding on a flashlight and trying to find one running on a 26650 is really difficult. Why does it seem like none of the manufacturers care about runtime? You have no trouble finding a light with good runtime in a local hardware / sporting goods store (although these aren't the higher powered lights I'm looking at now), so why is it so hard online? Maybe I need to consider my own mod.
I don't get you bro....there are so many flashaholic lights with runtimes of 50-200hrs in low mode. Some even do it for days/weeks. Check out the specs in detail?
Guess I should have specified, but I'm talking runtime in high mode. Maybe I should be considering runtime in a "medium" mode and look at "high" as quick occasional use though. Most of the lights I see (XM-L) running a single 18650 call for only 60 to 90 minutes runtime (assuming this is in high mode). I've got some other ideas in my head, but I want to make a new post for those.
I see. Actually the amount of energy in the 18650 or 26650 stays the same. XM-L lights won't get you very long runtimes in high, simply because they are dumping well over 700 lumens at the emitter. XM-L is more or less the best in lumens efficacy (lm/W) at the present moment.
I have got a pair of the MNKE 26650 and the protected panasonic NCR18650A on the way (from INTL-outdoor.com).
My thought is the 18650 3100mA has much more capacity if we compare their volume and also less resistance comparing their volumes.
The thing is the purpose you want them for, if it is for a high demand led as SST-90 go for the 26650, and if you need just runtime, go for a good 18650, for example buying the fenix TK35 or its new clone, with two Panasonic NCR18650 will give you more capacity than a single 26650 flashlight in a more or less same flashlight size.
You almost answered your own question there. The lights you find in hardware and sporting goods stores typically don't have as much light output as the lights you'll read about here. So as you sort-of said, if you look at the run-times in Medium mode, that might be a better comparison with the sporting goods store lights.
Shadow makes high quality flashlights. The first one is 230 grams, that means it's built like a tank, lots of aluminum for heat dissipation.
If you want the best runtime but not many lumens, simply don't run it on high. Why buy another flashlight that's using the same LED but it's driven much lower on high.
Since these flashlights are regulated and using 26650 batteries the regulation will last longer than with the 18650 batteries.
Gary I have the JM-07 is the same as your first one on the list.
26650 or use the supplied tube and insert a 18650.
I carry mine on a neck lanyard. Use it all the time, placed light on my sholder and held it there with my head. Took down a smoke detector and replaced cell. I use the light to find misplaced items for my first wife and myself.
If you do not like it just send to me and I shall find a good home for it.