Hello, this is my first post at BLF - and its a shameless attempt to siphon information from the longtime members. So for that, and there sheer length of the post, I apologize in advance.
2 weeks ago I knew nothing about Cree LED's and 18650 Batteries and whatnot. All I wanted was a Tactical Flashlight for Home protection (blinding upper hand factor) And I was thrust into a world of maddness that I never knew existed (the underground highpowered flashlight world).
I did about 2 days of research and bought a WF-501B w/T6 Drop in, It came with two 18650 Ultrafire's and cheapo Charger. Probably a regular "first buy" for many.
Then, I wanted something that throws further.. Why? Im not sure.. I just do. I've become addicted to high power compact flashlight's and I'm not quite sure why. I now understand this Forum doubles as a support group. Anyhow..
Did some more research and figured I needed an HS 801 with an R2 Cree. So I Bought This Lengthened (2 x 18650's) UniqueFire HS-801 for $23.00 Shipped.
AFTER I buy it, I read horror stories of Double cell Lights Blowing up like small WMD's in their unsuspecting owners hands, Like nuclear budget hand Grenades. Then I read more.. What? 18650's have to be watched on the charger like a sleeping Newborn, In order to prevent my house being napalmed from the inside from a bursting 18650 cell. I've spent 4 days reading about batteries and the horror stories of...
These are very "newb" questions, and I've done alot of research. I'm asking alot, But you BLF folks seem to be a pretty nice lot, so I have three questions that, despite how much research I do, I cannot find a definitive answer:
1. What is the MOST safe charger in YOUR opinion? (I forget to take the trash out 9 times out of 10, no less remember to take a battery off a charger before it turns into a mazel-Tov battery bomb.) I Currently own a Maha C808M Charger for all my NiMH batteries and I can leave batteries i that thing for a week if I want. I'm looking for something that will SHUT OFF when the batteries are charged. And is hassle free, I really don't want a "hobby" charger that I see mentioned here, because it looks too difficult with all the wires and clamps and complexity.
2. What are the dangers of Double Battery Lights? And how can I prevent blow ups? Should I just stick to AA or AAA lights since I'm having to ask all these questions?
3. In Your Opinion, what is the Best 18650 Battery there is? As far as safety, reliability cost reputation, etc. I have read so many charts and graphs, and they all seem to be good, but nobody has ever said "these seem to be the overall best batteries"
I have kids, I cant risk maiming them with molten battery Lithium! My whole reason for the light is protection. And as I do understand there are no "absolute safe, fool proof ; never fail" chargers out there.. However - Would still like your input if you have the time to answer my thread (especially after having taken the time to read the whole thing)
Thanks again in advance! I'll be watching this thread closely. If I have missed Threads on this forum that have the answers I'm looking for, don't hesitate to give me a snarl and shoot me the link.