Are there any relatively inexpensive C Cell rechargeable batteries? I do not want to spend$5 or more each. I would use them in my 3 C Mag lite.
Jerry
The 9000mAh+ cells on Ebay are fake, they usually are AA cells in C-size plastics.
Tenergy cells come in 5000mAh for the ‘Premium’ cells, which are non-low-self-discharge cells.
E.g. here
The LSD-cells are the ‘Centura’ type, but have only 4000mAh.
E.g. here
You should be able to get either of them for ~$5, google around a bit.
To decide between LSD & non-LSD it really depends how you use them,
if you can’t always be sure that you will charge them just before using them I’d go with the LSD type.
Cheapest alternative would be to use AA cells and use AA-to-C adapters like these here
Obviously then you’ll only have the 2000mAh+ capacity of the AA cells
Thanks, Sigster,
Upon reflection I am not sure it was a good idea since I don’t have a charger for C. I think I will be better off to check my alkaline batteries often. It has worked for a lot of years.
I appreciate the help.
Jerry
It depends on what you’re trying to do. Compared to alkaline C cells, NiMH C cells are VERY robust performers. While alkaline C cells have problems kicking out even two amps, NiMH C cells can produce 15-20 amps if need be. They also maintain their voltage both under a load and as the battery discharges. So they are a FAR better choice than alkalines for a high power light. Of course, they’re also reusable. And they don’t leak. The only reason not to go with them is if you have a low power light that is seldom used.
Hi Matt,
I have had the light for many years. It used to be my primary fish/camping light when I was camping in an RV or car. Much too large for backpacking, of course.
I replaced the incan bulb with a TerraLUX TLE-6EXB TerraLUX MiniStar5 LED upgrade.
Now it is the main light beside my bed, along with other items, for a bump in the night. I am a little concerned about leaking batteries, although I check them almost monthly. But I hate to spend $18-20 on batteries and then a charger. My Nitecore i4 V2 does not make contact with a C battery that has a button, although the instructions say it will charge a C.
So overall, I don’t want to spend the money for something I never use. For that reason I think I will just continue with Alkalines. That has worked for a lot of years.
Thanks for the help.
Jerry
If you have 18650 li-ion cells, you could use one with a spacer or two in parallel. If you go parallel, you have to be very careful to build the adapter so that you don’t create any shorts.
That would be a little above my “pay grade.” I know when I am over matched.
Thanks,
Jerry
As Sigster suggested, I'd probably go with Eneloops in "C" adaptors.
They are very good cells and even though only 1900mAh capacity, carrying spares would be cheap and take up little room.
At least you won't have to worry about leakage or constantly purchasing primaries.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Jerry
A couple of things about this. First if all, AA Eneloops in adaptors are a less expensive way to go ONLY if you already have a bunch of Eneloops and a charger laying around. If you DON’T, get real C cells instead. It will probably cost less. And ultimately, you will be ALOT happier with the higher capacity of these cells.
If you DO have AA Eneloops laying around, one thing to consider is the size of the adaptors. I actually got some AA to C adaptors some time back at Fry’s somthat I would have a backup option if I don’t have charged C cells available. And one of the problems I found with them is that they don’t fit in all C cell lights. They are simply too big for some. Unfortunately, you won’t know if any adaptor you get will work until you try it.
Thanks, Matt, I do have a bunch of eneloops and chargers. I also have some adapters on order, and have wondered if they will fit OK. Guess I will have to try them.
The batteries have been in the light for over a year, and I just changed them to prevent leakage. I almost never use the light any more. If it saw heavy usage I would buy the real stuff. Thanks, again.
Regards,
Jerry
Hey Matt 
You guys certainly get better pricing on batteries then we do here. Best I can do locally is $15 to $20+ EACH on C Enenloops which makes it pointless. They are certainly not cheaper here. Additionally, they only seem to be rated at 3200mAh which is not a great gain over the AAs.
Powerex IMEDIONS @ 5000mAh are $35 for a 2-pack PLUS delivery fees. I've looked at Thomas Distributing (USA) which has better pricing but shipping again makes it pointless.
For many of us, the AA eneloops remain the most cost-effective option.
Thanks for the tip on that. Geez, you'd think it would be a pretty easy standard to get right!
I bought some really cheap adaptors from a little shop in Malaysia a couple of years ago that seem to be OK but they are not made to last.
I've ordered some of these https://www.fasttech.com/products/1143901 from Fasttech. Will be interested to see if they fit my Nephew's C light.
the Eneloop C-cell is composed of 4 x AAA cells and the D-cell is composed of 3 x AA cells hence the low capacity
You can’t get these?
Not sure how much shipping would be for you.
Thanks. I need 6 and a charger which adds up to more than I want to spend on it.
I appreciate the help.
Jerry
Thanks wolf359, I remember reading that thread quite a while ago. I did recall the D's being made up of 3xAA but didn't remember the C's being AAAs. I think that's why at the time I looked at the Imedions instead.
Don't know a lot about the Tenergys but I might look into those cells thanks Matt.
Bit annoyed that the site doesn't give any way to estimate shipping for International buyers without actually placing an order and giving them a whole lot of personal details first. I went through a similar process with Thomas Distributing about 12months ago. Really don't know why these guys won't add that functionality to their "estimate shipping" features, especially when plenty of other US vendors have.
I'll go through the process when I have a bit more time to spare.