Hello Hello.
I could use a few suggestions here to get my bearings straight on a few topics & what most would probably consider common knowledge. I used to have somewhat of a grasp on this stuff but it’s been years & the tech/standards have come along way since then. The last time i was digging around this type of stuff was when 3000mah 18650’s just became available from AW, stuff like 26650 housings could only be found at one vendor & IMR batts were becoming popular…. So it’s been a while to say the least.
Fast forward to now… I have a need to purchase some general use 18650’s i can put into any light i have & not be concerned… However, there are soooo many viable options available in this category my head is spinning & I really need to avoid going down a rabbit hole of research on this one as time is of the essence.
Aside from that, i do have a few other battery questions i can’t seem to find answers to.
With that said, here is what I’m trying to figure out.
1. Protected vs Unprotected…
Years ago, it was common for most to suggest Protected cells. I see a lot of newer lights have LVP these days. Are Unprotected batteries the new industry norm with LVP having become more common?
2. Button Top, Flat Top, light fitment & charging.
I know these needs/ requirements usually fall within whatever the user has for equipment but, which style are lights more commonly designed around these days? Also, have the majority of chargers become better suited for both? I know my old ultrafire WF-139 has trouble making contact with some flat tops i have.
3. Ive always wondered this… Is there any drawback to using high apm, high mah, batts for applications that don’t require them? Just for example, a 3500mah 10A battery in a 200lm light from yesteryear? To me, it seems as if it would make sense to just buy 5-10 of whatever will cover my highest demand in order to avoid having any that i can’t use in certain lights.
4. Usb / Magnetic charging.
I’m about to pick up a Skilhunt H04 RC. With all these alternative methods of charging these days, are there any cautionary measures that need to be taken? For example, using the light itself to randomly charge additional batteries while away from home? Is that appropriate?
5. I know this question is probably a daily topic, but goes back to my original comment about my head spinning… Can someone point me in the direction of a few protected 18650 3500mah+ industry staples that can be used anywhere? I’d rather unprotected, but most my lights are non-lvp & my family ignores my requests not to use them.
6. Lastly… I have an old retrofitted G2 Nitrolon I’ve been meaning to find a single cell for. A while ago i saw a 16650 rated for 2000mah+. Most 17670 that I’ve heard will fit this light are 12-1300mah. Would a 16650 been a more powerful alternative?
This is much longer than i anticipated, so i appreciate any helpful insight.