I’m looking for a flashlight that I can find in stores that would utilize an 18650 battery. I work at a large auto auction at night and I need to be able to see as we don’t really have any light on the lot behind the secured area. The ones we have there aren’t sufficient enough for the duty; nor do they keep batteries stocked. Seeing as I use 18650 batteries for other applications, I figured it would be worthwhile to invest in a light for myself. However, this is sort of an immediate need and I am wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any brick and mortar stores that sell these kinds of flashlights. Being able to spot at long distances is a plus. This would save me from driving all over the city trying to find one of course
Any help is appreciated.
Because I’m new, I think anything right now would be sufficient enough (that doesn’t use standard batteries of course).
No doubt that someone will pop in with a more specific answer, but for now, here’s what I’ve found. A non-protected 18650 will fit in most of my AAA X 3 lights. I pop out the battery holder and pop in a 18650. This probably won’t help you if you don’t already have any 3 X AAA lights, but if you do, it’s worth a shot.
Oh yes, I’m new here too. I’ve learned a lot from the folks here, a nice group of people.
I don't know of any B&M stores that carry 18650 flashlights, but there are a few highly-rated sellers in the states who are also active on BLF. You didn't mention how soon you need it, but every order I've placed with MtnElectronics has arrived within a few days.
In Canada princess auto has c8 lights. They take a 18650 and are brighter than most aa lights you can find in stores. They have an old emitter and aren’t the best quality. Not sure if they are in the US or not.
Oh nice, what kind of AAA light are you using? That’s certainly an option I can go with. I have a variety of protected, unprotected, flat and nipple top so I can make room where room is needed.
Maybe it’s worth mentioning I also have 18350, 18490/500’s as well?
From what I’ve seen the B&M store 3/4x AAA lights are too short to fit 18650. 18500 work great though.
I don’t know of any that sell an advertised 18650 cell light.
Why not buy from one of the reputable US based online shops? There is a pretty fantastic selection of flashlights among the 3 or 4 front runners that come to mind. They will get to you within a few days shipping and you’ll have reliable customer service if something were to go wrong.
There’s one very well-stocked gun range/store here in OKC that carries Fenix flashlights. Those take 18650s.
Cabela’s and Bass Pro seem to carry 18650 flashlights, but the batteries are included and most of those two places’ lights that take 18650s are ridiculously expensive.
I’d say either order from China or go with Mtn Electronics/Illumination Supply.
Do you happen to know the brand? I’ve never seen 18650-specific lights in any big box store, ever, especially WalMart. And I’ve never seen lights sold in big box stores advertised as compatible with LiPo cells, although some are found to be.
The one I recall was Ozark trail or something like that. 2x18650 sleeved battery pack XML thrower. Iirc it was determined to be forgettable and potentially dangerous (charge port on unknown cells in series).
I'm almost certain Gander Mountain or Cabela's will have some 18650 flashlights, but expect to pay some $$ for a good one from a brick & mortar store! Also, any police gear shop should have some for sure, which sells 5.11 tactical gear and what not.
Are there any you could recommend that have a good distance on em? If it’s cheaper, that’s a plus lol. Not really looking to spend 40+ on a light right now but if I could find one below that with decent power using any of those batteries would be great.
I picked up a 3 X AAA Ray-O-Vac for my wife’s car. My wife breaks things, and this light looks to be impossible to break. On a whim I popped in an unprotected 18650 and it fit. It’s a tight fit, but it does fit. $10 at walmart. Well built, and if using an 18650 and it dies, readily available AAA’s can be used.
If you need it today Home Depot is also a place to check with their Defiant lights, sorry I don’t have a specific light to recommend from ‘actual’ stores. If you can wait a few days I would recommend you look at the Convoy lights from illuminationsupply
(http://illuminationsupply.com/convoy-c-28_92/ ), they’re all under $30.
Or, I think the XinTD C8 from mtnelectronics might fit better, its supposed to be the best C8-sized light around and also under $30
(http://www.mtnelectronics.com/opencart/index.php?route=product/product&path=80&product_id=109)
These should meet your need for a very bright light, I think the ones you find at Walmart just won’t measure up in terms of brightness and you’ll end up buying something else anyway.
Although I am interested in the $11 fluorescent lantern if I could modify it to run on 18650s.