I’m not much into the technical aspects of flashlights and forgive me if this has been thrashed here, but what are the benefits and or differences between batteries that have an internal protection chip and those that do not?
Protected:
+ safer (under- & overvoltage protection, short circuit protection)
- longer (doesn't fit to all lights)
Unprotected:
+ shorter (fits most lights)
+ light doesn't shut off abruptly (good for divers etc.)
- not so safe
If in doubt: Buy protected. :)
A good driver should step down before the protection kicks in.. if you use flashlights with "simple" drivers, want to stay safe, use cells in series or are a beginner: buy protected cells.^^