Searching for a flashlight for 1 x CR123A only (no rechargeable)

LED Flashlights – General Info CR123A Flashlights
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Hi,

I have attracted to single CR123A (3V, primary) cell flashlights, because they are quite powerfull and tiny to carry with you.

I have already collected about 10 different models, but the reason why I wrote here is, that all the flashlights seems to be designed for rechargeable 16340 cell, with higher voltage.

For example, my last and most expensive model, Sunwayman V10R seems to suffer badly in brightness with 3V primary cells. The V10R has a portable brightness selector, but after ~75%, it will not increase brightness. With rechargeable 16340, 3.7V cell (I've tested with a 18650 cell), the brightness increases much higher, all the way to 100% limit.

Same problem seems to be with all $10 (and up) DX etc. models. The flashlights are noticeable dimmer with primary 3V CR123A cells than rechargeable 3.7V cells. Thats because the driver has been very often only 3 x AMC7135, and it is only current regulating driver. It works very good with rechargeable ones, but I think that a single CR123 can only work correctly with boosting drivers (3V is too low voltage for LED).

So, my question is: Is there flashlights for 1x CR123A cells only? With maximum input 3V.

I have tried to customize and desing own drivers for cheap DX light to pass the problem. I have found that LTC3490 circuit fits quite good for CR123A, with 3V max input. It is boost and regulated type chip and one provides 350 mA. With two chips parallel, you can get 700 mA for the led and this will light up a Cree R5 or XM-L led quite well. And the battery will still last about 2 hours with 700 mA current, because drivers good effiency (90%).

Is there others wrestling with this type of problem? Have you build own drivers for CR123A cells etc.? Or have you even found good ready made drivers?

I don't have any plannings to buy rechargeable 16340 cells, because I have plenty of CR123A's in storage and they have much longer runtime.

1 Thank
2

I recently bought an Olight i1 EOS. It's my smallest light out of my 35 light collection, yet rated at 180 lumens. I like the simple L-M-H ui. No disco/strobe modes. 63.5mm length. Not bad.

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The Nitecore EX11.2 series are 3v max too. Despite being advertised as taking 4.2v they go direct drive and that seriously overdrives the LED and will damage the emitter and driver.

I have recently modded an EX10 to the EX11.2 circuit and a neutral white XP-G R5 emitter, it pulls 0.9A from a 3v cell. I have it up for sale on cpfmarketplace now if you're interested: LINK

I'm actually selling it for the exact opposite reason as you. I want to only run rechargeables ;)

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I have a EX10 that I use primary cr123s in. I only use li-ions in my V10R.

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Yeah, the difference would be in new circuit and emitter. The XP-G has a lower vf and so can not run direct drive on a li-ion without allowing too much current through. Coupled with the EX11.2 circuit means that you get more light with a 3.0v cell but can not safely run a 3.7v li-ion.

If you've already got an EX10 though you're probly set already.

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I have 2 CR123 lights that I can rely on the Z1 like Bob recommended or a 501A with a Solarforce low voltage XPG drop in

this

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/trustfire-z1-xper2-modes-flashlight-16340-p-7347

or these

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-wf501a-flashlight-tube-cr123-mini-p60-host-no-led-emitter-p-4294

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Thanks for suggestions. And disco/strobe/sos modes was a good point too, I hate to see my flashlight flickering.

EX10 could be worth of trying, it is discontinued model, but still sold in few places (ebay etc.). And EX11.2 has the fancy disco modes. Both are a little pricy though.

Another interesting option would be JetBeam BC10, reasonable ~$35 and simply low-high modes.

But I have to count Z1 out, because I personally don't like the 90deg design.

btw. Yes, CR123A cells have crazy prices in local shops, around 10 euros or $13 piece. But I have found a cheaper way to buy them. I have collected a lot of CRP5 cells when at discount for 1-2 euros (typically few years left before date). And you will get two cells in one package. The CRP5's are quite often in discount because nobody uses that type of camera, but still shops have full racks of that type. Weird...

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Maybe 4sevens Quark MiniX, or Fenix E15. These are supposed to be Cr123 only lights. My E15 should arrive in no time., but haven’t got a Quark Minix yet since I already got a Quark X 123 Tactical.

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This .

Neutral to warmish tint .

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I have three cr123 lights. One is a Solarforce L2m w/ an SF XR-E 3 mode drop-in that works fine. If you prefer a smaller form factor, I really like the two modified Rominsens from Shinigngbeam. Here and here. The Romisen RC-C3 II NW is fairly tiny and and cheap, especially if you use the BLF coupon (which if I remember correctly, is BLFuser).

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I forgot about that one the Shiningbeam Romisen RC-C3 it was one of the first LED lights I bought. I run mine on a 16340 and I still use it all the time for a nightlight. It's incredibly reliable and more warm than neutral with the 5C tint. It's a great little light at an awesome price. In the almost 2 years I have had it I have done nothing to it except swap the battery when it gets low.

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Okay, I think, I have next shoppping list ready. At first the Romisen RC-C3 II NW, because it isn't spoiled with its price and then Jetbeam BC10. It has that nice two mode selector.

Usually the high price will not tell everything about the quality, so that Romisen looks very interesting.

Even now, when I had to abandon the V10R, cause it wen't suddenly broken. I accidentally dropped it from my hand, about 1 meter high to carpet. It wasn't rough collision, and in fact many of my cheap Ultrafires have dropped even higher to gravel, concrete etc. hard surfaces with only small damages to flashlight body. But V10R didn't last its collision, it got dark forever. And it was only 2 months old.

That Quark MiniX flashlight was in my consideration too, but its twist operation looks difficult. I couldn't think more modes than simply on-off for twist-on operation flashlight.