So I’m a total noob at this. From the perspective of a “flashaholic”, I have zero good flashlights. I’m shopping around for a few good flashlights in different sizes, from a pocketable EDC, a handheld everyday light, & maybe a heavier thrower too. I had planned on using the rechargeable NiMH batteries I already have around the house.
Of course, the problem with the NiMHs is that they’ve usually been in a drawer for a month or two before I pull them out, & they don’t hold too much of a charge. Then I read about Eneloops & other low self-discharge AA/AAA batteries, & that seemed like a good idea. So, I’ve budgeted a little extra for batteries too. Any maybe a better, intelligent charger.
However, I’ve also seen many more flashlights that run on CR123s. I know that AAs have more flexibility, in that you can find alkaline AAs just about anywhere. However, I’m going to run these on on my rechargeables almost 100% of the time.
I know that battery choice is a complicated issue, but if you were me (a non-flashaholic who just wants a few pretty good flashlights), and you were going to buy only 2-3 flashlights using the same battery format, a new intelligent charger & batteries, would you stick with Eneloop NiMH AAs, or would you go with RCR123s?
I only have one CR123 light and it's so short that it's awkward to hold. I prefer the feel of a slightly longer light.
You can buy Eneloop's at half price right now. Find the $1.50 coupon in your Target junk mail. Target has a 4-pack Duracell rebranded Eneloops for $6.08 on clearance, so $4.58 with coupon.
If I were to buy a small CR123 or AA aluminum flashlight right now and didn't already have any, I'd buy the oLight S15. It can run on lithium ion batteries or AA's.
I consider myself a user/collector and not a falshaholic, but here is what I do. Since I personally prefer cr123a formatted lights, I buy the batteries in bulk. Much less painful that way. Rechargeable rcr123 batteries, indeed, all rechargeable LI batteries are too hands on for me. They are probably the way to go, but I just can’t be bothered with all rules and procedures necessary to be safe with them. What a PITA! I mean, there is a thread around here where the guys are showing off their hobby chargers and I get vertigo just looking at the pictures.
For all the other lights I own, I run Eneloops. A lot less drama with this battery chemistry if you ask me.
I recommend 14500’s They are rechargeable lithium ions that are the same size as AA. Most lights that accept 14500’s will accept AA’s, but not vice versa. I also recommend an I4 charger. Charges lithium and nimh with no fuss.
I have all the different batteries but to be honest, the ones I tend to prefer for various reasons are my AAA and AA running Eneloops. A single decent LED AA today blows away the 2Xcr123 Surefire incans of 10-15 years ago.
After a certain amount of light, you don’t really need anymore. The average flashlight and flashlight task does not require 2000 lumins. I tend to use medium mode much more often now that the thrill of the high power is gone. When I first got a 500+ lumin light, I was like a kid, had to use high all the time etc. now, I see the appeal of the correct amount of light and a nice tint.
Fact is, there are plenty of good AA flashlights and headlamps on the market that will provide lots of light and good runtimes.
I would stay away from CR123s due to the expense, relative rarity and general pain in the assness of them. Recharables mean LiOn which mean a lot of attention. If you are just getting into it, go with the much safer and more robust Eneloops. You treat them like any regular battery and never have to give them any special attention.
If you don’t know what I mean about LiOn cells needing more attention, it things you probably never thought of with regular cells like don’t leave them in a hot car and don’t short them out or trip the protection circuit. Don’t over charge them, don’t run them below 3 volts.
Lights are a hobby for me and I am seriously thinking about giving up on LiOn because I’m tired of the hassle. Life would be simple with just Eneloops.
Rechargeable CR123 batteries are a mess to get into: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/20261
Look for 18650 LiIon batteries and lights for them. It is one of the best battery sizes to get. 18650 is a very common battery size, nearly all laptop battery packs uses them.