I have to say… I have a UF WF-501a running a generic 4.7v max 5-mode XML T6 that came with my 502b. Very poor performance from a single (cheap bulk buy Panasonic from amazon) cr123a 3v, which I imagine can be expected. Today I received my first set of 16340 Li-ions (MF supplied TF Flame 880mAh), and it turned that above mentioned setup into a freaking POWERHOUSE pocket rocket, almost as bright as my SolarForce L2T custom assembly with a MF UF 3-mode XML with a TF Flame 18650, and I imagine it will be JUST as bright once I get the next MF UF 3-mode in the mail and stuff it in the 501a.
Incidentally, I also ordered a SF L2m battery tube and an extra HAIII head (already have an extra tailcap - dig the forward clikie/momentary-on option), because I’m so excited about the single cr123a sized torch option.
BetweenRides mentioned they recommended to their son an UF WF-501B, suggesting it can run on two primary CR123as. For primaries that would be pushing a good 6v on a couple of fully charged cells, which is well over max for most the drop-ins included with your average 501B. I have a UF Q5 (whatever the LED might be) that is single mode and runs a higher voltage range than can handle the 6v, but still not as bright as a single 18650.
I would love to have at least one light that performs as impressively on CR123as, but I think I’d have to get a high-range, low-voltage drop-in for that. Any recommendations? E1320 once recommended one of the SolarForce low voltage XM-L (I think) drop-ins for this reason, also suggesting full brightness potential at lower voltages. Thoughts?
I am a little leary of >single cell combinations since I’m still pretty much a noob, but ran a couple Streamlight CR123as in a Streamlight TRL-1 for a long time and it was awesome. Other than that, I had some Smith&Wesson Xenon tactical torch that had ran x2 CR123a and it was fine - but is sure dull and obsolete now that I’ve discovered this place.
Anyway… I assume all these military and police outlets for CR123as issue torches that run 6v+ min. But the drop-ins in those torches are obviously regulated for a higher voltage, but almost always seem to perform less impressively than some of these new XM-L drop ins on 4.7 volts. Can someone enlighten me on this a bit? Is it all about regulation? A friend has a Surefire scout on his M-4, and we both thought that thing was bright until I started getting into the Chinese lights and set-ups. LOL. But I have no idea what that thing is running in it’s innards, aside from requiring X2 CR123 batteries (6v).
I agree that in a SHTF situation, rechargeables may become pointless very quickly, and primaries will be more available. What would be the best (performing/run-time) drop-in option for single or double CR123s config?