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#253271 - 11/13/12 06:36 AM Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries?
ireckon Offline
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Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
For any of your flashlights, do you use 16340 batteries, the rechargeable version of CR123? Is there any advantage or is it mostly an inconvenience? I might buy this flashlight and have been thinking about trying out a 16340 battery:

http://dx.com/p/tk-360-cree-xp-g-r5-200-...-113158?item=13
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#253274 - 11/13/12 10:09 AM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: ireckon]
Phaedrus Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 04/28/10
Posts: 3148
Loc: Big Sky Country
I think the main issue with the rechargeable versions are that they lack the ability to work in the cold like the lithium version. However they do put out an impressive amount of power.
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#253277 - 11/13/12 02:14 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: ireckon]
LesSnyder Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 07/11/10
Posts: 1680
Loc: New Port Richey, Fla
In all honesty, I've never run down a CR123 due to use... they power my weapons' lights and SureFire/SolarForce high intensity lights, and don't get routine usage...I have replaced them after multi year stand by service

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#253278 - 11/13/12 02:37 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: ireckon]
Am_Fear_Liath_Mor Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 08/03/07
Posts: 3078

I use RCR123a with the same DX flashlight, best to go with the higher spec 16340 protected cells, such as the AW RCR123a though

http://www.lighthound.com/AW-RCR123a-Protected-750-mAh-Battery_p_114.html

The Soshine RCR123a from DX are also OK

http://dx.com/p/soshine-700ma-3-7v-rcr123-a-batteries-pack-with-carrying-case-2-pack-13811?item=1

The Nitecore Intellicharger i4 will allow you to charge 4 cells at a time.

http://www.nitecore.com/video.aspx?id=54

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#253279 - 11/13/12 03:20 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: ireckon]
MDinana Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 03/08/07
Posts: 2208
Loc: Beer&Cheese country
You have to be more careful with them. IIRC, the 16340 is lithium ion, whereas rechargable CR123 are a different chemical composition. Running two or more in series can cause problems with reverse current and exploding batteries. Finally, not all flashlughts that run on 123s will accept 16340 due to differences is current strength.

Candlepower forums has a bunch of good info on them, including reports of battery explosions. I use them occasionally, but only in single cell lights. I suggest you do some research, if you haven't, before assuming they're interchangeable.

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#253282 - 11/13/12 03:45 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: ireckon]
chaosmagnet Offline
Sheriff
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 12/03/09
Posts: 3819
Loc: USA
My tendency is to use protected 18650s for improved runtime in those of my lights that support them. For my single-celled lights, I use them less frequently and find that CR123A primaries work very well for me.

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#253283 - 11/13/12 03:55 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: ireckon]
Arney Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 09/15/05
Posts: 2485
Loc: California
Originally Posted By: ireckon
For any of your flashlights, do you use 16340 batteries, the rechargeable version of CR123?

Among the Candlepower Forums crowd, "16340" generally refers to one particular type of rechargeable CR123-sized cell, but there are other types/chemistries out there, e.g. Li-Co RCR123 cells. "16340" generally refers to IMR-type cells, which are capable of high dischrage rates but have lower capacity than the more typical Li-Co lithium ion rechargeable cells.

I think you'll find this discussion on Candlepower Forums interesting.

I haven't worn out any of my Li-Co RCR123 cells yet, so I have not tried these IMR cells yet. In general, if you want really high currents, then IMR's are the way to go. If not, then Li-Co's still have their place depending on any other priorities you may have.

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#253289 - 11/13/12 04:42 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: Phaedrus]
ireckon Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
Thank you, everybody. I have a lot of reading to do about the fundamental characteristics of various batteries. All of my EDC flashlights must be able to perform in cold conditions. Perhaps all rechargeable batteries are eliminated altogether (?).
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#253291 - 11/13/12 05:09 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: ireckon]
Am_Fear_Liath_Mor Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 08/03/07
Posts: 3078

Quote:
Perhaps all rechargeable batteries are eliminated altogether (?)



Tenergy LiFePO4 RCR123As have very good low temperature performance and excellent number of charge/dischage cycles. They have a slightly less capacity though compared with other 16340 cells.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/rc375reliba.html

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#253292 - 11/13/12 05:56 PM Re: Flashlightaholics: Anybody use 16340 batteries? [Re: Am_Fear_Liath_Mor]
haertig Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 03/13/05
Posts: 2322
Loc: Colorado
I use rechargeable Li-Ion for all my daily carry flashlights (yes, multiple - what can I say?!) But you have to buy a light that is designed to use the higher voltage. I am talking from the AA-size battery perspective. I use the 14500 rechargeable Li-Ions 99% of the time. My fallback to that are the Eneloop rechargeable NiMH's. Third fallback is Alkaline.

I only have one CR123 light (weapons light on my shotgun). For that, I use regular primary CR123's. For that use - very short and sporatic use (testing mostly) - I think primary lithium cells are the best.

If you are considering rechargeable CR123's, realize that there are DIFFERENT VOLTAGES available. Make sure you get something compatible with your flashlight. Also, if you have two rechargeable Li-Ions in series you sure as heck better make sure they are the "protected" kind. Otherwise you are at risk for fire and smoke. Better than two Li-Ion CR123's (I forgot the model designation for these) in series, I would recommend ONE 18650 cell that replaces both. Again, make sure your flashlight can handle the additional voltage.

The rule of thumb for rechargeable Li-Ion's is, if your are going to buy a cheap charger (the UltraFire for example), get GOOD batteries (e.g., AW brand, etc). If you are going to get cheap batteries (UltraFire, etc.) get a GOOD charger. I personally use an UltraFire charger for Li-ions, but for batteries I always use the top-notch AW brand protected cells.

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