If you want the absolute pinnacle in performance, however, you need to look at different chemistry rechargeable cells. That said, lithium cells, like the CR123a and the CR2, still offer better performance for size compared to alkalines. In particular, Zebralight makes excellent illumination tools that use alkaline batteries. Many companies have pushed emitter technology to the point where regular alkaline batteries provide plenty of punch. It used to be that high-end lights used lithium cells exclusively, but this no longer the case. There are some emerging chemistries out there, like lithium-polymer rechargeables, and even fewer lights can use those. Many lights can run on the first three, but the higher voltage on Li-ion batteries can tax circuits and emitters, making them the least common chemistry used. Not every light can run on every chemistry. There are four main chemistries - alkaline and lithium for primary cells, and NiMH and Li-ion for rechargeables. Note that all of the common cell formats have rechargeable equivalents, all with numeric names. Many of the better brands of primaries have ultra-low self discharge and some chemistries can remain at 90% power for up to five years. In those scenarios it’s best to have primaries on hand. Primaries have an advantage for storage: Rechargeables all “leak” power over time, called self-discharge, and they cannot be stored on a shelf in case of a power outage. Finally, you can find a greater variety of batteries in rechargeable cells - from super small 10880s to mega cells. Some rechargeable cells, lithiums mostly, can cause fires/explosions when overcharged, but in years of using them this has never happened to me.
Rechargeables also have better specs, allowing lights to have much higher lumen counts and longer runtimes. Because these lights get used on a regular basis, you can simply charge up the batteries and save money. Rechargeables work better in two scenarios - ultrahigh performance lights and regular carry/use lights. Over time, if you really want to see what the latest lighting tech can do you will migrate to having a variety of cells: primaries (non-rechargeables) and rechargeables. Rechargeables are necessary to get those really high numbers. These things aren’t necessarily easy to find on common cell boxes, but you can find them if you need to. The maH term is a measurement of the total amount of energy stored in a cell.įor a flashlight, you want high discharge rates (3.7V-4.2V) and lots of maH (more than 1500). Volts, to simplify the comparison, is a measure of a battery’s bandwidth, basically how much power it can discharge at a time (electrical engineers hold your fingers in abeyance, I know it is more complex than that). There are two numbers associated with batteries that are important - volts and millamps per hour, or V and maH, respectively.
#D battery flashlights how to#
A GUIDE: HOW TO CHOOSE A FLASHLIGHT BATTERY Volts & Millamps Most everything else is suspect and usually a rebranded cheap cell. Surefire, Energizer, Duracell, Rayovac or Panasonic. In crises, common cells go quickly at stores while CR123a and other less common types are usually still in stock. Have one light that runs on unusual batteries for emergencies. Modern emitters get great performance out of AA and AAA cells, which are cheaper and easier to replace. 3) Keep CommonĪvoid lights with esoteric batteries for EDC use. Good ones are useable even after years of storage. They have the lowest self-discharge rate of any chemistry. 2) Lithium For Long-Termįor storage or packed lights use lithiums. This includes flashlights, headlamps, and even bike lights. They save money over the long term and offer performance benefits. Read below to learn some important details about batteries, and keep in mind these five key points: 1) Rechargeable Batteries For EDCįor regular use lights and everyday carry, get rechargeables. The last,18650, is a rechargeable-only cell about 150% the size of a AA and thicker. The first two of that triplet are “camera” batteries, though most cameras now use proprietary cells. But there is a range of other types you should know, including CR2, CR123a, and 18650.
We know batteries by their conventional names - AAA, AA, D, and C cell. From left to right: 18650 cell, D cell, AA cell, rechargeable CR123a cell, AAA cell, CR2 cell
#D battery flashlights portable#
But if you want to squeeze out every bit of performance from a flashlight you need to understand a bit more about these magical, portable power cells. At their simplest they are like tissues - useful and disposable.
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