[CTfam]

Looking at a new EDC light. I'm torn between the Quark AAx2 and the CR123x2.

I like the size and performance of cr123 lights but I'm sick of feeding them. What are my options for rechargable batteries? Are they as powerful as the normal batteries? How about run times etc? What are good brands and is it worth the trouble getting set up with this?

If it's too much trouble I'll go AA.

Any info or opinions would be great.

[roadkill46]

dealextreme.com

if you get their lights, which are amazing and you can look them up by battery in the upper left hand corner after you click on the flashlight link, they are all rated for 3.6v batteries. i use the purple spiderfire 3.6 and have their lights on all of my black rifles and HD shotguns. for $50 you can get 2 great 1-5 mode lights over 200 lumens, 4 rechargeable batteries and a charger.

if you have american CR123 lights already, just pick up the soshine 3.0 recharge and a charger for about 10 bux and never buy another battery. all my batts are rechargeable, i use Tenergys and sony eneloops for AA's with a MAHA charger.

go buy from deal extreme, free s/h, although it takes a few weeks to get to you from hong kong i have never gotten a bad deal from them ever. just remember not to run 3.6 in a 3.0 light, will blow in an instant! i have one 900 lumen light that runs off 4, 3.6v's! looks like the sun and will def give retinal damage if looked at directly.

[syntaxerrorsix]

Originally Posted by CTfam

Looking at a new EDC light. I'm torn between the Quark AAx2 and the CR123x2.

I like the size and performance of cr123 lights but I'm sick of feeding them. What are my options for rechargable batteries? Are they as powerful as the normal batteries? How about run times etc? What are good brands and is it worth the trouble getting set up with this?

If it's too much trouble I'll go AA.

Any info or opinions would be great.

I have the Quark X 123(2). What are you paying for 123's? I can get them online for under a dollar a piece on Amazon.

If you go with AA version you lose 80 lumens and the length of the light is increased pretty signficantly

My Fenix TK-11 and PD31 run on 18650's and they are designed for them or 123's.

The Quark doesn't specifically state that it's designed for rechargeable batteries. The head is rated for anything from 3-9 volts and will accept 2 x RCR123A's, 2 x 16340 or one 17670 but you will need to make an initial investment and get a quality charger that reads the battery charge so you don't cook them and at least 4 protected cells to start.

You will also want a volt meter so that you have a clue as to what your charger and cells are up to.

My high end recommendation is a Pila charger and AW batteries.

Let me add that the two RCR123's may be a bad idea if the charge / discharge rates fluctuate between the two of them. It would be a better option for a single cell light.

[mcflyfyter]

If you Really want to go the rechargable RCR123 route, there are some things you need to consider. These cells can "vent with flame" if abused. This can happen from reversing the polarity in the charger, over charging, over discharging, and physical damage. If you do go this route. It is highly recommended to purchase only protected cells (protected cells have a circuit board that can protect the cell from over charging and over discharging). Even then, these protection boards can fail. It is recommended to use AW or Redilast cells only. They cost $6.99, I think, and its not worth it to cheap out on the cells that have a higher probability of burning your house down. I would recomend the PILA IBC charger that syntax mentioned, or a WF-139. Either way, you should monitor the first few charges closly to verify you are not charging above 4.2 volts. After that, I just check the cells to see if they are getting too hot. Also, with a 2 cell light, you should keep the cells in a pair to avoid different voltages cells paired together. Any question you could possibly have is answered in the CandlePowerForums that I linked to.

This is an excellent guide to safely use lithium-ion cells
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=235164

[glock_collector]

One word>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SUREFIRE LED @ 200 lumens, I will burn the acne off your chin.....

[syntaxerrorsix]

Originally Posted by glock_collector

One word>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SUREFIRE LED @ 200 lumens, I will burn the acne off your chin.....

Uh, we are talking about a flashlight with 160 more lumen and a cost of $69.

You can keep the brand name BS.

Way to read the thread

[tango44]

FENIX TK10 or TK11 is all you need.

[mcflyfyter]

Originally Posted by glock_collector

One word>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SUREFIRE LED @ 200 lumens, I will burn the acne off your chin.....

You would freak if you saw an 800 lumen XM-L in a Surefire 6P, Or my 2700 lumen triple XM-L 2C maglite.

Originally Posted by tango44

FENIX TK10 or TK11 is all you need.

I don't like the pencil beam on these. They are a great little short/medium range spotter though.

[RichM]

Originally Posted by CTfam

What are good brands and is it worth the trouble getting set up with this?.

It's not much trouble and not very expensive to get started.

For reference, you can look on Lighthound.com for:
'AW RCR123a Protected 750 mAh Battery'
As mentioned above they're $6.99 each.

The Pila IBC is a great charger.
It costs around $47 and will charge two batteries independently and handles multiple sizes.

If you want to get started on a budget you can get a 3.6Volt Nano charger for $7.49

So, two batteries and a Nano charger would set you back $21.47 plus shipping.
That way you could always have a fresh battery handy.

I use rechargeable batteries in almost every light I have. (Around 40 flashlights.)
However, I carry three spare CR123A batteries in my car, in a plastic holder, for emergencies.

Even my Maglites all have rechargeable batteries in them. (18650 which can also be charged by the Pila charger, or C or D cell NiMH)
Along with high output LED's.
I make battery adapters using PVC pipe.

[syntaxerrorsix]

Originally Posted by RichM

It's not much trouble and not very expensive to get started.

For reference, you can look on Lighthound.com for:
'AW RCR123a Protected 750 mAh Battery'
As mentioned above they're $6.99 each.

The Pila IBC is a great charger.
It costs around $47 and will charge two batteries independently and handles multiple sizes.

If you want to get started on a budget you can get a 3.6Volt Nano charger for $7.49

So, two batteries and a Nano charger would set you back $21.47 plus shipping.
That way you could always have a fresh battery handy.

I use rechargeable batteries in almost every light I have. (Around 40 flashlights.)
However, I carry three spare CR123A batteries in my car, in a plastic holder, for emergencies.

Even my Maglites all have rechargeable batteries in them. (18650 which can also be charged by the Pila charger, or C or D cell NiMH)
Along with high output LED's.
I make battery adapters using PVC pipe.

Very cool adapters.

[pipedreams]

Originally Posted by CTfam

What are my options for rechargable batteries? Are they as powerful as the normal batteries? How about run times etc? What are good brands and is it worth the trouble getting set up with this?

If it's too much trouble I'll go AA.

Any info or opinions would be great.

Good rechargeable batteries and chargers.

Up to 2700mAh AA batteries
http://mahaenergy.com/store/listcate...?idcategory=12

Excellent charger
http://mahaenergy.com/store/viewitem.asp?idproduct=423

[dosei]

Go over to the candlepower forums if you want to get a ton of excellent info from a group of very knowlegable people.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/

I highly recommend looking for a light that can use a 18650 battery. Lights that can use a 18650 battery can also run off of a pair of 123 batteries, but the 18650 gives longer run times and is rechargeable.

Brands to look at:

Klarus (their XT11 is a fantastic light, I highly recommend it)
http://klaruslightusa.com/

4Sevens/Olight
http://www.4sevens.com/

EagleTac (most of EagleTac's lights come with a diffusion filter...NICE)
http://www.eagletac.com/

Jetbeam
http://jetbeamusa.com/

Sunwayman (their V20C is my EDC light)
http://www.sunwayman.com/

ThruNite (their TN12 is similar in size to the lights you are looking at, and it can use a 18650 battery)
http://thrunite.com/



A great site with lots of lights and a nice "drill down" style search:
http://goinggear.com/
Going Gear's YouTube site, with LOTS of reviews:
http://www.youtube.com/user/goingprepared/videos

The CREE XM-L LED is the newest LED. It has the highest efficiency yet, which means it is the brightest for the longest. Lights using a single XM-L LED can give over 700 lumens of light. So I recommend getting a light with a XM-L LED that can use a 18650 battery.

As for chargers, the Pila IBC is the one to get.

[collim1]

Originally Posted by syntaxerrorsix

Uh, we are talking about a flashlight with 160 more lumen and a cost of $69.

You can keep the brand name BS.

Way to read the thread

But Streamlight has the rechargeable thing dow pat. My issued Stinger light runs for several years off a battery that is run down and recharged a couple of times a week.

[dosei]

Originally Posted by glock_collector

One word>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SUREFIRE LED @ 200 lumens, I will burn the acne off your chin.....

By todays standards, that's a nightlight!


Try 700 lumens out of a light 1" diameter by 5" long. (ThruNite TN12 with the newer XM-L U2 LED)
Today's LED flashlights can put out well over a thousand lumens of light.
Lights like the Tiny Monster give you 2000 lumens (yes, two thousand lumens) of output from something the size of a soda can.

[Travclem]

Originally Posted by dosei

By todays standards, that's a nightlight!

Yeah My Quark 123^2 TurboX puts out 450 OTF lumens all for $85.

[syntaxerrorsix]

Originally Posted by collim1

But Streamlight has the rechargeable thing dow pat. My issued Stinger light runs for several years off a battery that is run down and recharged a couple of times a week.

I have an old incandescent Streamlight Scorpion (I think) that I've had for years now. It's not rechargeable but I'm still on the same lamp assembly. My Surefire incandescent is on it's 5th assembly and I don't think I'm going to replace it. It's probably time to retire it.

I don't mind picking up quality rechargeable batteries and a charger and "doing it myself" but I have heard good things about Streamlight's rechargeable series.

[rjflyn]

Check out Nitecore's Tiny Monster- you wont have to shoot any inturder- he'll be blind for life- 2000 lumens. Check you tube for one guys 15 min review.

[CTfam]

Thanks a lot guys. Candlepowerforums is a great sight. Lots of reading to do. Can't wait for my new light!

[dosei]

Originally Posted by CTfam

Thanks a lot guys. Candlepowerforums is a great sight. Lots of reading to do. Can't wait for my new light!

So tell us! What did you order?

[CTfam]

Haha I didn't order yet! Well I did get a Fenix AAA for my keychain.

I am just about set on the 123X2 offering from Quark but it appears the "X" model is out right now?

Is this the baddest mofo they have right now???

I would like a AA for ease of use but they just look long and goofy. Plus I like LUMENS.

[syntaxerrorsix]

Originally Posted by CTfam

Haha I didn't order yet! Well I did get a Fenix AAA for my keychain.

I am just about set on the 123X2 offering from Quark but it appears the "X" model is out right now?

Is this the baddest mofo they have right now???

I would like a AA for ease of use but they just look long and goofy. Plus I like LUMENS.

Without double checking, the 123 X is the brightest one you can comfortably EDC. The Turbo is brighter and some of the larger models put out more light.

The 123 X is what I currently EDC and I'm using AW 17670 rechargeable from LightHound.

[Texas357]

I like Ni-MH rechargeables in AA and AAA for my regular-use lights. They are getting very good capacity.

The trade-off you make is that Ni-MH batteries can self-discharge over time (If you only use your camera once every other month, not a good choice unless you want to charge it first), but for daily-use items they pay for themselves quick. They also won't leak and destroy your expensive device. Newer Ni-MH batteries are Low-Self-Discharge versions, (sold as "Precharged Rechargeables") - they have slightly less capacity, but will hold a charge on the shelf longer. Plus, if you are using Ni-MH AA or AAA flashlights and don't have any Ni-MH batteries, you can always find regular AA or AAA batteries to get you through. Over 100 lumens out of a single AAA battery in a flashlight about the size of a AA battery is available, right now. You'll probably find that you end up using the lower settings far more often though.

For things that you aren't going to use or even check on (flashlight in your trunk, basement, toolbox), go with lithium - much better shelf life (10 years), and won't leak and destroy the flashlight you had tucked away for emergencies.