A different battery question, really.

[jcco]

OK, so I do have some decent 18650's for my Vamo.
I don't know what 18650's would be good to use in a LED flashlight.

Anyone know what kind of 18650 or does it make a difference? Do I need button tops?
I got my original batteries that still work fine from another great tip from my hero, Baditude.

Should I be using some cheaper off brand for a flashlight or go ahead & use my Vamo batteries?

Thanks for any help.

JC

 

[bluecat]

Candlepower forums is a good place or flashlight forums. Yes, it makes a difference.

 

[tj99959]

It doesn't take much to power a LED, so mAh means more than wattage/amperage.
Just remember that the brightest light on the planet is worthless when the battery goes dead.

 

[jcco]

Can I assume a "protected" battery is essential?

I was thinking that my existing Panasonic NCR18650B only with button tops should work well. Or am I going overboard with those.
Went to the Candle power.com & only found a confusing forum unlike ECF, Haha.
So many batteries have "fire" in their brand name so don't want to go there.

What do you think? More panasonic's or if anyone can recommend a specific battery & where to get them. I'm having trouble finding those NCR's.

 

[smokender]

I am a flashlight collector and these are what I use;

Nitecore NL189 18650 3400 mah 3.7V
Olight 18650 3600mah 3.6V
Foursevens AW's 18650 3400 mah 3.7V
Fenix 18650 flat top same specs as above.
(All protected)

A lot of the flashlight batts are wrapped pannies with protection circuit, but some work better that others. The flashlight dealer sites offer some great info on batteries. Also, Don't put you vape batts in the lights, and vica versa. I learned that here, as I am new to vaping.

 

[coolvapes]

From what I've read, flashlights blow up same as mechs, you probably want a good battery. I do have a laser pointer that can burn through plastic, running the cheapest 18650 battery and charger I found on amazon, purchased before I started vaping and later realized that thing is a pipe bomb waiting to go off

 

[HughDaHand]

Also keep in mind what your usage of the flashlight will be. Mine only gets occasional use during power outages or on the walk through the woods heading home from my sisters house after dark. I just use the hand me downs from my mods. Currently a pair of Panasonic NCR18650PD at 2900mah and 10amp max current, way overkill for the 2.8A max draw on my flashlight. It will run almost 20 hours on low and 1 hour on high. When my vct4's start to get worn out they will be moved over to flash light duty.

The only time I ever wished for more run time was last winter when I strapped my flash light to my snowblower during a bad snow storm. Its a little tough to change a battery with gloves on. If I used a flashlight for work/hobby I might look into some higher mAh battery's.