We have a Olight laser/light combo. I haven't recharged it yet, but side by side with my sisters Crimson Trace it is brighter. She uses rechargeable batteries in hers and has never had any problems.
Batteries for lights/lasers - do you use one time batteries or rechargeables
I have bought one time use batteries. The little light/laser combos on the 1.0 Shields use the small CR1/3N batteries. About the only time I've gotten used one time use CR123s is when they came with a new light. Otherwise I've used CR123R (rechargeable) for since I put that first TLR1 on my M&P 1.0 13 or 14 years ago. Same for the 18650 sized batteries, rechargeables for years.
I have the kind (both CR123R and 18650) that have to be recharged with a plug in battery charger and the kind with the USB port on the side up near the positive post in both CR123R size and 18650 size) (even Streamlight is selling brandname rechargeable 18650's like this for their lights.)
I have multiple brand names in chargers and batteries. No battery or charger related issues so far.
I have seen statements that some of the CR123R batteries have too high of a mA /hr rating and their use in a Streamlight will damage the light and Streamlight will not warranty repairs caused by using improper batteries. I have a pocket carry double CR123 Streamlight that I used high mA/hr batteries in for years before I read the instructions on one of my new lights (TLR7A) and saw that warning. Then I went back to my Streamlight pocket and read the instructions (had to download them from the internet) and realized I should have been using "smaller" powered batteries in it as well. No damages to it from using the more powerful batteries, so far.
The only issue I've had with the rechargeable CR123R batteries is my 1.0 FS .357 SIG was damaging the batteries internally. The light would stop working, I'd think the batteries need to be recharged and replace them in the light. One of the batteries being recharged wouldn't take the charge. When I shook it the darn thing would rattle/clack inside. The good/working batteries didn't make noise when you shook them.
Does anyone else use rechargeables (not just Olights, but rechargeable batteries in old style lights) and if so what types and have you had issues with the batteries or chargers?
I have the kind (both CR123R and 18650) that have to be recharged with a plug in battery charger and the kind with the USB port on the side up near the positive post in both CR123R size and 18650 size) (even Streamlight is selling brandname rechargeable 18650's like this for their lights.)
I have multiple brand names in chargers and batteries. No battery or charger related issues so far.
I have seen statements that some of the CR123R batteries have too high of a mA /hr rating and their use in a Streamlight will damage the light and Streamlight will not warranty repairs caused by using improper batteries. I have a pocket carry double CR123 Streamlight that I used high mA/hr batteries in for years before I read the instructions on one of my new lights (TLR7A) and saw that warning. Then I went back to my Streamlight pocket and read the instructions (had to download them from the internet) and realized I should have been using "smaller" powered batteries in it as well. No damages to it from using the more powerful batteries, so far.
The only issue I've had with the rechargeable CR123R batteries is my 1.0 FS .357 SIG was damaging the batteries internally. The light would stop working, I'd think the batteries need to be recharged and replace them in the light. One of the batteries being recharged wouldn't take the charge. When I shook it the darn thing would rattle/clack inside. The good/working batteries didn't make noise when you shook them.
Does anyone else use rechargeables (not just Olights, but rechargeable batteries in old style lights) and if so what types and have you had issues with the batteries or chargers?
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High mA/hr batteries are not "more powerful" than lower rated batteries, they just give a longer run time. Unless they produce higher than standard voltage, they cannot hurt the item they are used in. It's as if you added a bigger gas tank to your car. The car won't have more power, just more range.
I have been into collecting LEDs for years. And, I use 18650 lights all the time. And, I have some lights that use the R123 cells. But, the voltage is higher on these lithium ion rechargeable batteries. So, be careful what you put them in.
I don't put them in my TLR1 lights.
I too have multiple chargers. I even keep one at work for some flashlights I use there
I don't put them in my TLR1 lights.
I too have multiple chargers. I even keep one at work for some flashlights I use there
The rechargeable lithium ion batteries usually do have a higher voltage than the normal, primary cells. There is more at play than just the mAh capacity.High mA/hr batteries are not "more powerful" than lower rated batteries, they just give a longer run time. Unless they produce higher than standard voltage, they cannot hurt the item they are used in. It's as if you added a bigger gas tank to your car. The car won't have more power, just more range.
You're right. It's not how much power they store/charge up to. It's that the higher mA/hr batteries amost (if not) always have a higher voltage, as ShipWreck pointed out.High mA/hr batteries are not "more powerful" than lower rated batteries, they just give a longer run time. Unless they produce higher than standard voltage, they cannot hurt the item they are used in. It's as if you added a bigger gas tank to your car. The car won't have more power, just more range.
It's not easy finding rechargeable batteries that are supposedly safe in Streamlights. Like I said, I've been using the higher voltage/mA/hr batteries in that one 2 cell Streamlight for years with zero issues. I just didn't want to risk my new TLR7A and another fairly new Streamlight 2 cell (ProTac I bought that I didn't realize was two CR123 batteries vs. that or a single 18650 - just didn't pay attention to the details after seeing the low price.)
I have zero experience with other brands of higher priced lights other than Streamlight or Olight, or how voltages might affect them.
Three of my handgun lasers use magnetic USB rechargeables. The Hogue S&W laser uses 2032 batteries and are easily changed just by removing the grip panel.
I prefer not to need to remove a laser/red dot to change batteries.
I prefer not to need to remove a laser/red dot to change batteries.
Recent issue I had was some EBL brand CR123R batteries ordered/used in the Streamlight 2 cell pocket flashlight would not work in the TRL7A (single battery) light. The voltage was down at 3.0 v, so fine for the TLR7A, but when you install the battery won't work when you press the switch. The batteries work in the 2 sell lights fine. Tried all four of the recently bought batteries and none worked in the TRL7A. I have another TLR7 and a TLR1 (I am not taking the darn TLR1 off the P09 just to try batteries, I hate finding a quarter to loosen/tighten that screw to change batteries in that light) I'm not currently using but have not located it to try the 3.0 v rechargeable CR123Rs in.
Streamlight is selling rechargeable 18650's, maybe they'll start selling the CR123R batteries, too.
That is a nice thing about being able to use the same batteries for multiple lights, but not this battery/lights.
When you buy stuff, don't assume it will work. Fit/test it yourself and make sure it works before you find out the hard way.
Streamlight is selling rechargeable 18650's, maybe they'll start selling the CR123R batteries, too.
That is a nice thing about being able to use the same batteries for multiple lights, but not this battery/lights.
When you buy stuff, don't assume it will work. Fit/test it yourself and make sure it works before you find out the hard way.
Streamlight is selling rechargeable 18650's, maybe they'll start selling the CR123R batteries, too.
The 18650s Streamlight sells have a USB charging port/cell protection circuit built in. It add a bit of length to the package. Cells without the circuit will still work in the flashlight because of length of the spring in the tail cap. Probably not enough room in the 123 package to do this.
You know, these do have the USB port in the side, like you mentioned. I'll have to keep an eye out for that when looking for some more.The 18650s Streamlight sells have a USB charging port/cell protection circuit built in. It add a bit of length to the package. Cells without the circuit will still work in the flashlight because of length of the spring in the tail cap. Probably not enough room in the 123 package to do this.
I'm not really stupid. I realized right away putting the micrometer across the ends to see how long they were was not a great idea. Really wish I could figure out to get my smiley faces working again.
I prefer to put the battery in the charger. Some of those batteries that charge directly - or the flashlights that charge via USB (The battery stays inside).... The battery seems to get hotter doing that. But, if you pull the battery and charge it in the charger, that doesn't seem to happen.
I'm torn between the batteries removed (to charge while replacing them with already charged batteries) and those lights that are not removable from the light.
I have some Olights with the magnetic charger cord I've never had an issue with. What bothers me is what happens when I have to use the light and the before I'm done it needs recharged? With the type of light that allows a battery replacement it's a quick job (I carry spares in my bag(s) for road trips or weekends, or sitting on top of the fridge, or in the table drawer by my side of the couch (you get the idea, lots of already charged batteries around the house/car/truck).
The last few lights I've bought have been Streamlights (TLR6 - 2, TLR 7A - 1, Protac - 2). The big Olights with internal batteries are on guns that stay in the house and I check the battery charge level every now and then. Same for the little square Olights. On pistols that stay here.
I have some Olights with the magnetic charger cord I've never had an issue with. What bothers me is what happens when I have to use the light and the before I'm done it needs recharged? With the type of light that allows a battery replacement it's a quick job (I carry spares in my bag(s) for road trips or weekends, or sitting on top of the fridge, or in the table drawer by my side of the couch (you get the idea, lots of already charged batteries around the house/car/truck).
The last few lights I've bought have been Streamlights (TLR6 - 2, TLR 7A - 1, Protac - 2). The big Olights with internal batteries are on guns that stay in the house and I check the battery charge level every now and then. Same for the little square Olights. On pistols that stay here.
I have magnetic chargers and a regular USB. Their runtime is long enough that should I run out of charge the situation is beyond reasonable expectations. I have chargers in my gun safe, upstairs workroom, and by my bed. It takes little time to connect and charge.
I also have small power banks about the size of a deck of cards in my car and range bag with appropriate cables.
Spare batteries like CR2032 and 2016 for lasers, garage door openers, and key fob. With these batteries, they get changed every 6 months regardless of use. Batteries are cheap compared to the lost time and inconvenience of them going dead.
I also have small power banks about the size of a deck of cards in my car and range bag with appropriate cables.
Spare batteries like CR2032 and 2016 for lasers, garage door openers, and key fob. With these batteries, they get changed every 6 months regardless of use. Batteries are cheap compared to the lost time and inconvenience of them going dead.
I've got those little power pack chargers in each car (two in the truck) and one in each shoulder/back pack bag. I've never really done any testing to see how long it takes to charge a light battery, or how many times you can recharge a light battery off one of them (got two different sizes of power packs.) I have used them to recharge cellphone batteries and they do that pretty quickly with a small drop in charge level.
One thing I noticed, never bothered to read up on, was that for my wife's I phone, at least, the power pack will keep it charged while running Waze and SXM radio without making the phone/battery hot. Plugged into the car 12 v. outlet the phone will stay charged but gets warm enough to alarm us. Plugged into the little battery pack it will stay charged up but not get hot. A little warm, but not so hot you start wondering if it's going to damage something.
Of course, every now and then you have to remember to pull the charge pack out of the door pocket or bag and plug it in to the car/truck to make sure it's still fully charged. That's a struggle, but fortunately they don't seem to drop much even over several months of sitting in a hot/cold car.
One thing I noticed, never bothered to read up on, was that for my wife's I phone, at least, the power pack will keep it charged while running Waze and SXM radio without making the phone/battery hot. Plugged into the car 12 v. outlet the phone will stay charged but gets warm enough to alarm us. Plugged into the little battery pack it will stay charged up but not get hot. A little warm, but not so hot you start wondering if it's going to damage something.
Of course, every now and then you have to remember to pull the charge pack out of the door pocket or bag and plug it in to the car/truck to make sure it's still fully charged. That's a struggle, but fortunately they don't seem to drop much even over several months of sitting in a hot/cold car.
I use one time batteries. Tried the rechargeable ones but do not last nearly as long. I by the one use batteries in multi packs.
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