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HollowState
198
Oct 28, 2017
I have a number of small flashlights and my favorite is a Klarus model, larger than the RS16, but allows use of a 18650 USB rechargeable LI+ battery. This battery connects directly to a USB to USB micro cable. I haven't seen a similar 16340 battery, so it appears that it would be necessary to remove the battery for recharging in an external charger. Typically, however, rechargeable batteries will not allow the current needed to run a CREE diode at max illumination. I suspect this flashlight would be brighter with the CR123A. Please check out this "upgraded" RS16 for $60 with battery and shipping:
https://www.batteryjunction.com/klarus-rs16-xp-l-hi.html
A charging cable is available and is used on a number of current Klarus models. I really, really like my Klarus with the USB rechargeable 18650 Li+ battery, so this drop is tempting me.
MooTaters
382
Oct 29, 2017
HollowState"Typically, however, rechargeable batteries will not allow the current needed to run a CREE diode at max illumination. " I would really argue that depends more on the flashlight itself. I mean just look at Eagletac's D25C clicky, using a " 4.2V li-ion"(RCR123) direct drives the LED to get max output. In other words a rechargeable gets higher output than a CR123. The problem with that is you lose pretty much all the extra modes, and a CR123 tends to last longer than a RCR123. It can easily depend on the rechargeable battery you pick too, there are plenty of 18650's out there capable of 20+ amps CDR. Sony VTC's(3, 4's, and 5's generally) have become difficult to come by because vapers are always looking for safe high amperage 18650's.
HollowState
198
Oct 29, 2017
MooTatersI'm sorry that I wasn't clear. The chemistry in a Li+ battery is controlled to protect the "rechargeability" (is that a word?) of the battery. By comparison, an equal volume of the regular battery allows a more rapid discharge, providing a stronger current to the diode. And that is before the internal circuitry of most Li+ batteries reduces the internal volume compared to common batteries of the same physical size. Of course, individual situations may differ, but the general principle still stands. In almost every case, replacing a rechargeable battery with a disposable will yield a brighter light. All this applies to the most common types of flashlight design and specifically to Li+ chemistry, although this may apply to many other rechargeable batteries of differing chemistry.
MooTaters
382
Oct 30, 2017
HollowStateAh, ok, makes more sense now. Though it's tough to beat the convenience of a rechargeable in terms of cost(assuming you're buying at a decent price), as long as it's charged of course. Granted even then it's still nice to have the option to swap it out for something that's easier to find if you're in a rut.
NorthernHarrier
55
Dec 27, 2017
HollowStateThere are plenty of high-current 16340 cells available now that will supply enough current to drive the LED at max output. In fact, many LED's can be driven harder with certain re-chargeable cells than with most single-use cells. Of course, the total energy available in the cell is less in a rechargeable than in a single-use cell, but that doesn't mean the rechargeable is not capable of driving the LED at max output.