Multi Fuel LED Lights

[Raptor]

I long ago standardized on AA rechargeable batteries as my main flashlight "fuel".
I basically phased out (and either put in long storage or disposed of) any flash light that did not use AA.

That said I still have few cr-123 lights for special purposes and I was trying to figure out their future. In the process I discovered the 18650 battery and its usefulness. Not all cr-123 lights can use 18650 batteries, but many that use 2 cr -123 can use an 18650 battery. That and not all lights that use 18650 have removable batteries.

Still I have run into several LED lights that use 3 AA or with an adapter can use an 18650 battery. You can find these by searching for the term multi-fuel.

As an example
I have purchased this light which is a great low cost light. The quality is adequate. It can use 3 -AA, 1- 18650 or 2 CR-123. It on sale now for $13.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074BT4X5H/?coliid=I23YZ5WXVCWTXP&colid=2PZ4LFJMWHSMH&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I have also purchased this light:
It can use 3 -AA, 1- 18650 or 2 CR-123
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09N5LDYPC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A multi fuel light allows the flexibility to use whatever batteries you can find.

[Moab]

Good to know. Nice feature! 

[Optimist]

Thanks for letting me know about these, especially the search term. I knew there were some weapon lights that could take AA or CR123 and that some lights could take a single 18650 or two CR123s, but I didn't know there was a bunch of options for more normal lights out there.

I tried for years to standardize on AAs but I failed pretty hard at it and now I've got multiple lights in pretty much everything other than C and 9v. Some how I ended up with way more AAA stuff than AA even though my main battery storage preps are still AA.

[Raptor]

Thanks for letting me know about these, especially the search term. I knew there were some weapon lights that could take AA or CR123 and that some lights could take a single 18650 or two CR123s, but I didn't know there was a bunch of options for more normal lights out there.

I tried for years to standardize on AAs but I failed pretty hard at it and now I've got multiple lights in pretty much everything other than C and 9v. Some how I ended up with way more AAA stuff than AA even though my main battery storage preps are still AA.

You have to look for them but if you search for "multi fuel lights" you find more that way. What I have found by trial and error is that many lights which take 18650 batteries will frequently take cr123a batteries. 

[Moab]

Thanks for letting me know about these, especially the search term. I knew there were some weapon lights that could take AA or CR123 and that some lights could take a single 18650 or two CR123s, but I didn't know there was a bunch of options for more normal lights out there.

I tried for years to standardize on AAs but I failed pretty hard at it and now I've got multiple lights in pretty much everything other than C and 9v. Some how I ended up with way more AAA stuff than AA even though my main battery storage preps are still AA.

You have to look for them but if you search for "multi fuel lights" you find more that way. What I have found by trial and error is that many lights which take 18650 batteries will frequently take cr123a batteries.

That was my next question. I have tactical flashlights that take 18650s. I'll try a couple cr123a bats and see if it works. Good to know!

And thanks for the search term.

[MacWa77ace]

the CR123's are a little smaller diameter. So if a tube is sized for an 18650 it should work with CR123's. But if its sized for a CR123, then it may not. So it doesn't have to say duel fuel, just 18650.

For example, Surefires are sized for CR123's. But they also make duel fuel models so you have to get them if you want to do that. It's also interesting that Surefire rates the runtime different on each fuel type. Check it out on their website. 

This is my Solarforce duel fuel with 18650. I wish these were still available. Great lights for $25 with accessories like tactical bezels, silicone rings, tape switches.  I have 3 of these, two rifle mounted and this handheld with tactical ring and lanyard for off pistol light use.




This is how the lanyard is used when using the ROGERS/SUREFIRE TECHNIQUE

[MacWa77ace]

[Raptor]

BTW if you are buying 18650 batteries be aware that 3500 mah is the most that a 18650 can provide. You will see all manner of claims of up to 9900 mah. That is generally a scam. Also Panasonic brand batteries are counterfeited all the time. If a vendor is sell Panasonic brand 9900 mah 18650 batteries odds are they are neither of those two.

I tried for years to standardize on AAs but I failed pretty hard at it and now I've got multiple lights in pretty much everything other than C and 9v. Some how I ended up with way more AAA stuff than AA even though my main battery storage preps are still AA.

There are also flash lights that allow use of 1 -18650 in stead of 3 AAA. I bought these recently and just use 1 - 18650 battery while retaining the AAA holder just in case.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VNCWZBF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1


When buying lights look for those with options to use multiple size batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092RJ9TPV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

That and when you go with a rechargeable light look for one that has a removable battery.