Flashlight Batteries 101: Quick and Simple Explanation 

Thanks for this basic info. People often forget when learning something new that you need need to start with basics.

I have a Sanford SF438SL-2SC torch Just the head I don't know which battery to use The manufacture I found saying 1900 mah 3.6 v ni-cad battery I can't find it or even online buy it Which li-ion battery can replace it

The last digit in Li-ion batteries numbers refers to the package shape. 0 means it's a cylinder.

Hy! Nice chanel. I am subscribed now. I have a question: i have a flashlight with 4 AA 2450 ni mh cells ( nitecore ha40) . Please tell me if the nitecore hc33 witch run with one 18650 ,3600 mah cell will light longer than the 4AA cells flashlight. Is it worth it to buy a new light with 18650 cell over my flashlight with 4xAA eneloop cells? Thank you!

I have a question I hope you can answer. If two flashlights have say 900 lumens but one uses 3 cr123a and the other uses 2 cr123a batteries. What would be the benifit of the one with 3 if any???

i like the way you explain things, my other half says you remind her of Sheldon Cooper Mmmmm interesting

Keep working

Damn dude. You teach, really, what needs to be known. Even I didn’t know that 18650 is the literal measurement of the battery. And I’ve been using them for years now

Such an important video for anyone utilizing these cells, I see tons of vapers with zero knowledge of batteries who will continue to run them with rips in the wraps. This is among the many reasons we have venting and explosion horror stories in the media. This should be required viewing.

Any 18650 that claims to be more than 3400mah is most likely lying there is a limit to the power to size factor.

Thank you for informing us without a long intro, corny jokes and no loud RU-vidr-tone of talking. And no useless sponsor mentioning.

I have 16 Orbtronic 18650 (Panasonic cells) protected batteries for my various flashlights, and have been very pleased with them. The oldest among them being over 8 years and still going strong. I label mine A to P with a P-Touch labeler for easy I.D. I cant stress enough the importance of a quality smart charger, especially with auto discharge and ability to give a readout of the cells health/actual mAh capacity. Thanks for your comprehensive video in minimal time..

Hey buddy, love your channel. Had a question for you, what does AAA and AAA battery do you recommend? I just got a couple Olight flashlights and a couple other ones and they take either Triple-A or double-a and some of them take cr123 which brand name do you find to be the best in your technical opinion? Let me know when you get this body appreciate it long time since driver take care and be safe

Clear,concise and educational - a must watch for the novice.

There is a lithium ion rechargeable AA battery (1.5 volt) which I bought recently. Made by Hixon. The only problem is that because of the protection circuitry, the AM band is not listenable on portable radios. They're rated at 2333 mah. (3500 mwh).

That's ok to use 14500 3.7 800mah lion,and normal 1 AA battery in bushnell flisglit won't damage the battery.or (bushnell 2 AA batteries flashlight.ok to and use in this one one cheese and one EBL 14500 .3.7 lion)thanks

When a double stack of heat shrunk 26650 rechargeable batteries go in a flashlight like the 100000 lumen flashlights on Amazon go can you buy single 26650 & put 2 in the flashlight?

Who else held their breath at 1:10 ?

ive been using tenergy standard D batteries (the blue ones) since 2007... theyve been overcharged, overheated i dont know how many times, discharged until completely dead over & over, the bottom ends dented in because i dropped my maglite too many times... they still work awesome after about 13 years... they are not low self discharge (they didnt have that for D's then)... so i just got a bunch of tenergy centura D's & so far they are good... i like the LSD NIMH, because you stash the flashlight & when SHTF, they are ready to use a year later, low maintanence

What fucks with me is that some protected batteries are the same size as unprotected ones, example, fenix 16340 with an integrated usb charging port is 16340 size and not any longer

I had an 18650 a guy gave me and it caught fire and hovered spouting flame for about 10 seconds spinning in circles. My Chihuahua was trying to escape the room.

6:08 Not sure why a battery company would name their brand as “SureFire”. Lol.

A good introduction, with something for both novices and experienced users. Most of my experience with rechargeable cells comes from the NiCad cell days. I remember learning to "zap" them to vaporize the metal whiskers to which they were prone. Good times!

Thanks Matt! I’m just getting into flashlights and I’m learning about all this battery stuff. Who knew?!?! I just bought my first two REAL flashlights (Thorfire Q8 and an Astrolux FT03) and ordered samsung INR18650-30Q 15A 3000mAh 18650 batteries. I read after purchasing them that they will not be ideal for the Q8, and that a 20A battery will let you get to the flashlights maximum output. Will there be a big noticeable difference between what I bought and the 20a? I also purchased a Nitecore i4 charger. This is a lot to learn! I haven’t received my batteries yet but I will research how to charge and take care of them. For now though I’m curious about the 15a and 20a difference

Did a right-fine job on this video, son. You might want to include the fact that, while rechargeable batteries are a good replacement in most devices, there will be quite a few instances where you really NEED that initial 5.8v-to-6v (4 X 1.5v cell) for the device to work, as a voltage of less than say 5.6v-to-6v (4 X 1.2v = 4.8v) just may not even turn the device on. In the last few years, there HAVE been rechargeable batteries that produce the same voltage as their alkaline counterparts, but for the most part, the voltage of the most popular Ni-Cads or Ni-MH are the 1.2v variety.

Try XTAR VP4 or Dragon Charger is the BOMB!!!

"When you find a cheap batteries there is a good reason for it!".

Great video, much appreciated. Also your other videos in general. I love flashlights, but noone else around me does. I just purchased a 2000 lumen bulb for my Maglite 5/6 D cell (I have an extension). Which rechargeable Lithium batteries will work for this? Is there any special way to set it all up? I can't find a specific video on your channel about this. Kind regards Thomas from Denmark

You're definitely a great help for me thank you so much for showing this I bought the mini pro it didn't come with a charger so it looks like I'm going to have to get a charger for it

I think any battery made in Japan will out perform a China made battery problem is tracking down where each is made. That would be a good You tube video of the origin of each brand. Hint Hint Lol

Nice intro video for someone getting into the hobby.

Very good and well detailed video. Great information. Thank you just what I need

Do you still prefer the batteries mentioned in the video? I need to buy a few dozen 18650s and a few decent chargers.

Thanks for taking time to explain very use full for years to come

I got a new 2022 flashlight that ce with a 26700 3.7v battery. Can I use a 18650 3.7v battery in it as a backup? Can I charge the 18650 in the new flashlight? Thank you!

great presentation love this guy thanks for all the info

Hi , just bought a pair of Shockli 26650 's . Could you please tell me where and what kind of Charger I should buy ? Thank you , Sir , Much appreciated !!

I use XTAR Protected 26650's in my 2D mags with the 5000 lumen dropin. Ive also just converted an ML150 to accept a paiur of 26650's rather than the lower voltage LifePO4 pack that comes in it.

Great review, but i disagree thats its simple - would be nice if the industry standardized it nomenclature. Having the same name for two different batteries makes it tough to remember what it is you have. I got so much tech to mange in my life already. But i have given up on leaky alkalines got tired of destroyed devices that i have forgotten in a draw somewhere LSD cells are my go to (imedions have been working great) . thanks for great info and simplifying it for me a bit . Went to the battery checker site - wow does he have a lot of info - Chargers too !

Can I use a D size lithium ion battery in a flashlight conversion or do you recommend the 2-Pack (Card) Tenergy Centura NiMH D 1.2V 8000mAh Rechargeable Batteries as you mentioned in the video? Also do you recommend a nice bright LED? If so do you have a recommendation for an old 2 D battery conversion to lithium ion or the NiMH battery you mentioned in the video? Thank you😊

Looking for Rechargeable CR2 batteries and CR123A batteries for Duty use in a Carbine (Red dot sight) and handgun mounted weapon light. Looking for high mAh, recently bought some Ultrafire brand rechargeable CR2 batteries and CR123A batteries, are these any good? Do you have any recommendations for high mAh rechargeable CR2 and CR123A batteries?

Why I hate alkaline batteries: As you use them, the voltage GRADUALLY goes down. With flashlights especially, you are forced to decide at what point do you replace them? 60%? 50%? 30%? You don't want to WASTE the batteries by retiring them too soon, but you don't want to use a DIM flashlight either. What to do?

I have a flashlight. It was one of those retail store flashlights, like you might find close to the checkout counter. It came with a battery adapter, that holds four AAA batteries. I suspect that the adapter is a stand-in for some type of lithium battery, but I'm not sure what type the flashlight is really expecting. It's the standard "Tactical" configuration, that seems to be everywhere & sold under countless brand names. I'm tired of getting alkaline replacements for it, and if there is a legitimate rechargeable alternative, I'd like to find it.

Help!! I have a nicron n7 AA. It is supposed to take a 14500. I bought a klarus 800mah 14gt-80our and it will not work I fully charged it. I put it in a mag light and it popped the old buld immediately.. so its working..just not in the n7???

Do not buy any NiMh battery from Harbor Freight. They have a memory similar to NiCad, low current capacity, and only 100 to 150 recharge cycles (if you are lucky). Most NiMh batteries have only a 4 to 5 year lifespan no matter how many recharge cycles they promise and they can bleed in your equipment just like carbon zinc batteries do when they get old. Lithium Polymer batteries (so far) show none of these faults, but can be over rated on their capacities if made in China. LiPo batteries from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and the U.$.tend to be your best choices, especially Japan. With the battery holder kits, you can make most any voltage and current applications you need. I use three 18650 batteries in parallel to power a 70's AM/FM Sears radio I have . They hold up for a long time, three months usually before the voltages drop like a stone and shut themselves off. There are newer battery chemistries coming along that promise even longer life and much shorter charge times. You just have to be patient, I guess.

Thanks for this video sir! Made it really easy to follow.

Hi i have got samsung 30q 18650 batteries 3.7v batteries and i have been having problems with them the first one i bought stopped being recognised by the charger and now i have one that when fully charged only reads 3.3 volts. They do get left in my torch over the summer unused is this causing the problem do you think?

Thank you Very much for your time making this great Video !!!

I have to say that in 2014,I purchased a flashlight that came with 2 ultra fires and a charger. I charged them when I received them.Used the flashlight a few times before storing it in my glove compartment..2 months ago.(2020) I remembered the light was in there and KNEW it would be discharged.., Man the thing lit up like the sun and is still working for me with about once a week uses ..Charged in 2014..lol

I was charging 18650 cells with my phone charger and checking voltage often. I had 4 batteries and a roommate had about 100 he borrowed one and brought me a different battery. I started charging 5v 500 ma. Within a few minutes it started heating up so I took it off charging. About 2 minutes later it was shooting fire out the negative end. It flew and hovered spouting flame and gray residue. It lasted for a few seconds and Yoda was trying to get out of the room ( my 16 yr old Chihuahua). I never let anyone bring me a battery even though I was charging it on a homemade rig I never had a problem like that again .

This guy's cool...oh yeah, I've fallen for buying cheap 18650 batteries on ebay. I've never used them. I didn't know better at the time, but now that I do, I'm too nervous to try them.

I appreciate the video brother, and the recommendations as well. Very good info, thanks.

I cannot find proper battery for my GT micro I have thought 14500 batteries they don't power it fully do you know where I can get proper batteries

Matt, I've got a Rovyvon E700u angel eyes that loses charge over a few days. It uses a 21700 Fenix 5000 mah battery. You have any insight to my problem?

Where do I buy 14500 batteries for my N1 AA flashlight? And which charger would you recommend? Thanks!

Your set is horrible, your not good carpenter...the flashlight info invaluable. Thanks

Hi Matt, i still have a few Inova flashlights, old but well built and durable, i.e., inova x 5 and x 0. they run on cr123 batteries, expensive and non rechargeable. Is there any battery I can use to replace them? If there is, will they fit in my flashlights?

What 26650 battery do you recommend for best performance in a cup 90 Thank you!

Super helpful video. Thanks

is size of 26350 battery and size of 26500 BATTERY is same sir?

I seen people use cheap unprotected batteries. Then bitch when it blows out the LED form over heating... You get what you pay for...

I have an led torch using a flat topped 26650 battery and it’s went dead. What can I do to revive it? Would it be safe to do the drill battery trick with two forks?

I need your help, I have a surefire flashlight, uses 2-cr123 cell. I want to get a battery that will replace 1 rechargable high drain battery. Help

Where’s best plas to buy 26650 batteries for impact wrench

I know this is old post, but whats your opinion on buying batteries from banggood?

Um ... I still totally need help pairing batteries to flashlights.

Excellent and very helpful video & information. Thanks

Never buy efest brand battery check out djlsb channel for more info

Great vid. Brilliant advice. Ty.

I have a flashlight with 6 AA battery what would be a good alternative

Did he say LSD batteries? Do they give you a "buzz"? 😆😂🤣😵

Great video, I also use the Efest and Keeppower, but also use Panasonic, Samsung, and LG. Most of mine are unprotected I'm not a big fan of the protected batteries I have over 70 li-ion batteries and about the same number of flashlights. I get mine from Obtronics, IMR, Gear best, and even some from eBay and Amazon. I checked mine with opus bt 3000 v2.2 charger to verify their authentic. When I first started using these batteries like everyone else I went the cheap route and bought ultrafire 4000 mah when I put those in the charger they show about 300 or 400 mah.

Your video is very informative thank you...

What is a good rechargeable 18650 battery

What do you think about the EBL batteries D cell Matt?

It charges my ecig batteries 18650 for vape

Dancing head

Is there a difference between CR 123 and CR 123a.

What about husky? Brand flashlight.

Sorry meant xhp90 Thank you!

Very informative! Thanks!

Hlo bro my bright light led battery about 6" total size cell missing please tell me how can I find voltage rating of battery for my torch

Is Illumn a reputable battery company?

Are GP Recyko batteries good?

Thanks dude you save me a lot of money and time

Can I even use a li-ion instead of ni-cd battery

I have a Acebeam K70 I’m wondering what battery you would run in it?!

Thanks, great video.

question, what would be the best brand of 18650 batteries? i have a acebeam k75 and want very good batteries for it for maximum use and performance.

i am also interested in NiCd batteries

Really nice and honest review

Lithium battery tortch or li -on battery is good... Pls answer

Is 26650A same with 26650?

Oh and great vid.

serious question matt...have you ever considered re-locating if the right opportunity were to arise for you adn yourn?...i simply ask because we really do need...very much so...a proper light expert...but i really dont like pigeon holing anyone so i dont mean to suggest all you would be asked to do is light things...you have an obvious leaningn toward anything electronic and to be honest this is very very pre mature as ive only seen but a few videos...this might be off the wall...but ive noticed it often works like this so...the thing that raelly made me think more so about offering this to you was the way you spoke about you adn yourn wife's...or girl's...trip to st loius was it?...i forget...the point is the way you spoke so about a seemingly regular old place on earth...im sure you see what i mean...for all the spots to take a trip i dont think many thinik about st louis if it even were st louis but what that tells me obviously is that you can find wonderful in anything and that is really the point im making...i remember when i was younger i would go to hawaii for school adn vermont for the autumn and vancouver island for the summers...i was always trying to find the best place for each season etc...but there were times ya know i m ight be in a place i thought would suck balls...like friggin fairfield iowa where mien brother was in the tm org cult..heh...and in winter one day every tree had ice on its tree bud/stems...a true winter wonderland ya know...anyways...obviously there are lots and lots of dudes who could be proper light experts and what not but that is oen seemingly minor thing that makes me go...man..if dude can give praise for st luis imagine what he'l,l think of the land of the long white cloud...so yeh...the move would be to the southwest region of AOTEAROA...specifically were moving the ops base to dunedin where the college of otago is based...but its also near fiordland national park and we plan lots of things for ther as well...anyways there is another with similar interests were offering this same opportunity...not as one or other but as both...so like team mates doing similar things in so many words...im sure you know this dude from illinois...i call him buffalo bill...you know..."she puts the lotion in the basket"...yeh cause he loves hees moth breeding and he is in illinois like buffalo bill was when starling knocked on hees door...anyways...his utube channel is [styropyro]...but i havent yet approached heem so if u ask he wont know nothing about it...bottom line we do lots of night ops is the thing so yeh we sure do need a light expert but as i said its not just for work...i like videography and esp[ecially night filming critters of all klines...ok thats enough...think about it...as far as places on this planate to be secured in this tiome and age you can do a lot worse than AOTEAROA brother...out...

I have a cheapy menards Guidesman 5w flashlight. I like it because if the flood and spot capabilities. Its bright. I look for addresses for work with the spot. Three questions. Can i get a different battery or two, replacing the 6 aaa batteries it takes? If not is there a better aaa battery than the EBL Nmh 1.2 v 1100 mAh? It seems it doesnt hold the charge all that long. And Last Is there a better slim profile not so long flashlight with spot to flood capabilities? My guidesman is just a bit annoying with putting in my pockets because the bezzel or head of the flashlight is wider and bulky, its a bit uncomfortable when sitting so it comes out of my pocket. Need something less in length (6 inches i belive its at) Thanks.

so much talk

hi matt can you use vaping 18650 high drain in torches that are 35A? got some samsung 25R but dont know if they will do the job

Thanks man good to know :)

Sometimes there is a reason batteries are cheap, like they are past their best by date. I am in the Philippines where we have plenty of blackouts. The best deal I have found lately is LG Choco 3000 mAh. The ones I buy are 19 months old and have lost some capacity, although never used. They are still 20A but are down to an honest 2600 mAh...but they only cost me $4 for two of them. My EDC light takes button top batteries so I place a neodymium magnet on top to make a button, and glue it also. Use good glue, just glue the edges of the button. These are my go to batteries day to day for battery fans (which use flat top) and my EDC light. They are just as good as a brand new LG HE2. I Even found a source for 3500 mAh LG battery for $7, to which I will have to add the magnet for my EDC light. What I can't get for love or less than a small fortune is a quality 14500 battery. I thought of using eneloop in my Lumintop EDC05 and may yet, but I think it's pointless to own an 800 lumen flashlight that only goes up to 320 lumens, so I will used the poor li ion batteries available and restrict full brightness to brief bursts. The 14500 batteries available to me are low drain and don't support more than 0.5 amp draw, fine for cheap 14500 china lights, not for a high powered light like Astrolux. Do your homework, might be some legitimate bargains out there like my LG Choco. I'm told that IKEA Ladda batteries are rebrand eneloop, but less expensive.