The problem with rechargeable is you have to recharge them. Plus with standard batteries, you just throw in another one and keep going. Not an option with SOME rechargeable. AA's are available most anywhere. I have some rechargeable but they're not for everyday carry.
Here's the two Streamlights I carry. The 1L is everyday. The 1AA is in my workout shorts.
View attachment 1040836
I use to think similarly and always carried a flashlight that used a single AA battery for easy change/spare.
Get something with a 21700 battery. These things are awesome -- way better than 18650.
I like my EDC lights to have a lot more brightness than a single AA or AAA battery can provide. I have been using a Fenix LD30 for a few years now. The only thing I don't like about it is the pocket clip came off too easily and I had to replace it with a different one I found on Amazon. Works better than the original clip anyway. I use several no-name brand 18650 batteries in it with no problems.
https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fenix-ld30-flashlight/
I have three of these. One on the bed stand, one in the garage toolbox, and one I keep in the car. They are a nice flashlight.
These have built in USB chargers. With the charging cable provided I can charge them in my car on the way to work and in my garage while plugged into my PC.
That's what I use.
Me too.
My "Me too" was in relation to the Streamlight MicroStream with a single AAA battery. https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/microstreamThe LD30 had the charging port on the battery and not the flashlight body so you have to take out the battery in order to charger it....Is that correct?
I have a handful of Fenix's and was thinking of adding the LD30 for the tail switch.
I find the 18650's a bit big for my taste for EDC. I do have a dual 18650 model by the beside, plugged in all the time. And of course use it when events call for. Just don't lug it around day-in and day out. I'll check out the 21700s. Maybe a compromise.
The LD30 had the charging port on the battery and not the flashlight body so you have to take out the battery in order to charger it....Is that correct?
I don't mind charging the 18650 that I keep in the LD30. I usually have 3-5 fully charged extra batteries on hand in case it does go out. The LD30 has a little indicator on the side for battery life so I haven't run out of battery when I didn't expect to. The LD30 is pretty small, just slightly bigger than the battery itself. It is even smaller than the Streamlight Protac 2L it replaced.
Yes and no. You can get the LD30 with or without the integrally charged 18650 battery. Most retailers sell it with the battery for about 20ish more. I bought mine without because I usually have a dozen or so 18650 batteries around the house to put in at any time.
The integrally charged 18650 and the regular 18650 are interchangeable, in the LD30 (same size etc). Correct?
And if they are the same size, I suppose you could charge an the integrally charged 18650 in a stand alone charging base instead of using the built in charging port...?
Yes. I use 3 or 4 different branded 18650 batteries in my light. None of them are the Fenix brand with the integrated charger. I have a couple Nitecore batteries and those seem to work the best in the light.
Not sure about that. That would be a question for Fenix on how their batteries work. If I had any of their batteries, I wouldn't risk
I use to think similarly and always carried a flashlight that used a single AA battery for easy change/spare.
But several factors changed my thought process:
First performance, the lithium-ion batteries and LEDs used in these the newer flashlights have spectacular performance in both brightness and run time, performance even a two cell AA battery light can't match for brightness.
LED flashlights in general (independent of battery type) will still produce a modest amount of light even with a nearly dead battery. It won't be bright but they will run on vanishingly little power in a pinch.
Lithium batteries store/sit-idle better than alkaline.
Most of the new rechargeable flashlights, recharge using a 5VDC USB charger as a power source. USB 5VDC power is nearly as ubiquitous as 120VAC wall outlets. We have access to USB power on computers, phone charger, vehicle, and portable battery packs.
If it's really critical to have light carry a spare rechargeable battery, most of the modern recharge flashlights are using 18650 batteries that are easy to get spares for. A single 18650 battery has 2 to 3 times the energy a single AA does and its less than twice the weight. Many of the new rechargeable flashlights package even come with a spare cell.
Nothing wrong with many of the AA battery flashlights out there but the advantages are demising as the lithium cell markers standardize lithium cell sizes and charging methodes.
Or... you can have the best of both worlds...
https://products.4patriots.com/powe...5e92&msclkid=e18e47de0fac185d69ae2679fd8f5e92
The problem with rechargeable is you have to recharge them. Plus with standard batteries, you just throw in another one and keep going. Not an option with SOME rechargeable. AA's are available most anywhere. I have some rechargeable but they're not for everyday carry.
In today’s world of throw away stuff, it is really cool to me to see well worn gear that is used and appreciated!If there is a better edc flashlight than my old ...View attachment 1040178
STREAMLIGHT MICRO STREAM...
I want to know about it.
It must have pocket/ hat clip.
Me too! Saw this post after I posted my response.I love to see pics of carry gear that is clearly being used every day. A lot of blueing rubbed away, some dirt in the stippling, bumps and dings on the leading edges. And it just keeps on working!