I need advice on the best rechargeable battery for the PD35. Not that pleased with the Fenix 18650 provided. Seems to drain too fast. I've been using a Streamlight torch with built-in rechargeable for years and the Streamlight gives a good length of time. Using this PD35 on mid, high, and turbo for just a total of about 20 minutes give or take and the thing is already running low. I need advice on the best rechargeable battery for the PD35. Not that pleased with the Fenix 18650 provided. Seems to drain too fast. I've been using a Streamlight torch with built-in... » Read More I need advice on the best rechargeable battery for the PD35. Not that pleased with the Fenix 18650 provided. Seems to drain too fast. I've been using a Streamlight torch with built-in rechargeable for years and the Streamlight gives a good length of time. Using this PD35 on mid, high, and turbo for just a total of about 20 minutes give or take and the thing is already running low. « Show Less
359233
I use orbtronic protected 18650 3100 mah cells. With my PD35 on setting two they will last a minimum of 15 hours runtime. These are top of the line panasonic cells with Orbtronic circuit protection. Great batteries, store welll. Come with plastic storage cases so you do not have to purchase seperately. Rated 3100 mah but testing at home shows they have a 3200 mah capacity. You can get two for around 25. You get what you pay for. Not all batteries are created equal, regardless of claims. These are some of the best on the market, worth every penny. I found the higher capacity 3400 mah orbtronics fit very tight in my pd35 so I went with the 3100 mah and it fit perfect. I use orbtronic protected 18650 3100 mah cells. With my PD35 on setting two they will last a minimum of 15 hours runtime. These are top of the line panasonic cells with Orbtronic circuit protection. Great batteries, store welll. Come with plastic storage cases so you do not have to purchase seperately. Rated 3100 mah but testing at home shows they have a 3200 mah capacity. You can get two for around 25. You get what you pay for. Not all batteries are created equal, regardless of claims. These are some of the best on the market, worth every penny. I found the higher capacity 3400 mah... » Read More I use orbtronic protected 18650 3100 mah cells. With my PD35 on setting two they will last a minimum of 15 hours runtime. These are top of the line panasonic cells with Orbtronic circuit protection. Great batteries, store welll. Come with plastic storage cases so you do not have to purchase seperately. Rated 3100 mah but testing at home shows they have a 3200 mah capacity. You can get two for around 25. You get what you pay for. Not all batteries are created equal, regardless of claims. These are some of the best on the market, worth every penny. I found the higher capacity 3400 mah orbtronics fit very tight in my pd35 so I went with the 3100 mah and it fit perfect. « Show Less
359234
Replace it with 18650. There are many different types out there. I use the Chinese made one. They are ok as long you recharge them when they are low or out. If not, they will burn out.And, they are cheap in price. Hope this help!
359235
I'm not sure what the best are. The batteries provided were one use of course. I've got ultrafire 18650 rechargeable right now.
359236
What capacity 18650 battery are you running? I'm using a 3400mAh 18650 and it lasts days for me of itermittent use on level 3-4.
359237
Oops, I just realized that the Panasonic batteries sold on Amazon are not protected. So, to buy batteries from Amazon, I would go with Orbtronic Batteries see the link below. Given that the Panasonic batteries that are not protected I am going to order some Orbtronic batteries myself.ORBTRONIC 3400mAh Two 18650 PROTECTED PANASONIC 3.7V Rechargeable High Performance Li-ion Batteries - 10 Amp Dual Protection - For High Power 18650 Flashlights - Protective Battery Case IncludedJohn Campbell
359238
Try the Tenergy 2600ma. They seem to last and take a charge quickly. Their charger is well made and a "smart" charger able to monitor to refresh.
359239
I use Panasonic NCR18650B 3400mAh batteries. I bought a pair of them from Amazon Marketplace vendor Urban Source, so I can alternate between the two. I've found them to be quite satisfactory. My charger is a NiteCore Intellicharger i2.
206511
Glenn- I use the "Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp" which has a blinking red light on the back for extra safety. It is also rechargeable so you don't have to worry about batteries. The head lamp is very bright, brighter than most battery operated Headlamps. I also use a some of the Lighter Petzl models when I'm away from home or if I don't won't to take a recharging Headlamp. Both Petzl and Black Diamond use rechargeable battery packs and AAA batteries. About the the only thing that goes bad is the head band. after about 6 to 8 months of constant use the head band is almost fully stretched out. Replacements are not expensive so order a couple for backup. Glenn- I use the "Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp" which has a blinking red light on the back for extra safety. It is also rechargeable so you don't have to worry about batteries. The head lamp is very bright, brighter than most battery operated Headlamps. I also use a some of the Lighter Petzl models when I'm away from home or if I don't won't to take a recharging Headlamp. Both Petzl and Black Diamond use rechargeable battery packs and AAA batteries. About the the only thing that goes bad is the head band. after about 6 to 8 months of constant use the head band is almost fully... » Read More Glenn- I use the "Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp" which has a blinking red light on the back for extra safety. It is also rechargeable so you don't have to worry about batteries. The head lamp is very bright, brighter than most battery operated Headlamps. I also use a some of the Lighter Petzl models when I'm away from home or if I don't won't to take a recharging Headlamp. Both Petzl and Black Diamond use rechargeable battery packs and AAA batteries. About the the only thing that goes bad is the head band. after about 6 to 8 months of constant use the head band is almost fully stretched out. Replacements are not expensive so order a couple for backup. « Show Less
143437
Ken, You just bought a $60 flashlight - Why would you put cheap batteries in it? I did a lot of research before purchasing my first Li-Ion powered flashlight. You just don't know what you are getting with off-brand batteries. Stick with brands like Nitecore (I use these mostly), Olight, AW, Eagletec, Fenix. They are rated from about 2600mAh to 3400mAh - Higher number = Longer run time (and recharge time).
1797666
it's always best to charge any battery at first use. I have trouble with my charge light also. The flashlight work great for the first few months, now it doesn't seem to hold a charge for very long at all.
871752
For solid use, I agree with M. Kilgore. In my experience it has lasted 3 1/2 to 4 days (not counting bedtime), though of course, far longer with intermittent use. My most cost-effective solution on batteries thus far, after researching failure rates and short lifespans of the rechargeable batteries, has been to order the 12 pack of Streamlight brand batteries here on Amazon, usually when it is at the $18.66 price point. As I rely heavily on this device for certain occasions, I want to be sure I have a battery with power when I need it. However, if I used it all day every day, I might revisit the rechargeable concept. For solid use, I agree with M. Kilgore. In my experience it has lasted 3 1/2 to 4 days (not counting bedtime), though of course, far longer with intermittent use. My most cost-effective solution on batteries thus far, after researching failure rates and short lifespans of the rechargeable batteries, has been to order the 12 pack of Streamlight brand batteries here on Amazon, usually when it is at the $18.66 price point. As I rely heavily on this device for certain occasions, I want to be sure I have a battery with power when I need it. However, if I used it all day every day, I might... » Read More For solid use, I agree with M. Kilgore. In my experience it has lasted 3 1/2 to 4 days (not counting bedtime), though of course, far longer with intermittent use. My most cost-effective solution on batteries thus far, after researching failure rates and short lifespans of the rechargeable batteries, has been to order the 12 pack of Streamlight brand batteries here on Amazon, usually when it is at the $18.66 price point. As I rely heavily on this device for certain occasions, I want to be sure I have a battery with power when I need it. However, if I used it all day every day, I might revisit the rechargeable concept. « Show Less
1365269
Can't tell you the run time as it holds charge very well and when it does get less bright I charge it up, can say have been happy with this light. I have a Fenix TK35 paid alot more money for but seems I use this flashlight alot more.Hope this helps you in someway
1515701
I have the same light and purchased the batteries in the link below. They are decent (you get what you pay for) for what I'm trying to accomplish. Protected 18650 Rechargeable Batteries Plus Charger (2pcs)
1086295
Hello, El Jefe, These batteries last a long time in my Rosewill 3 "D" Cell, Cree-LED Flashlight. I don't use the light all the time, but it is very bright, and the charge lasts for months. I use an Ansmann energy16 charger. I have used a pair of them in the ignition part of our kerosene heater, and they too, have lasted a long time. I have never recharged them since they begin lighting up our heater. I really like these batteries.
2042976
D.light recently advised that their S300 Lantern now uses long life LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries. Check WikiP for details on LiFePO4 rechargeables. If the S20 has also changed from a NiMH battery pack (in the case of my S10, 3 NiMH 1.2V 350mAh cells) to a safe, long life 3.2 LFP rechargeable battery; then just top it up as necessary. Perhaps someone can comment on whether there is now any overcharge and/or discharge protection? My OLPC XO-1 uses LFP cells, & I left it for over a year - with a steady constant battery drain. However, I appear to have had no problems, in now recharging a totally dead battery pack :-) D.light recently advised that their S300 Lantern now uses long life LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries. Check WikiP for details on LiFePO4 rechargeables. If the S20 has also changed from a NiMH battery pack (in the case of my S10, 3 NiMH 1.2V 350mAh cells) to a safe, long life 3.2 LFP rechargeable battery; then just top it up as necessary. Perhaps someone can comment on whether there is now any overcharge and/or discharge protection? My OLPC XO-1 uses LFP cells, & I left it for over a year - with a steady constant battery drain. However, I appear to have had no... » Read More D.light recently advised that their S300 Lantern now uses long life LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries. Check WikiP for details on LiFePO4 rechargeables. If the S20 has also changed from a NiMH battery pack (in the case of my S10, 3 NiMH 1.2V 350mAh cells) to a safe, long life 3.2 LFP rechargeable battery; then just top it up as necessary. Perhaps someone can comment on whether there is now any overcharge and/or discharge protection? My OLPC XO-1 uses LFP cells, & I left it for over a year - with a steady constant battery drain. However, I appear to have had no problems, in now recharging a totally dead battery pack :-) « Show Less
1328546
With all due respect, if you do not know what a 18650 battery is, you should probably look for another flashlight that uses AA or AAA. There are a lot of possible dangers associated with this type of battery if you do not fully understand it. There is a 4 dollar flashlight on Amazon similar to this that uses a single AA battery (search for "cree flashlight" - FordEx Group is a popular one).
1759246
I like the big 6v battery personally. They seem to last longer and are more convenient to carry than the D batteries. I haven't used a rechargeable but it is probably the best option. They also make a solar recharge unit that can be as well.
836968
When the LEDs are driven at or near a full load they will get very hot. If your batteries are getting hot not just warm I'd suggest a quality set of 18650s, there are a lot of rip-off fake Li-ion on the market and a good deal is usually a bad deal for a high power flashlight. Keeppower and EVVA are both brands I trust. Beware of UltraFire 18650's over 3000mAh, those are fakes and fail to measure up. Only buy UltraFire batteries from UltraFire directly.
471696
get these: TangsFire® High capacity 2pcs 3.7V 18650 3600mAh Rechargeable lithium ion BatteriesI bought this flashlight, and got the blue batteries as shown with it as well, and while they are good, the Tangsfire ones I linked are better. The flashlight is a little brighter with them. I tested the flashlight with the blue ones shown and compared them to the Tangsfire ones, and the tangsfire ones last longer and are a little brighter.
1214624
Milliohm hours deals with longevity, and depending on the flashlight it won't affect brightness. Most flashlights won't allow the brightest levels when battery starts to get low. Also the quality of the batteries and charger had an impact. My boss had a crappy 3600 mAh battery that lasted half as long as my 2600mAh Tenergy, both 18650 style. I would say that the 18650's are a better option than two 123's, but some flashlights won't take the slightly larger 18650's.
1428443
Hey, it uses cr123's (2) . 18650s are just slightly too big to fit in the tube. It's a pretty good flashlight ; however, I gave mine to my brother. For pretty much the same price the Fenix PD32 UE or PD35 are vastly superior lights in lumen capacity, function and user interface, as well as build quality.
1201723
Any 18650 battery will do. The higher the mAh you buy the in these the longer the light will run between charges. I'd stick with name brand 18650's BTW - Panasonic, Samsung, etc. The low cost/low quality 18650 are certainly cheap but they can be dangerous.
2061978
Sorry, a 5 minute search on the web yeilded zero results. I'm going to make mine last as long as possible...However, if you want to buy another light that I think you'll like a lot more, I love my Fenix PD35.