Lithium AA and AAA batteries for my LED lights?

tknife

tknife

Joined
Mar 18, 1999
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I haven't used any of the lithium batteries in these two sizes (I am cheap when it comes to batteries), but I wanted to know how they compared to standard alkalines. I will be using them in a Fenix L2D and L0D mainly. I'm assuming they will last longer at least, but will they be brighter? And is one particular brand better than another? Thanks for any info
 
I am using energizer lithiums. they are definitely brighter than alkalines and definitely last longer.
 
Hey T,

This is good place to start. Then I'd suggest searching Candlepowerforums. I know there are reviews out on the L2D (and probably the L0D) that have runtime (w/ intensity) graphs with alkaline and NiMH (rechareable) batteries. You might even find one with lithium AAs.

If you're going to be using the lights often, and are cheap on powering them, I'd say Sanyo Eneloops (NiMH) are your best bet.

I personally run my 2AA lights (Fenix L2D and Quark 2AA) on lithium primaries (L91s) because I don't don't use em often. I will probably switch over to NiMH if start using them more regularly, and I'd keep the lithium primaries as backup. I use my keychain light most often anyway, and it's CR123. I run my 1AAA lights on lithiums too.

As for the difference, I used alkaline AAs in my L2D once out of curiosity, and I don't recall it being much dimmer at the outset on fresh batteries. But it definitely dimmed and died quicker.


ETA some CPF links on the L2D:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1843183&postcount=17
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=180263
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=155819
And I'm sure you can find others that may have more/better info. :thumbup:
 
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Thanks guys, and thanks for the links Mano :thumbup: I am going to check those out. My L0D gets used almost every day so it needs a new battery more often. The L2D stays in my pack and gets used only once in a while
 
They seem brighter, longer run time, longer shelf life and they're lighter than alkalines. I do agree with HikingMano though, if you're using the light a lot, rechargables are nice. If you have a backup or stored light/battery supply, lithiums are my choice.

I actually went with the 3.6v rechargables in AAA and AA sizes for my lights (way brighter) but you have to do your research first.
 
The lithium and NiMH batteries can power a Fenix properly. The alkaline batteries will only last about 20 minutes on High and fade away. If you have an emergency and only have the alkalines, use one of the low modes on the Fenix. The Alkalines have a pretty good run time on low.
 
Another advantage to using lithium batteries is you don’t have to worry about the leaking associated with alkalines. I try to use alkalines only in cheap flashlights that can be easily replaced if they’re damaged by a battery leak.
 
Lithiums will actually make you lose some modes in some lights due to their higher voltage. You lose the low modes in an LD20, so I'm guessing the L2D would be the same.
 
Ah, yes I think it's the same, have to dig my L2D out of the car kit and double check. I usually use that guy on turbo, but I remember switching through the lower modes once and the two first modes seemed to be equally bright...I thought it was just that I hadn't tapped it right or something. I know I don't have a problem with that on my Quark though.
 
Just tried mine (L2D Q5) on the lower modes, and yup, the lowest mode is lost with lithiums (L91s). It's as bright as the medium. When I use alkalines, I get the 12 lumen low mode.
 
I have great luck with lithiums. Got several Duracell Lithium AAs and AAAs from my local Staples along with the charger than handles both. A slick setup.
 
Eneloop rechargeables. hold their charge when not is use and if charged on a good charger will go hundreds of cycles before their performance drops to a noticeable degree. Have to mail order for most folks
 
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