Question about a Surefire Commander Flashlight

red1965

red1965

Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Messages
676
I currently own a SF Commander and just found out that SF has discontinued not only the flashlight, but the B90 replacement Nicad batteries. Does anyone know of a subsitute battery that will work? The B90 are 3.6 v 1500 mAh. Both of my batteries are just about dead. I get maybe 10 minutes of light from a charge. I would hate to see this light end up being useless due to being unable to find replacements. Thought some of you die hard flashlight gurus might be able to help.
Thanks
 
When CPF comes back online, you could ask around for people who built their own NiMH batteries which have twice the capacity. I remember there were a few fellas there who did that for increased runtime.

EDIT: You could try emailing Surefire about it, it was only discontinued last month so they still might have a few of the B90 battery packs in stock, or try other stores which might also have it as old stock.
eg http://www.opticsplanet.net/surefire-rechargeable-kits-batteries-chargers-b90.html but remember to email them first to check if they have any in stock.
 
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I'm not sure which size they use, but NiMH loose cells are available pretty cheap, chargers too. You could build your own packs or just use loose cells and get 2-3times the runtime.
 
65535 said:
I'm not sure which size they use, but NiMH loose cells are available pretty cheap, chargers too. You could build your own packs or just use loose cells and get 2-3times the runtime.
Click to expand...

Ok this idea is what I am looking for. Do you know which cells and how many? I dont mean to seem like an idiot but I really dont have a clue where to start.
I would much rather have the loose cells. For what the SF replacements cost, (if I can find them...so far everybody is OOS) I could buy several individual cells and a charger. Any help is appreciated.
 
I would need to know the diameter and length of the back assembled to figure out what cells would fit properly.
 
I dont know if this helps, but here are the specs:
Voltage: 3.6 V
Capacity: 1500 mAh
Composition: NICAD
Dimensions: 133.0MM X 23.0MM
Connector: PRESSURE
Description: 5.5 OZ

This may not be enough info. Just let me know and I will try to find more or get you some better measurements.
Thanks
 
If you can confirm the dimensions personally just to make sure I'll go find some cells.
 
You'll want Sub-C (SC) NIMH batteries, they very in capacity from 3000-5200mAh and 1.2V per cell.

3 cells stacked in series will do the trick, then you just need to get them charged.

If it where me I would rip apart the old Surefire charger and rewire it as a cell holder and use an external charger.

The best bet would be to solder the cells together in a pack which isn't easy but can be done.

I may be able to help you out with both if you are interested.
 
You can find the replacement batteries available from 3rd party suppliers. The Streamlight Stinger batteries are the same.

I am more concerned about finding the replacement lamps for my 9AN. I have one extra right now.

I sent Surefire an email asking about replacements today.
 
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Daniel said:
You can find the replacement batteries available from 3rd party suppliers. The Streamlight Stinger batteries are the same.

I am more concerned about finding the replacement lamps for my 9AN. I have one extra right now.

I sent Surefire an email asking about replacements today.
Click to expand...

Are you sure the Stinger batteries are the same? Our local battery store had them, but the person I spoke with said they wouldnt work. If these do work, can you still use the SF charger or do they use a different one?
Thanks
 
65535 said:
You'll want Sub-C (SC) NIMH batteries, they very in capacity from 3000-5200mAh and 1.2V per cell.

3 cells stacked in series will do the trick, then you just need to get them charged.

If it where me I would rip apart the old Surefire charger and rewire it as a cell holder and use an external charger.

The best bet would be to solder the cells together in a pack which isn't easy but can be done.

I may be able to help you out with both if you are interested.
Click to expand...

I will try to double check the specs on the flashlight today. If a new charger is not too expensive, I would probably just pick one up rather than rewiring the SF charger. I can wire a house, but not so much small electronics, if you know what I mean.:o
 
Well I went back to the battery store and tried the Stinger battery. They really dont fit, but will operate the light with the tail switch only. Screwing down the head will not turn on the light. Also they will not charge in the SF charger without some modification. I came home kind of disgusted that a $180 light is pretty much obsolete. Digging in the console of my truck, I found a cheap Brinkman I had put in there a couple of years ago in case I needed a light. Gutted the bulb assembly, took a cheap Deal Extreme led lamp assembly and stuck in it. And it worked. 200 lumen for about $15. No its not rechargeable but it is a whole lot brighter. And if I screw it up, I am not out alot of $. I am a little happier now. May just rid myself of the SF in the sale forum unless I can find a way to make it useful again.
 
I have some off brand B90 replacements that I bought a couple of years ago off ebay that work better than the OEM ones.

I was certain that the Stinger batteries worked. Oh well!

I have 2 L7 lights and a 9AN that will be obsolete.
 
Do the off brands have a name on them? I have looked at several sites to see if I could find something the same size and have come up with nada.
As for the Stinger batteries, they will power the light. Some tweaking of the springs and removal of a little plastic ring on the top of the battery would make them work well. But there is no "button" on the positive side of the battery to make contact with the charger. If you had the charger from the Stinger, you would be good to go. Did you get a reply from SF on the email you sent? I am curious to hear if they are going to offer another battery, or if it is an evil ploy to sell more lights.
 
There is no brand on the batteries that I am using. Two of them are NiMh batteries with a higher capacity and they work in two different Surefire chargers.

I would think that you could get battery packs from Battery Station. I have not contacted them, yet. Once I need new batteries, that will be the way that I will try to go.

I sent the email Friday night, so I would expect to get a response on Monday. They usually respond pretty quickly. I am thinking that they will offer another one that will work when they get the new rechargeable lights on the market. I don't know.
 
It should take 3x Sub C size batteries
If you get the ones with solder tabs you can solder the connections, and then carefully remove the tabs on the end cells.
Cover with heatshrink, and drop into the light (or charger first)
Longer runtime will be the primary benefit, although the charge time should be longer too (just make a spare pack)

Your biggest problem will be finding a new lamp assembly when the current one dies.
I would start hunting for one or two now, while they are possibly still available
 
Dumb question so be patient with me...Why cant you stack the Sub C rechargable like normal batteries? I dont quite understand why they have to be soldered together.
As a side note, the folks at my BatteryPlus store didnt have a clue what a Sub C battery was. As for finding bulbs, I thought about that. Are there no LED drop-ins made to fit this? By the time I round up batteries and bulbs, I probably could buy another light with better output and runtime! I dont even know why I am stressing about this really. I own at least 15 to 20 high power LED lights. I just hate to see something decent go to waste.
 
You can stack cells if they have the buttons on the end. They have to make contact on both sides. Most Sub-C cells are flat on both sides, so they have to be soldered.

I am wondering how the Surefire cells are wired. I have not taken one apart, but looking at it, it seems to me that both poles are on the top?

I am with you on not wanting a light to go to waste!

I still have not received a response from Surefire regarding my email inquiry.
 
I just got off the phone with Surefire. The rep told me that the new rechargeable lights will be lithium based and will not be compatible with the lights using the B90 batteries.

Surefire is out of stock in the B90 batteries and will not get anymore. He referred me to existing supplies at dealers to find one. Other than that, we are out of luck as they are obsolete.

They do have in stock the lamp assemblies and they will have them in stock for a while-it sounds like to me.
 
Lithium based....now there's a shock. I knew whatever was replacing it would not be compatable. That really blows. I am going to double check something I saw at Deal Extreme. I believe they had some SubC with buttons. As for the lamps, I may look and see if they have a LED that will fit.
 
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