2x cr123a vs 18650 ??? O-Like laser question

[WherzRoony]

I just received my <1W 445 and my <400mw 532.

The 445 says to use the two cr123a's and the green says to use the 18650's

What are the benefits or disadvantages between the two battery types, are they interchangeable? I used the search feature, but just about any post that mentioned either battery popped up.

BTW, new here, you'll probably see a few more noob questions like this from me soon. Been lurking for a while though.

EDIT: Speaking of more questions. What are the best safety glasses to get with these two lasers??? I ordered a pair from O-like but it didn't show. They did throw in two extra 18650's though so no complaints.

 

[Coherent Light]

Two CR123A's will give a higher voltage, but they only provide ~800ma of current each. The 18650's voltage will be 3.7v nominal, but they give anywhere from 1300ma to 2900ma.

 

[WherzRoony]

So they'll last a bit longer I guess, because I killed those two cr123a's with less than 6 minutes total on time. I didn't charge them when I got them though.

Thanx for the quick reply. I'm going to try one of the 18650's in it. These ones are 2800mAh

 

[Coherent Light]

If your 445 doesn't have a boost driver one 18650 won't be enough to run it at full power or at all.

 

[WherzRoony]

If your 445 doesn't have a boost driver one 18650 won't be enough to run it at full power or at all.

Yeah, I found that out, It lights up but not much at all.

C'moooonnnn cr123a's........ charge faster........

Thanks though.

 

[Coherent Light]

NP You can PM if You need further assistance.

 

[LarryDFW]

WherzRoony;

The #18650 cell has the highest capacity versus size of any commercial cell.

If you can use it, you will get more capacity and longer run time.

LarryDFW

 

[Exerd]

Yeah, the 18650s are incredible cells for the volume they occupy.

A good 18650 will provide over 4 times the capacity of a top-rated 16340 cell. I buy the turqouise colored Tenergy 2600mAH 18650 cells from Batteryjunction.com. They are <$8 each. The absolute highest outputting 18650 cell available is the RediLast 2900, but they cost a bit more.

The problem with 16340s is that their capacity greatly drops off once you start pulling over half an amp and then it really goes to crap when you pull around an amp from them.

Check out some of my signature links for info on the cells.