Want to buy the Fenix HL-50, but will it run the 16340 when it calls for the CR123A?

[TKhanson]

Folks:

I have an XTAR MP2 for charging my 18650s I used in my lights. I am interested in buying a couple of HL-50s for a big backpacking trip with my boys. Since I already have a LIO charger that charges " 14500/14650/16340/17500/17670/18350/18500/18650/18700" I figured I would try to get a head lamp that will run with something I can already recharge.

My question is will the HL-50 run a 16340? I've heard the 16340 has higher voltage than the CR123A.

Thx.

TKH

 

[keithy]

It won't take the 3.7V 16340. Only the 3.0V CR123A.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

It also won't take a 14500 either.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

There are always the 3.2v K2 Energy LiFePo4 rechargeables, if you can find them.

Chris

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Or he can just run if off of eneloops instead.

 

[hiuintahs]

It runs great on an Eneloop. It would be nice if it could run on all 3 batteries: Eneloop AA, CR123A or 16340. But the fact that the higher voltage rechargeable lithium ion isn't recommended by Fenix isn't a deal killer for me. For one, the 16340 has about the same amount of energy as an Eneloop. The down side is the Eneloop is heavier at 26 grams vs 16 grams on the 16340. CR123A which has more energy than both those other batteries also weighs 16 grams. If the HL50 only ran CR123A without the ability to run a rechargeable battery, then it would be a deal breaker for me. But I like the light mostly because of the nice neutral tint floody beam and it is fairly small and light weight.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

It runs great on an Eneloop. It would be nice if it could run on all 3 batteries: Eneloop AA, CR123A or 16340. But the fact that the higher voltage rechargeable lithium ion isn't recommended by Fenix isn't a deal killer for me. For one, the 16340 has about the same amount of energy as an Eneloop. The down side is the Eneloop is heavier at 26 grams vs 16 grams on the 16340. CR123A which has more energy than both those other batteries also weighs 16 grams. If the HL50 only ran CR123A without the ability to run a rechargeable battery, then it would be a deal breaker for me. But I like the light mostly because of the nice neutral tint floody beam and it is fairly small and light weight.

Don't forget you can run it on energizer lithium AAs too which are easier to find and last longer in storage.

 

[hiuintahs]

Don't forget you can run it on energizer lithium AAs too which are easier to find and last longer in storage.

Yes, left that out. Thank you.

 

[bdsmchs]

You could get the HL55 for $10 more and run it on the same 18650's you're already charging and using.

I've got one of these and it's a great light. Will work with flat top or button top cells, protected and unprotected.

And you CAN run two CR123's in it

 

[irongate]

Or even look at the HL 60R which is a really nice headlight. Myself I like it a lot. Either 123a's or 18650 and it is rechargeable.