2XCR123 vs 1X16650 Run Time - What's the Deal?

Hudson456 · Nov 8, 2017

The Malkoff E2 Super Throw head has a runtime of 20 minutes on two lithium primary CR123 batteries. Switch over to a single 16650 lithium-ion and it will last 60 minutes, roughly 3 times the amount of time.

Given that both battery setups contain about 9 watt-hours (3000 mah x 3 volts = 9 wh) and (2500 mah x 3.7 volts = 9.25 wh), why does the 16650 last so much longer? Seriously, I'm confused.

StorminMatt · Nov 8, 2017

One potential reason is voltage. 2xCR123 produces higher voltage. So unless the light is very tightly regulated, the higher voltage of 2xCR123 is going to push more current through the light, resulting in a shorter battery life and brighter light. Some lights (ie those with a linear driver) will also go through batteries faster when voltage is higher, but with NO increase in brightness. However, these lights tend to run hotter in the process.

Modernflame · Nov 8, 2017

I'm not an engineer. Perhaps Mr. Malkoff would be the best person to ask. I can only add that CR123's have a capacity of 1400 or 1500 mAh's, whereas the 16650 has 2500 mAh's.

fivemega · Nov 8, 2017

Hudson456 said:
The Malkoff E2 Super Throw head has a runtime of 20 minutes on two lithium primary CR123 batteries. Switch over to a single 16650 lithium-ion and it will last 60 minutes, roughly 3 times the amount of time.

Given that both battery setups contain about 9 watt-hours (3000 mah x 3 volts = 9 wh) and (2500 mah x 3.7 volts = 9.25 wh), why does the 16650 last so much longer? Seriously, I'm confused.

If first setup runs for 20 minutes, then current draw should be about 2.4 Amps. At this situation, voltage of each lithium primary CR123 battery drops to about 2.2 volts at starting then drops even lower.
Each lithium primary CR123 battery has capacity of about 1500mAh at lower current draw but much less at 2~2.5 Amp.
So your setup has voltage of 4.4 volt and 1500mAh at start up.
Lithium primaries get hot at higher current draw and part of energy wasted in form of heat therefore, it will work longer in short burst. For example instead of 20 minutes continuous, 22 minutes of one minute burst and few minutes rest in between for cool down.

2XCR123 vs 1X16650 Run Time - What's the Deal?

Hudson456

Newly Enlightened

StorminMatt

Flashlight Enthusiast

Modernflame

Flashlight Enthusiast

fivemega

Flashlight Enthusiast

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