Rechargeable LED flashlights: best options?

[ccw9mm]

The bulk of the SureFire line of flashlights isn't recommended to work with the rechargeable C123A LiIon batteries. Same issue, with several other lines of flashlights.

Q: Got suggestions for a decent "tactical" type light that has exceptional longevity (> 10hrs) and reasonable light output (ie, >60 lumens equiv)? Can be any battery type, though it must be rechargeable. Should be < 5" OAL, but slightly longer is tolerable.

FYI -- The SureFire G2 LED seems a good match, yet SureFire won't say it works properly with the rechargeable 123A's.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[WorldPax]

I know quite a few who are happy with their Fenix flashlights. I believe they meet your needs.

[Jackle1886]

Does it have to use the CR123's? If not you can use regular AA's that are rechargeable. Then that opens a lot up to you. "Tactical" meaning bigger for house duty, clamp on weapon, EDC?

[Blademan21]

I would ask that question at CandlePowerForums. You will have to register,but these people KNOW flashlights. They are quick to help a new members. Give them your price range,lumens required and they will point you in the right direction. Good luck.

[Chooie]

Check out the new Olight Warrior M20. It can run on 2x CR123, 2x RCR123, or 1x 18650. On an 18650 you will get the longest runtime, but you need two cells for max brightness. It has 3 modes and a strobe, and the mode switching is completely independent from the tailcap switch, so there's no mode switching when you don't want it. It also has a grip ring like on the Blackhawk Gladius and a stainless steel strike bezel. I'm loving this thing!


Olight M20 Warrior Tactical LED Flashlight - 230 Lumens!
Olight M20 Warrior PREMIUM Tactical LED Flashlight w. Cree R2 - 250 Lumens!

It's available in both black and OD/natural hard anodizing. The premium version uses a new R2 bin LED, which means it is ever so slightly more efficient than the Q5 in the normal version - good for an extra 20-30 lumens on high. I also wouldn't bother with the extra smooth reflector as well - I bought it, and I find myself using the standard orange peel one.

[MilitaryPower]

Also take a look at the Fenix TK11. https://www.fenix-store.com/product_...roducts_id=497



Fenix TK11 Flashlight

The Fenix Tactical series (T) features a powerful, solid, durable, and waterproof design intended for rugged outdoor and military use. It's as solid as a tank. The TK11 can use either two primary (non-rechargeable) CR123A batteries or one rechargeable 18650 battery with a protective circuit, and it maintains excellent constant brightness with two output modes: General mode, which can last for a whole night and can be used for general illumination, and Turbo mode, which can be used whenever high-powered light is needed - search and rescue, long-range target identification, etc.

Features


Cree Premium (Q5) 7090 XR-E LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours
Two modes of output, selected by turning the bezel (Patented):
Turbo Mode: 225 Lumens
2.7 hours (one 18650 Li-ion battery)
1.5 hours (two CR123A batteries)
General Mode: Constant 60 Lumens
12 hours (one 18650 Li-ion battery)
10 hours (two CR123A batteries)
Highly efficient polished & focused reflector - throws beam over 200 meters
Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness
Uses one 4.2V 18650 Li-ion, two 3V CR123A lithium batteries, or two RCR123A lithium-ion batteries.
135mm (L) x34mm (D)
Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
152-gram weight (excluding batteries)
Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
Tactical tailcap switch with momentary-on function
Tactical removable grip-ring for cigar-hold technique
Anti-roll, slip-resistant body design
Included accessories: one holster, lanyard, rubber switch boot and two spare o-rings.