Quote History Originally Posted By Elzetta:
Thanks for the suggestion. No plans for AA products as CR123 batteries are superior in nearly every way.
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Are you sure about that? Other than cold weather performance, how are they better?
Eneloop Pro AA batteries have 2550 mAh*1.2V=3.06Wh, Energizer lithium AA's have
3000 mAh*1.5V=4.5Wh, Panasonic CR123's are 1400mAh*3V=4.2Wh. Runtime advantage to the lithium AA's.
Proper US made CR123 batteries can be $4 each (Amazon price on a 2-pack of Surefire cells right now), unless you're buying in bulk. Then they still cost $1.75 each. (Amazon 20 pack) This represents quite a bit of money over the life of the flashlight. Not all of us have access to the magical connex full of free stuff. Eneloops are rechargeable a thousand or more times. Btw, even those energizer lithiums are a better value at $1.50 each in bulk. (Amazon 20 pack)
I can find AA batteries anywhere worldwide, or I can solar charge AA's when I'm away from civilization. CR123's? Not unobtanium, but if you don't plan ahead and have to buy cells from a camera shop or gas station, the price will make you cry. If I'm out in the sticks, on a hiking trip or deployed, I'll be able to find alkaline AA's. Can't say the same for CR123's.
The smaller diameter of AA lights makes them more pocket friendly. That means I'm more likely to actually have a good light on me when I need it. Can't tell you how many times I throw a small AAA light into my pocket instead of a far superior 18650 light, just because it's more comfortable.
Even quality US-made CR123 batteries can literally explode.
CR123 explosion Imagine if that happened to me at 30,000 feet over someplace I'd rather not land at?
This is the main reason I want you guys to make a AA light.
CR123 batteries are no longer needed to have a bright light. A couple years back that was true, but brands like Zebralight are getting 500+ lumens from ONE Eneloop AA battery. LED and driver technology has come a long way. Please don't be like Surefire and let other companies technologically leapfrog you into irrelevance.