Originally Posted by
Juha
Has anyone else tried a Fenix L2D with rechargeable NiMHs in cold weather? I'm getting about 30 minutes of burn time in my commutes at about -5C temps. This morning, I switched to the weakest setting when I noticed the full blast started to fade quickly. I run that for about 20 mins, and then I had the next 2-3 power levels available again. But on another similar occasion, the light practically died and I had to use my backup.
At first I thought it's because the NiMHs I have are old and no-brand, but this morning I had a freshish pair of Energizer 2650mAh batteries. No difference. Now, after resting a couple of hours in the office, the light seems to work ok. Funny thing is, my rear LEDs use similar or weaker NiMHs, and they all operate flawlessly. Of course their LEDs come nowhere near in light output (or power drain) compared to the Fenix.
Maybe I'll try to insulate the light (not the lighthead) a bit. Rechargeable NiCads would take cold better, I hear, but they don't seem to be widely available anymore around here. Any other suggestions? Using disposable alkalines is not an option, I'd have to buy a new set every day.
--J
No problems here in Riga. I'm getting over 2 hours of run time with both my helmet and bar mounted lights. Same thing when it was recently -12.
FWIW I've had problems with Energizer batteries self discharging in literally hours. I've had no problems with other brands. I'd guess that you have 2 bad batches of batteries.
EDIT: I'm using Duracell 2650 and Hama 2700 batteries.
ANOTHER EDIT: I've heard that LSD batteries can handle the cold better. The GP ReCyklo I just bought mentions they perform just fine at -10.