Perhaps, but that longer runtime will also mean that it's not nearly as bright. It's a trade off between runtime and brightness.

Very true. Well it should get here by Wednesday, I'll be sure to post back on how it turns out.

Can you guys interpret this?

"* Runs fine with some RCR123A, but not recommended by manufacturer"
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...h-N3-II/Detail

I hear that the CR123A batteries help put out more light than AAs, but I don't want to use throw-away batteries. What will happen if I use rechargeable CR123As? Are they saying I need batts w/a circuit to prevent overcharging?

nominal voltage of a standard rechargable lithium cell: 3.7 V (doesn't matter if it's 18650, RCR123, 14500, etc. size)
nominal voltage of a standard primary CR123 lithium cell: 3.0V

The light runs on a primary CR123 lithium cell (3v) or 2xAA (3v) for a maximum input voltage of 3v. The driver electronics aren't designed to run on anything higher, so using RCR123 (3.7v) isn't recommended.

The driver is a boost-type driver which will burn out the LED when given too much input voltage. It works best when slightly below the forward voltage of the LED (3.x volts usually), which is why that light is specced for 3 volts. I wouldn't be surprised if you got away with using an RCR123 cell though; it's only a little bit over voltage.

In my opinion, flashlights that use 18650 cells are more appropriate for on-the-bike use.

Thanks. That's very good to know. Are the 18650 lights more appropriate because of the higher voltage?

The box the flashlights come-in are labeled with the model number, the battery types (RCR123A aren't listed), and "1.3V-4V".

18650 batteries and RCR123s both have a nominal voltage of 3.7v, but the 18650 batteries provide increased runtime. RCR123s are too small to be appropriate on the bike.

That's basically what the site owner told me about the RC123's, he said not to bother with them, they are only 800 ma (I think), AA's have 2500 ma. HUGE difference. By the way it arrived today! I'll take pics later tonight :p

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=153482http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=153483http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=153484

First off, these pictures don't really do it justice. It's freaking bright, like 10x brighter than these pics, with amazing flood. The first pic is from about 100 feet away from a fence on a driveway about 20 feet wide. It lights the whole thing up clearly, and the fence. The second is the side of my house from about 30 feet away, again, it looks much more impressive in person. The third is the driveway again, but pointed a bit more down in an attempt to show how that it is in fact bright.

I found this while looking for better clearer shots, and while this one is quite blurry, it's much more true to life than mine. Darn phone camera. :/
It works well with Alkaline and NiCads, I can't say there is much of a difference in brightness.
Basically, I'm quite happy with it, I think it will work quite well :D

Did I mention stinking bright and great flood?