balto charlie

Hey all: How much run-time difference are we talking about with the above batteries? I don't really like the size of the 26650 as I have 2 bikes and a train for commuting. I prefer to keep my gear small and simple. I like the size of my current 550-lumen 18650. Thinking about a brighter similar sized light. Perhaps 1300 lumen. What run times will I get with an 18650? If I upgrade to the larger 26650 and similar lumen, what run time can I get. Thanks for any info.

Later, Charlie

zacster

Just check the maH rating. The voltage is the same and the maH is the only variable between the two, so given the same current draw, your run-time is proportional to the maH rating. If you are talking about different lights, you'll need to know the current draw on each. Divide the maH (micro amps per hour) by the amp draw in micro amps and you'll get hours.

In general the 26650 has a longer life than the 18650, but since the 18650 is more common they are being made in ever increasing capacities. If they can increase the capacity in one, they can increase it in the other as well, so it is a never ending chase.

black_box 

milliamps, not micro, but otherwise yes.

balto charlie

Thanks. Looking online seems 26650 go @ 6000mA and 18650 run @ 3000mA. So, in similar flashlights it would run twice as long. So, for question #2, about how long will a 3000mA, 3.7V 18650 drive a 1000 lumen light. I am sure the type of light matters but just a ballpark. If I could get an hour from 18650 driving a 1000lumen (on high)light I'd be happy. Thanks again, Charlie

cehowardGS

Hi Charlie, I am a Baltimore commuter too. Howdy..

On the 26650 and 18650. I run both. Yes, the 26650 does have a little longer runtime due to the higher Mah.. Somebody else has already explained that. IMO, if you have not switched, stay with the 18650, just use quality cells. The better cells have longer runtime and they are protected. In addition, you could do like I do, I run pairs all the time, plus a helmet light. Any one of the lights can be my only light, and I still have safe and a bright light. The pros for the 18650, cheaper all the way, and lighter.. On my 18650 lights, which are on the bike with me today, I can use the U type clamp mount.

With the fatter 26650, I have to use the two fish lock block clone mount. I prefer the U mount. Also, like you I like to keep everything small, sleek, and cool looking.. Here is my 18650 set up, check the mounts, and my 26650 setup too.

18650s in pairs.



The 26650 in pairs with the two fish lock block clone mount..

Richard Cranium

I understand the comment. But confusing a battery format (size) with how a given light/battery combination discharges sort of clouds the issue.

There are better and worse flashlights/regulation-circuitry and batteries - but the cell size format has nothing to do with that.......

balto charlie

Wow, what a load of lights...and bikes!!!!

Baltimore is really improving their bike lanes. I wish I rode there instead of the county. The county has done nothing. Lanes are in the works though. Or at least they say they are. Where do you ride in B-more? I'm west side, ride to the MARC train then head towards DC.

What run-times do your 18650 get? Their lumens? I run 2 lights, 1 on the bars and 1 helmet. Thanks, Charlie

RoadTire 

Hey Howard - so you've decided 26650 aren't the ultimate? ("great" just not "perfect" :-0) Glad to know. I've been following your bike-light "conversion" for a while (ABitDark over on BLF) but haven't purchased any yet. And just when I found the 26650 format'd light I want.

I agree the 18650 format seems so much simpler and better charger options, along with light size. I didn't want a mixed set of batteries and just held off. Who has that great, smaller 18650 light..can't remember...shiningbright or something?

cehowardGS

My favorite 18650 light is the Keygos Ke-5

My favorite 26650 light is the Keygos M10 or M10a, they are the same.

The Ke-5 is running some like $18 and the M10 is about $22 free shipping on both. Mounts for both are under $2 each.

The reason I am crazy about these lights , is the bang-for-the-buck. I am not spending $200, $300 or even more some of the high end lights. I am clicking out peanuts, got some fun lights, and IMO, they look cool on my bike. That is important to me. The battery pack deals, wouldn't look cool on my bikes.

cehowardGS

Charlie, you are just like me. I am running two on the bars and one on the helmet. Awesome setup, and I am still on the cheap..

I am in Owings Mills, and I work in the city. I ride 6 miles to the subway, then take the subway downtown. Usually I start early so I can kick in half hour joy ride before work.

On the runtimes, I am not running that long. I know that 45 minutes all my lights are on high they are still running. I estimate that they will go over a hour with quality cells. Cheaper cells will usually go in a half hour. I keep a charger at work, and I carry two extra cells just like I carry a spare tube and pump. Also, running two lights up front has its advantages. Actually, we could just run one, which I do sometime, and the one is more than enough. The two will double your runtime.

For fun rides, I am down at the harbor and I hit the BWI trail..When I am running on the trail, I run a small blinky. Not on the trails at dark or dusk. My lights are strictly for commuting. I have been trying to get Marc to allow full size bikes on the Marc train. To no avail. I use always go to Georgetown on weekends. That was before I was into bicycles. Just been into bicycles for about 2 years. I would love to get over there on the train. There is a alternate route to DC, which includes the light rail from downtown to BWI, then the Metro B30 bus to Greenbelt, then the Metro train into DC. That is a long ride..

I use to stop downtown every morning on my commute and eat breakfast. However, they changed my work hours, and having hit downtown in a couple weeks. Hopefully will be back on schedule. Panera Bread at Pratt and Market Place is my favorite hangout. I can lock my bike and eyeball it while I am eating.

Safe riding to you,,

balto charlie

Thanks for the battery/light info. I am looking at this model
https://www.ebay.com/itm/300737356950...84.m1423.l2649
Awful cheap.

MARC train: I was the lead guy with Bike Maryland on gaining access to the MARC. We(Jim Titus,WABA, and I) met with the head of MARC. We failed. Not making excuses but Maryland has to put up more money to retrofit many cars. Plus the platforms are varying in heights which make entrance onto the train difficult while carrying a bike. The train doors are narrow and the stairs steep. They do allow folders. I use 2 bikes, 1 @ each end. Not ideal but it works. I have ridden all the way to work,~25-30 miles each way. Nice ride actually but long. I ride the annual Monument to monument ride. Check out another BF member, greaterbrowns Rando Rambles for a monthly centuries leaving from somewhere downtown. He makes a great cue sheet, always picks beautiful roads with scenic views.
https://randoramble.wordpress.com/

And if you want to ride in the coolest ride in Baltimore check out the Baltimore Bike Party. Last 2 rides had over 700 riders. Next months theme is Halloween!!
https://baltimorebikeparty.com/
Perhaps I'll see ya on the road. Charlie

10 Wheels

That is a real good deal.

10 Wheels

I get three hours run time then change the battery if I need more.

Love the focus adjustment.

Use mine for the daytime strobe.

black_box 

Shiningbeam S-mini? I've seen that mentioned and its on my list... once I get off the fence.

balto charlie

I bought some last night, 1 for me and 1 each for my commuting kids. You get 3 hours!!! Is that on high. I only run strobe(day) or run on high(night). I was hoping for 1 hour, looks like more. Thanks, Charlie

balto charlie

I love the size of that light for my helmet. I currently use an older Fenix LD2, AA. Crazy strobe and gets the cars attention but not near as bright as the mini....so many choices

cehowardGS

Sometimes I go real bright on the helmet!! They kick butt, I tell you that!!

dougmc

Looks like one.

But why is it wet?!?!?!

cehowardGS

Makes the picture look pretty. Just like a car, you can show it in the wet,and it looks better..

On the light, I like it. I have one similiar, but it is tan, and it cost me $7.80 shipped. I like this one because it is black. I checked the ebay ad, and the seller. You can buy the light by itself for $9.99 free shipping. I think I will order 3 of them. They are small, light, and pack a lot of power. the one I have for $7.80 is powerful, I got two of those. Two of these on the bars, and one on the helmet. That is about $36.00 including the mounts.. Can't beat that with a stick...

dougmc

Yes, but I'll bet your car doesn't have a warning label telling you to keep from getting it wet.

It just seems like an odd choice for something electronic, that's all. Maybe the flashlight is water resistant, but certainly, the charger and batteries aren't supposed to get wet.

10 Wheels

Run time is the same on each mode.

davidad

AS far as I know 26650's are no higher than 4500 and there are new Panasonic 18650 that go to a real 3400.

dougmc

Well, assuming a good, efficient LED that gives you 90 lumens/watt, that would take 11 watts. If you get a 3000 mAh 18650 cell, that contains roughly 11 watt hours of energy -- so what you're talking about should be about what you could get with good quality stuff, and if you go lot cheaper, you'll probably come a little short -- but not much.

RoadTire 

Yep, that's the one. Will go on my helmet. Coleene_C recommended a great adjustable mount setup if I could find it. On the bike will be a single Keygos Ke-5 or maybe a Rominson from ShiningBeam. I ride very little in traffic at night, mostly will be on the paved trails here so can run less than 100% on the lights just fine. Even my "80 lumen" headlamp is doable.. but a little sketchy for animals on the trail.

balto charlie

Lumen porn, like a wet T shirt competition Or they are showing it's waterproof

Really, thanks

I just google it and saw one that was 6K. I know nothing about 26650 but did see this number somewhere.

This is what I was looking for. Thanks