Newbie Torch (flashlight) question

[DaveK]

As the title says, I'm a total newbie with torches, but thanks to eodtech, I am now the proud owner of a Blackhawk Ally PL-3. I've only had it a few hours, but initial thoughts are I'm likin' it 

It seems pretty idiot proof (I just managed to put the bin out without encountering any misfortune), but I wonder if someone who knows about these things could answer the following for me?

1) Can I use rechargeable CR123s in this? I've seen reference to rechargeables in this forum, but am I right in thinking they don't work in all torches?

2) What are people's opinions about the Blackhawk Pl-3? Is it comparable to Fenix etc?

Sorry if these are dumb questions, but I did admit to being a noob 

[NutSAK]

If the light is idiot proof, why all the questions? 

 j/k    If eodtech can't answer them, I'm sure we can research the answers.

[DaveK]

Bump

Help me guys, I've only got about an hour's worth of battery power left before I have to make a purchase 

[jock1]

I am far from being an expert when it comes to the technical stuff but from my limited understanding torches like the one you have should be able to handle the voltages involved with re-chargeables but please don't act on word as I ahve said already I am the farthest thing from an expert 

[NutSAK]

Sorry mate, I can't answer your questions.  I've checked all the sources I have, and I can't find an input voltage specification for the PL-3, so I can't say if Li-Ion CR123 rechargeables would work in the light.  I also haven't held one, so I can't comment on the quality. 

This is the only brief review I've been able to find:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=157930

[WhichDawg]

nor I
I don't know that light/torch and if it can't take it you'll blow it!
I'd suggest sticking with what you know (batteries) until you can find out.

[DaveK]

Thanks NutSAK - that is a very interesting thread!

The initial review of the light states Ally PL-3, a 2x123 cell regulated Luxeon III light that can be powered by either two rechargeable R123 cells, two primary CR123 cells or a 17650/17670 cell. It is rated at 65 lumens". That's encouraging, but I'll maybe drop Blackhawk an e-mail and see what they say.

The discussion following the review is brilliant! It starts off with people registering their disappointment that Blackhawk / Night - Ops are "cloning" some cheap Chinese lights, until someone called Ken J Good, (who clearly owns / is important within Blackhawk / Night-Ops) points out that the Chinese versions are actually clones of their design!

Bloody good read actually!

Thanks for taking the time to look guys - appreciated!

[DaveK]

An update. I got a reply from Blackhawk's customer service:

.....You have heard correctly that rechargeable batteries in some lights can cause serious damage. We do discourage the use of rechargeable batteries in our flashlights. Rechargeable batteries tend to overheat and explode in our lights damaging the electronics. I would avoid all rechargeable batteries in BLACKHAWK! flashlights.....

So I'll avoid that I think.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That's slightly worrying

[jock1]

That's slightly worrying

My alkaline/rechargable  batteries might leak but I have never heard of them going bang is this something I should be aware of ?

[DaveK]

Who knows how true it is, but that reply suggests to me that if anything did go wrong, they aren't going to want to know about it as a warranty repair!

The batteries should give me 4 hours of use, so that'll cover about 80 trips to the bin I reckon - that's not too bad

[Benner]

That's slightly worrying

You hear it a lot how this can occur.  Use the correct batteries and there is nothing to worry about.

[NutSAK]

That's slightly worrying

My alkaline/rechargable  batteries might leak but I have never heard of them going bang is this something I should be aware of ?

Only Li-Ion rechargeable batteries.  If not handled properly, they can "vent with flame".  That is how the battery manufacturers describe "blow apart with great force into tiny toxic bits".

It would be very rare for a "protected" Li-Ion rechargeable to have this problem.  They have a circuit board in them that shuts the battery off if a dangerous situation arises.

Honestly Dave, it sounds like they are only worried about the batteries themselves having a problem--not the flashlight--so I would consider using protected Li-Ion batteries.  The best I've found are AW brand:

http://www.lighthound.com/AW-RCR123a-Protected-750-mAh-Battery_p_0-114.html

[jock1]

Cheers Terry You will have tostart charging a consultancy fee for all the info you have provided 

[DaveK]

^^ Yeah - thanks Terry - I've ordered some ordinary batteries for now, but will look into the "protected" rechargeables when they go into use.