What's all the fuss about 3 AAA configurations?

[bushidomosquito]

I don't get it. I have a XL50 and a Coleman that both use the 3AAA holder and I don't have a problem with them. I'm really not a fan of the CR2 and 123 batteries because of the ridiculous price if you just want to pick some up in the store. I have a 2AA Fenix that puts out 200 lumens and is more than I ever need. I really like knowing I can get batteries for all of my lights for less than $1 each instead of $5. Is this just a flashlight snob thing?

[AimlessWanderer]

Only 3xAAA light I have is a Silva Ninox headlamp and I'm very happy with it. Every other single or inline AAA light I've had rattles though. My Fenix LD05 rattled, my cheapo from DX rattles and even my Preon Revo rattles. What is it with AAA and rattles?

My prefered lights are 123's though - a Fenix PD20 and a ltd edition Ti Quark Mini S2
I'm hoping to try out 18650's as soon as my extender comes for my D-mini VX Ultra

.. aside from that, I'm not sure I understand the question. Do a lot of people have an issue with them?

[Freudian Frog]

I just don't like having to switch out three lower-powered AAA batteries when it could have been 1-2 AAs.

[jekostas]

Three standard AAA NiMH batteries (3x(1.2v x 800mAh) = 2.88 Watt Hours) have LOWER capacity than a single standard CR123a battery (3.0V X 1200mAh = 3.6 Watt Hours) or a decent rechargeable CR123A (3.7v x 800mAh = 2.96 Watt Hours).

So,
-Lower Capacity
-Much larger in size, requiring larger bodies/lights
-Higher weight
-Odd number of batteries
-Battery holder is another item to get lost or broken

Plenty of reasons.  With more mainstream options like the Maglite Xl50 and Xl100, the last is an even bigger problem than you might suspect, as the battery holder is unique and can't be replaced easily.

[PyroJames]

I have quite a few lights that use 3xAAA lights and I like them.  I don't mind using them for light tasks and as bushido mentioned, it's cheap and easy to get batteries.

The only other batteries I have (for my heavy duty lights) are those big, expensive 18650 batteries but thankfully, they're rechargable and lasts a long time on a single charge.  The 18650 lights are my primary flashlights but for small tasks, I'll use my AAA lights.

[bushidomosquito]

Three standard AAA NiMH batteries (3x(1.2v x 800mAh) = 2.88 Watt Hours) have LOWER capacity than a single standard CR123a battery (3.0V X 1200mAh = 3.6 Watt Hours) or a decent rechargeable CR123A (3.7v x 800mAh = 2.96 Watt Hours).

So,
-Lower Capacity
-Much larger in size, requiring larger bodies/lights
-Higher weight
-Odd number of batteries
-Battery holder is another item to get lost or broken

Plenty of reasons.  With more mainstream options like the Maglite Xl50 and Xl100, the last is an even bigger problem than you might suspect, as the battery holder is unique and can't be replaced easily.

Ok, now that makes sense. When purchased in bulk 1 CR123A is close to the cost of 3 AAAs. which only leaves the advantage of the AAAs being cheaper on the road from the big box stores. Plus I've never heard of a AAA turning someone's light into a pipe bomb but that almost never happens... almost.  Now I have to rethink my aversion to those camera battery lights. 

[bushidomosquito]

Three standard AAA NiMH batteries (3x(1.2v x 800mAh) = 2.88 Watt Hours) have LOWER capacity than a single standard CR123a battery (3.0V X 1200mAh = 3.6 Watt Hours) or a decent rechargeable CR123A (3.7v x 800mAh = 2.96 Watt Hours).

So,
-Lower Capacity
-Much larger in size, requiring larger bodies/lights
-Higher weight
-Odd number of batteries
-Battery holder is another item to get lost or broken

Plenty of reasons.  With more mainstream options like the Maglite Xl50 and Xl100, the last is an even bigger problem than you might suspect, as the battery holder is unique and can't be replaced easily.

But hold on... How does that comparison work out with 3 standard alkaline AAA Duracells or Energizers as compared to the Surefire red bulk 123s or whatever I should be buying instead that I don't know about? At 1.5 volts and (I don't know the mA rating on those) is it much of a difference? I used to race R/C cars so I know the battery lingo but only as pertains to the sub c 6 cell packs of 10 years ago.

[jekostas]

But hold on... How does that comparison work out with 3 standard alkaline AAA Duracells or Energizers as compared to the Surefire red bulk 123s or whatever I should be buying instead that I don't know about? At 1.5 volts and (I don't know the mA rating on those) is it much of a difference? I used to race R/C cars so I know the battery lingo but only as pertains to the sub c 6 cell packs of 10 years ago.

Alkaline batteries show substantial voltage sag under high current - this limits the available energy from an alkaline chemistry cell.  Lithium chemistry batteries do not show this sag, nor do NiMhs.

[ICanFixThat]

Best to search candlepowerforums if you want to understand the complete debate as this specific question has been discussed at least 100 times.  It's a hot one.

[nuphoria]

I only use rechargeables so the cost is relatively unimportant to me.

My EDC of choice would be a CR123 for the output to size ratio.

[Zed]

I have about 3 torches that use the 3xAAA holders and they all work perfectly  i find cr123 generally expensive 

[Styerman]

AAA's are best reserved for pen lights or [Edit]certain electrical devices [/Edit]. The only uneven number of primaries I like is 1 .

Chris


  AHB