I’m in the market for a dual fuel 18650/CR123 flashlight and figured I’d ask for some recommendations here as the Google searching never tells the whole story.  I recently bought a ModLite for my rifle and it uses 18650 cells, so I figured I might as well buy a LED flashlight that uses those as well as disposable CR123 cells.  This would allow me to cycle the 18650s in the flashlight for best cell lifespan and also be able to utilize CR123 cells, which I always have around for my IR lasers and thermal gear.

I see that Streamlight has some offerings, including at least one that has an onboard USB charging port which I thought would be handy in the field to use with vehicle or portable USB charging solutions, but it sounds like that onboard USB charging feature only works with Streamlight’s proprietary 18650 cell that has terminals modified to work with the onboard charging circuit.  That was a bummer as the onboard charging port sounds like a really useful feature, but I would not want to invest in the proprietary cells.

I am extremely impressed with the performance of my ModLite PLHv2 and would consider springing for another one in handheld format, but I like the idea of a dual fuel light that also uses CR123 cells so that I am not locked into only 18650s in the flashlight.

With all that being said, what are some of you guys using?

https://www.pelican.com/us/en/about/press-releases/article/pelican-charges-up-with-the-pelican-2380r-rechargeable-led-flashlight/
I have this light and really like it.

Anything else out there?

Fenix, Nitecore, Olight, or just about any light that has a 6v driver and states that it can accept 18mm wide cells.

Convoy, Zebralight and Emisar don’t accept 6v, so CR123s are out if run in series.

Chris

Elzetta Bones

Streamlight Protac HL-X.  I carry one at work all the time in the darker months, and keep another on the nightstand.

I rock a Fenix uc30 for a work light, dual battery  options and has a USB port.
I'm impressed with it.
I used a pocket clip to index it in my hand so I can easily find the switch.
Without the clip it wouldn't be as convenient.

I have one of these, ideal size and UI for EDC.



http://www.eagtac.com/html/d25lc2rcmkii/specs.html

I carry my HL-X every day.

Attached File

I have a couple surefire intellibeam 1500 lumen i really dig on rifles in dan defense mounts.
I have had a streamlight hlx-1000 lumen for a few years thats been relegated to work. Still works great and it gets clicked prolly 20x a day

Modlite 18650 body with a SureFire M600 DuelFuel head (1500 lumens).  More of a “tactical” light, because no low power mode.

The Modlites heads are strictly 18650 powered. With the Surefire head, you can use either 18650 or regular CR123s.


My SureFire / Modlite.

I love these threads.

Chris

Ditto...

Fenix pd32 is what I have

I love my Fenix UC35

I carry a streamlight pro tax 2L-X everyday. With 18650 it lasts a long time and plenty bright. Highly recommend.

Nitecore ec20 is cheap for a quality brand.

This!

Add a Micro USB chargeable 18650 and you are never far away from a full battery.

I love mine and have already paid for the rechargeable battery in less than 6 months.