Guide To Flashlight Battery Chargers

Staying mobile is the most important task for the majority of people today, but not just when it comes to their lifestyle. With everything being placed on your smartphone, from credit cards to medical issues, the same can be said for flashlights. While your phone still has one it isn't nearly as powerful or versatile as a dedicated torch. With a modern-day torch, you're able to do more than illuminate, with more features being introduced in LED flashlights, the torch of today has become something of a survival tool. Being able to fend off an attacker and call for help in emergency situations is something that a torch can help in. High brightness levels and modes make this possible which is all thanks to the battery inside the unit. But the battery wouldn't be able to provide all that power if it wasn't for the charger.

Wireless battery chargers come in many forms. There are ones that incorporate a USB cable but not to charge the battery. This cable is what brings power to the charger but the device itself charge battery via a magnetic pad. You also have the option for a magnetic dock. This although similar execution is different than a regular magnetic pad since it keeps your torch usually in an upright position. You don't need to worry about it ever falling off.

The standard battery chargers even in today's day and age are wired. These types of chargers make use of different USB connectors. These connectors are commonly USB-A connectors which work with USB 2.0 speeds – up to 480 Mbps. Although more conventional, wired chargers take less time to charge battery flashlight. Especially when it comes to USB-B which offer speeds up to 10 Gbps. With the future of USB-C connectors speeds are even higher than 10Gbps and compatibility issues are no longer there.

As you already know there are different types of batteries used to power torches but the two most popular ones are NiMH and Li-ion. NiMH or Nickel-Metal hydride batteries are available in many sizes and work by combining multiple cells in one pack. While NiMH batteries are safe and have a great shelf life they are not as powerful as their more futuristic counterpart Li-ion.

These batteries might not be as commonly used as NiMH batteries but they are a lot more advanced. Unlike their older counterparts, Li-ion batteries are one block of high-energy-density lithium ions. This allows Li-ion batteries to provide the torch with both higher voltage and current output which makes them perform better at low temperatures. Li-ion batteries are also more affordable than NiMH and take less time to get charged.

These batteries might not be as commonly used as NiMH batteries but they are a lot more advanced. Unlike their older counterparts, Li-ion batteries are one block of high-energy-density lithium ions. This allows Li-ion batteries to provide the torch with both higher voltage and current output which makes them perform better at low temperatures. Li-ion batteries are also more affordable than NiMH and take less time to get charged.

While not as common as AAA, AA batteries were once more commonly used but even today they are still one of the most commonly used batteries but just not when it comes to torches. AA batteries have one single advantage over AAA batteries. They have a bigger capacity but as a sacrifice, they do not have a high output power. Both AA and AAA are alkaline batteries with the latter being more capable than the former.

When it comes to EDC (every day carry) flashlights, CR123a batteries are their most common companions. Why? Because these batteries are known for their power, shelf -life, and reliability. Before they were used in pair but today many torches are powered by only a single CR123a battery. Like AA-powered torches, flashlights with a single CR123a are small and pocketable. A big advantage here is that CR123a batteries provide a good balance between power and size.

If you're into custom flashlights, then 18350 batteries are your best friend. These type of batteries have a relatively good capacity whilst allowing your torch to draw high amps making for extremely bright torches. These torches are slightly bigger and wider than those powered by a CR123a battery. But with a 18350 powered torch, you get greater output, rechargeability and capacity.

What you can call the big brother of the 18350, the 18650 is a good middle ground battery size between 18350 and 18500. The latter is considered nearly extinct. 18650 batteries improve on the capacity of 18350 as well as the power draw. If you want an upgrade from a 18350-powered torch then one with a 18650 battery pack is a great choice. One downside of 18650 batteries is their size since they came nearly as long as two 18350 batteries.

A battery format that has quite popular in recent years, the 10180 is a small rechargeable battery known for its Li-ion chemistry. These batteries are used in neck-lights and key chain lights but you can also find them being used in some torches. If you don't need to use a torch that often, then one powered by a 10180 battery is the ideal choice for you.