EDCLB vs. Modlite vs. Cloud Defensive

[Paul Blackburn]

I too am waiting on more BGV2 heads.

Can you run this head on a single CR 123?

[NH Shooter]

Can you run this head on a single CR 123?

Not the v.2 version but you can with the v.1 version;

https://malkoffdevices.com/products/...bodyguard-head

[Paul Blackburn]

Not the v.2 version but you can with the v.1 version;

https://malkoffdevices.com/products/...bodyguard-head

Thank you!

What is the difference between the 16340 and 18350 battery?

[Clusterfrack]

Thank you!

What is the difference between the 16340 and 18350 battery?

880 mAh and slightly smaller diameter vs 1200 mAh. I don't think there's any reason to use a 16340 body, given the head diameter is larger than a 18350.

[NH Shooter]

Paul, the primary difference between BG v.1 and BG v.2 is that the v.1 is designed to run on a CR123 (3 volts), whereas the v.2 version is rated for 3.4 to 6.0 volts. The v.2 version gives more output on a Li-ion cell (either a 16340 or 18350) than the v.1 version. Maximum output of v.1 on a Li-ion cell is 700 lumens whereas the v.2 produces 1,000 lumens.

Bottom line: if you need to use CR123 batteries, roll with the v.1. If not, the v.2 is the better choice.

On another note, the Orbtronic 18350 1,200mAh cell has plenty of current capacity to carry the BGV2 head. I've seen differences in output using the 18350 vs. the typical 16340 cell which has a lower current capacity. These high-current heads need the juice to truly shine! ;-)

[Paul Blackburn]

Paul, the primary difference between BG v.1 and BG v.2 is that the v.1 is designed to run on a CR123 (3 volts), whereas the v.2 version is rated for 3.4 to 6.0 volts. The v.2 version gives more output on a Li-ion cell (either a 16340 or 18350) than the v.1 version. Maximum output of v.1 on a Li-ion cell is 700 lumens whereas the v.2 produces 1,000 lumens.

Bottom line: if you need to use CR123 batteries, roll with the v.1. If not, the v.2 is the better choice.

On another note, the Orbtronic 18350 1,200mAh cell has plenty of current capacity to carry the BGV2 head. I've seen differences in output using the 18350 vs. the typical 16340 cell which has a lower current capacity. These high-current heads need the juice to truly shine! ;-)

If I understand correctly your BGV2 offering will accommodate the 18350 but the MDC body won't correct? The MDC body has a smaller for the 16340?

[NH Shooter]

If I understand correctly your BGV2 offering will accommodate the 18350 but the MDC body won't correct? The MDC body has a smaller for the 16340?

That is correct!

[Paul Blackburn]

Not exactly an in-the-dark, hand-to-hand combat comparison complete with beam shots, but rather a visual line-up that directly compares the size, weight and output specs of these 18350 lights.

I made the comparison using photos on the Modlite and Cloud Defensive websites. I imported them into Photoshop and scaled them as accurately as possible. Modlte and CD state the AOL of the lights rather imprecisely at 4-inches. I scaled the lights to each other using the Thrym pocket clip, which is identical on both lights. I then scaled the EDCLB Dagger and Fat Boy to create the comparison;




The comparison illustrates how the EDCLB E-series bodies compare in size/bulk to the Modlte and CD lights. In terms of output the CD MCH-HC is the most impressive, but it's also the heaviest. The Fat Boy is the brightest (highest candela) and lighter than the OKW or MCH-HC. The Dagger has the lowest output of the group (not that 500 lumens and 35,000 cd is anything to sneeze at), but is the shortest, lightest and most pocket friendly. I would also argue it's the most ergonomic in the hand.

Comparison of Pricing

Modlite OKW-18350 - $309.00 with Thrym LPC, one 18350 cell and Xtar charger.

Cloud Defensive Micro MCH-HC - $219.99 with Thrym LPC, one 18350 cell and charger.

EDCLB E2HT Dagger - $206.50 with Deep Carry Pocket Clip.

EDCLB Fat Boy - $264.50 with Deep Carry Pocket Clip.

EDCLB Power Options

1. (2) Orbtonic 18350 1200mAh IMR flat top cells - $14.00
2. (2) Orbtonic 18350 1200mAh IMR flat top cells and (1) Xtar VC2L charger - $35.95
3. 18350 Fuel Pack: three (3) Orbtonic 18350 1200mAh IMR flat top cells, (1) Xtar VC2L charger and (1) 18650 Delrin Battery Locker - $57.50

Note: P-F member 10% discount applies to both light and power options, and power options ship along with the flashlight (no additional shipping).

Doing your research before dropping this kind of coin on an EDC light is paramount. I hope this comparison helps!

Have you done any comparison evaluations between the Orbtonic and Modlight Batteries?

[NH Shooter]

Have you done any comparison evaluations between the Orbtonic and Modlight Batteries?

Not a direct in-hand comparison, but here is the basic specs on both;

Modlite 18350

• Max Continuous Discharging Current: 10A
• Typical Capacity: 1200 mAh
• Style: Button Top
• Approximate Dimensions (including button): 38.1mm length x 18.6 mm diameter
• Maximum Length: 38.1mm
• Discharge cut-off voltage: 2.5V (approximate)
• Voltage: 3.6V
• Full Charge Voltage: 4.2V
• Charge Current: 1.5A standard
• Protection* Cutoff Current: ~18A

*Modlite's statement on the use of protected vs. unprotected cells.

Orbtronic 18350

• Capacity: 1200mAh
• Type/Size: 18350
• Max. Discharge current: 15 Amp (5 Sec. ON /30 Sec. OFF)
• Max. Continuous Discharge current: 10 Amp (With cut off at 60° Celsius / temperature)
• Min. Capacity: 1100 mAh
• Typical Capacity: 1150 mAh
• Full charge: 4.2V (Max. 4.23V)
• Recommended charging current: 0.5A or 1A CC/CV (Battery can be charged at 0.25A, but charging time will take longer)
• Nominal voltage: 3.7V
• Low Cut-off Voltage: 2.5V (this is the lowest point any li-ion battery can be under load)
• Dimensions: 18.5 mm x 35 mm ( +/- 0.04 mm)
• Weight: 24 g (23.8 g - 24.1 g)
• Chemistry: Li-ion / Hybrid IMR
• Positive terminal: Flat Top
• Electronic External Protection: No (Unprotected)

Commentary

There are different Li-ion rechargeable cell types based on chemistry (details here).

IMR cells (M = Manganese) have lower internal resistance, which enables them to supply more current with less heat than a standard Lithium Cobalt Oxide(LiCoO2) cell. They use lithium manganese (LiMn), which makes them far more stable, and therefore more capable of providing safe, reliable, and consistent power to devices operating at high wattage and temperature levels. The primary disadvantage of IMR is lower storage capacity (lower mAh spec.).

"Hydrid IMR" is a newer class of batteries that combine the chemistry of IMR batteries with those of INR or NCR to bring up the capacity that is sometimes lacking in straight IMR models. This results in high-draining, high-capacity batteries that sustain adequate power levels and maintain consistent performance and overall reliability, while also being extremely safe compared to ICR batteries. The Orbtronic cell uses the latest hybrid IMR chemistry.

Protection circuits provide protection to the cell from over-discharge and over-charging. They also provide short-circuit protection, which is certainly of value to those who do not handle cells in a safe manner, such as dropping a cell in a pocket with keys, coins, etc. that could bridge the positive and negative terminals.

Protected or not, cells should always be stored and carried in a way that prevents the bridging of the positive and negative terminals and the creation of a fire hazard.

Protection circuits are thin PCB wafers on the negative end of an unprotected cell;



The addition of the circuit makes the cell longer and larger in outside diameter, which can sometimes create fitment issues. The circuits are also fragile and prone to failure due to impact damage, which is a consideration in critical-use applications. Perhaps the biggest drawback in a personal protection flashlight is the abrupt cut off of light when the voltage drops low enough (around 2.5 volts) to trip the protection circuit. At 2.5 volts, the EDCLB Dagger, Fat Boy and Bodyguard lights are still producing 40 to 50 lumens, which is certainly a very usable amount of light.

If you are in a critical situation, ruining a $7 cell may be a far better option than having the light suddenly die from a tripped protection circuit.

In normal use, the drop in light output will be very obvious as the voltage drops. When the output is visibly diminished, recharge the cell or swap in a fully charged one. I cover this on the Run Time & Battery Management page of the EDCLB website.

Fitment of Protected Cells in EDCLB Lights

Some may be more comfortable using a protected cell - use the following fitment guide;

• User-supplied cell outside diameter fit test: the cell should slide into the battery compartment with no resistance. Do not force the cell in!
• User-supplied cell length fit test: with the head off and the cell resting on an uncompressed tail cap spring, the positive terminal of the cell should not protrude past the front edge of the body.
• If the cell does not pass the fit tests above, select an 18350 cell with smaller dimensions.

In conclusion, the safe use of Li-ion cells is not difficult, and no different than the safe use and handling of any other potentially dangerous object.

[Paul Blackburn]

I too am waiting on more BGV2 heads.

Is the hold up demand or china?