HELP with 5.11 headlamp and rechargeables!

I purchased the above headlamp and have used the set of (CR123) batteries that were supplied with the light. I purchased a set of rechargeable batteries as a replacement and I am having issues getting the lights to go. These new batteries will run the floodlight but as soon as you turn the spot on it lights up but then dies. The floodlight then no longer works either. If you turn the spot off and take the batteries out it seems to reset the lamp and you are able to go through the whole process again.

If I put the old batteries back into the lamp, even though they are down on power, the lamp operates as it should.

The new rechargeable batteries are Digital rechargeable CR-123 Lithium-ion batteries 650mAh.3v

We asked Phil, our BDM, and flashlight aficionado for help

High powered LED flashlights are all electronically controlled by a little PCB built into the head of the light. This control enables the lights various functions and also acts as a voltage regulator to offer optimal performance throughout the battery life.

To get the maximum output from your light you will need to use a standard non-rechargeable 3v lithium battery as they have a significantly higher milliamps per hour output than a rechargeable version. For reference your rechargeable battery is a 3.7 volt 650mAh but a non-rechargeable would be 3 volts but with anything from 1400mAh and up capacity.

Forget about the voltage of your rechargeable being 3.7 volts as the PCB regulates the voltage up or down as needed anyway. What you have to consider is what power the battery can offer, and unfortunately, these low capacity rechargeables just can’t deliver, hence it switching off when on the brightest setting.
A solution would be to purchase some CR123A’s from us in bulk if you can, especially if the light is used as a working tool. The shops charge a fortune for them but if you purchase from us individually they are about $7 each. If you bought a box of 12 they cost just $4.49 each.

...or, another solution would be to use the rechargeable 18650 from Surefire.
It has been specifically engineered to output higher milliamps and works perfectly.

Some of the Heavyweights from Surefire

Surefire Fury Dual Fuel Tactical Flashlight 1200/1500 lumens

The SureFire “DFT” stands for dual fuel tactical, and represents the natural evolution of our best-selling Fury® Tactical flashlight into a single-output 1,500* lumen light that can also function as a searchlight. The dual fuel feature means the light can be powered by either two 123A lithium batteries or a single economical 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

Press or click its tailcap switch for ergonomic, foolproof activation under even the most stressful conditions. Its precision micro-textured reflector shapes a smooth useful beam that is far-reaching, with a bright central area that is also optimized for situational awareness.

The high-strength aerospace aluminum body and tailcap are knurled for a secure grip and Mil-Spec hard anodized for extreme resistance to abrasion and corrosion.

• Batteries 2 x 123A (included)
• 123A Output 1,200 Lumens
• 123A Runtime 1.25 Hours
• 18650 Output 1,500 Lumens*
• 18650 Runtime 1.5 Hours

All performance claims tested to ANSI/NEMA FL1-2009 Standard.
*18650 battery required for 1,500 lumen output, 1.5 hours runtime, and 300 meter beam distance. SF18650A battery and charger kit are not included

Surefire Fury Dual Fuel Tactical Flashlight 1200/1500 lumens

Get yours here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/surefire-fury-dual-fu...

Surefire V1 Vampire Flashlight

The SureFire V1 Vampire is an ultra-compact, combat-ready dual-output flashlight that provides both white light and infrared output without the need for an IR filter. This groundbreaking handheld illumination tool features virtually failure-proof power-regulated white and infrared LEDs and a precision Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens that optimally shapes both beams for reach and surround light.

SureFire V1 Vampire IR 10/100mW - White 5/250LU Flashlight

Get yours here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/surefire-v1-vampire-i...

Surefire Tactician Flashlight 6V 800/5 Lumens

This groundbreaking light is designed for maximum versatility, serving as both an everyday carry light and an improvised weapon light. The Tactician’s dual-output LED is paired with a proprietary reflector to create our MaxVision™ Beam, a useful wall of light that fills in the space around you. Hand-tighten its front bezel to set the light to deliver all 800 lumens for longer-range or tactical tasks; rotate counterclockwise a quarter-turn for 5 lumens of light for those tasks requiring less light and more runtime. Either setting is activated in momentary-on mode with a press of the tailcap; twist for constant-on mode.

*All performance claims tested to ANSI/NEMA FL1-2009 Standard.

Surefire Tactician Flashlight 6V 800/5 Lumens

Get yours here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/surefire-tactician-fl...

We have a large selection of flashlights for different purposes. Check out our range online or contact us for mission specific solutions.