Fenix Batteries Guide: Choosing the Right Battery for Your Flashlight
With so many flashlight options out there, it can be difficult to choose the right battery for the right light. This guide covers the most common battery types used in modern flashlights and headlamps, and which Fenix products use each one, so you can pick the right battery (or the right light) with confidence.
18650 Rechargeable Li-ion — The 18650 is the most common battery in modern high-output flashlights. It's rechargeable, comes in a range of capacities, and holds up well in high-lumen lights. A popular Fenix example is the Fenix UC35 V2.0, a micro-USB rechargeable flashlight with 1,000 lumens that ships with a Fenix ARB-L18-3500U 18650 battery, with a recharge time of roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on how depleted it is.
CR123A (Non-Rechargeable) — CR123A batteries are a common non-rechargeable option in compact tactical and EDC flashlights. Note that most flashlights built around CR123A cannot safely use the rechargeable RCR123A variant unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise — always check your light's spec sheet before substituting battery types.
AA — AA-powered flashlights remain popular for their convenience, since AA batteries are easy to find anywhere. The Fenix LD22 V2.0 is a current example, delivering 800 lumens from two AA batteries with a dual switch for easy mode control.
AAA — AAA flashlights are common in keychain lights and small EDC penlights. The Fenix LD02 V2.0 is a good example: a compact EDC penlight with 70 lumens of white light plus a 200mW UV light mode, running on a single AAA battery, with an IP68 waterproof rating.
As a general rule, only use batteries that are within your flashlight's rated specifications to protect both the battery and the light. If you're not sure which battery type your Fenix light takes, check the product page or reach out to our customer support team for help. For a deeper dive into battery sizes and chemistries across the whole market, see our full flashlight battery guide. Thanks for reading this Fenix Store guide!
