Hey N2K got a battery question for you when it comes to lights (sorry for the slight hijack here Ian). My PD32 still running plain jane 123s atm but I am looking into getting some new batteries soon. I am looking at some AW 18650 with a mAh of 3400. Do you think these would be the best choice or are there better power sources out there. I am really trying to get the most out of my little Fenix.

Difficult to beat the convenience of a system w/ 2 18650s to power a light that accepts one cell. It allows you to (most) always have a "fresh" cell ready when the other drains. I popped her open and right now I'm running a pair or RCR123s at well below 3K mAh. I threw in an 18650 @ 3K and not a full or recent charge...and it proved brighter than the cells I had in it. This means little, I'll top off a few cells and and compare brightness to standard CR123s soon. I've got charged cells for other lights around, but nothing I've topped off recently.

These lights are in my collection and scattered about, the lights in my pocket(s) are always rockin' fresh power. Just to disclose. But we're not talking pocket lights in this thread...as 100 yard illumination was the prerequisite.

With that in mind, slightly larger than the PD32 are lights by 4 7s like the Malestrom series that throw nice and bright at a respectable distance.

I've been wondering about this one. The Fenix TK 35.

https://www.ledtorchshop.com.au/product/509/fenix-tk35-860-lumen-high-powered-tactical

Any thoughts?

No hijack. I'm real interested in batteries as well.

You discovered a light I do not own. But I have an opinion / comment...it's running in 4 CR123s / 2 18650s. Do purchase a charger and 4 18650 cells if decide you want this light. The cartridge thing is a bit cumbersome unless it allows some shock protection or other benefit...just seems like an extra step to mess with every time you freshen the power.

Similar output can be had for shorter periods of time with lights like the NiteCore MT 26 (readily available for about $65 USD). It runs on 1 18650 and will throw a claimed "800" lumen in short duration, it claims the light steps down the output after 3 minutes. And if cells are low, the "turbo mode aka 800 lumens" may be disabled but lower outputs still function.

Please understand I'm not suggesting the purchase of any of these lights. I have high hopes every time I place an order and am often left wanting. I'm still on the lookout for "the" light. The Chinese lights will not feel the build quality of USA made lights. But USA made can be either low on output, high on price or both.

I am loving this thread. I have just started to get into buying light. Like you N2K I am still searching for THE light.

It does not exist. And that comes from a guy with EDC HDS(s).

I completely understand the idea in tactical situation where 200-250 lumens can be blinding as it bounces off internal walls, etc. but when we need to see outside or in large areas...throw in a bit more output please...I'll manage my power cells and take responsability for fast depletion. If I need to see...let there be light. Isn't this what stepped output levels and rotary dials are for?

Oops, little rant.