Can I use a 14500 in any AA flashlight?

No. A 14500 runs at a much higher voltage than an AA and can damage a light built only for AA. Use 14500 cells only in lights whose product page lists them, like the two on this page. The other way round is fine: a fresh AA in one of these lights works, you just get less output.

Is AA a good backup in a Canadian winter?

Alkaline AA loses a lot in the cold, so keep backup cells in an inner pocket rather than a frozen glovebox, and keep the 14500 charged as your main fuel. The LD12R lists Ni-MH or alkaline AA as compatible. Stick to the cell types the product page names, and swap out old alkalines before they can leak.

Which is better for a vehicle kit, the LD22 V2.0 or the LD12R?

The LD22 V2.0 is the stronger kit light: 800 lumens and 214 m on its 14500, two alkaline AA in the box, a holster and an SOS mode. The LD12R is shorter and lighter at 74 g and adds a magnetic clip and a side light for under-hood work. Either way, store the AA beside the light rather than in it so a leaking cell cannot do damage.

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Fenix 14500 (AA size) Flashlights

A 14500 is a lithium-ion cell the size of an AA. Both lights on this page, the LD22 V2.0 and the LD12R, ship with a Fenix 14500 rechargeable and also run on ordinary AA batteries. That makes this a short list but a practical one: rechargeable output for daily use, and AA as fuel you can buy almost anywhere in Canada. For a wider choice, see all AA lights.

Same size, very different cell

A 14500 runs at a much higher voltage than an AA, which is how the LD22 V2.0 reaches 800 lumens on turbo with its rechargeable. On AA the output is lower, so treat AA as the fallback that keeps you lit, not a like-for-like swap. Never put a 14500 into a light built only for AA; the higher voltage can damage it. Both lights here are designed for either fuel, and the LD22 V2.0 adds reverse polarity protection in case a cell goes in backwards in the dark.

Which one to pick

The LD22 V2.0 runs on its included 14500 rechargeable or two AA (two alkalines come in the box), and suits a glovebox, a cottage drawer or a work vest. The LD12R is shorter and lighter at 74 g, with a magnetic clip and a rotating head that switches to a side light, handy for under-hood or panel work. Both recharge by USB-C. For a deeper look at fuel choices, read our guide to batteries and chargers.

Fenix LD22 V2.0

Multipurpose Outdoor Flashlight

Max output

800 lm

Max distance

214 m

Output modes

^CAD$90.95

A compact 800-lumen flashlight with a 214-meter beam and a dual-fuel battery compartment.

Fenix LD12R

Dual Light Sources Multipurpose Portable Flashlight

Max output

600 lm

Max distance

186 m

Output modes

^CAD$84.95

A compact 600-lumen flashlight with dual light sources and a magnetic body clip.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a 14500 in any AA flashlight?: No. A 14500 runs at a much higher voltage than an AA and can damage a light built only for AA. Use 14500 cells only in lights whose product page lists them, like the two on this page. The other way round is fine: a fresh AA in one of these lights works, you just get less output.
Is AA a good backup in a Canadian winter?: Alkaline AA loses a lot in the cold, so keep backup cells in an inner pocket rather than a frozen glovebox, and keep the 14500 charged as your main fuel. The LD12R lists Ni-MH or alkaline AA as compatible. Stick to the cell types the product page names, and swap out old alkalines before they can leak.
Which is better for a vehicle kit, the LD22 V2.0 or the LD12R?: The LD22 V2.0 is the stronger kit light: 800 lumens and 214 m on its 14500, two alkaline AA in the box, a holster and an SOS mode. The LD12R is shorter and lighter at 74 g and adds a magnetic clip and a side light for under-hood work. Either way, store the AA beside the light rather than in it so a leaking cell cannot do damage.