In real world use rechargeable batteries are a gimmick. I don’t have the time or inclination to recharge a battery every use. Some days I use my light 25 times and sometimes I won’t touch it for weeks. The rechargeables after extended down times are dying within minutes. Their long term storage is poor. I carry a single cell light and 3 CR123’s and have never needed anymore in a day. When I used the bored Elzetta with the 18650, more often than not the battery was exhausted within minutes of use. The longer it sat the faster it died. Realizing that recharging it when it was only partially discharged but already dimming did nothing but cause it to hold a charge less and less. I’d imagine their poor day to day performance is why reputable manufacturers still do not recommend the rechargeables in life critical situations.