I just use the same cheap 18650 chargers I bought years ago for my other torches. Or use AA’s
Any 18650 charger will work, same voltage, I doubt I paid more than £15, if that, for a charger and six batteries.
Meanwhile, AA’s work fine, just not quite as bright, ASAIK; I’ve never tried them. I bought batteries and torch together, then two more torches later, from DX.com. Fantastic little torch, I’d be really lost without mine, despite having a bunch of others which are bigger and brighter, these are a perfect pocket size, and great on a bike, or helmet; they put out enough light to ride at a reasonable speed in the dark on unlit country lanes.
I can’t say enough good things about them.
Just tried a AA, pretty bright, close to the 14500, I’d say, the only thing is that AA’s are slightly shorter, so might rattle around a bit, might need the tailcap spring stretched out a bit to help keep contact.
Other than that, seems fine. I’d still invest in a few 14500’s and a charger, though.
Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/TrustFire-Protected-Rechargeable-Lithium-Batteries/dp/B00HPS2YEK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1438128415&sr=8-6&keywords=14500+lithium+battery
Exactly the same batteries I use, £2 for two, plus around £8 for a multipurpose charger: http://www.amazon.co.uk/LingsFire®-Intelligent-Double-Channel-Rechargeble-Rechargeable/dp/B00SAN2534/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1438128415&sr=8-7&keywords=14500+lithium+battery
Looks identical to my Trustfire one.