Some Catalinbread / power questions

[Cosmic Remedy]

Hi folks, great site here. This place has turned me on to so many pieces of gear I would have probably never heard of otherwise.

I am very interested in getting a new Catalinbread OD pedal, I am debating between the SFT & the Formula 5. Which pedal is gonna be best for the Stonesy classic rock sound? I understand both pedals are good for this, but I am not big into heavy OD. Which pedal is gonna give me the best tone for clean with just a little dirt? I hope I described what i am looking for well enough.

Also, I see where some have said these are meant to be ran 18V. I have no idea what that means. Will I be able to use one of these on my pedal board running through my adapter without a battery? If so, will i be achieving optimal sound from the pedal? The pedal board I am currently using is the Pedal Pad MPS II Tour Series Pedalboard. Here is a link to it, if that helps http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Pedal-Pad-MPS-II-Tour-Series-Pedalboard?sku=620133

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[gibsonguitar1988]

The SFT is early Stones "Ampeg" sound. Think Ya-Yas tone and tone from Sticky Fingers, etc... The FN5 is the later Stones "Fender" tone. Think later 70s and onward. I have the SFT. I'd like to try the FN5, but don't have room for it at the moment and have nothing I want to remove.

For just clean with a little dirt, go SFT. You'll be happier that way. The FN5 has more gain IMO.

[Cosmic Remedy]

They are both so very tempting. I have struggled with overdrives for quite awhile trying to find that ultimate sweet sound I am looking for. I have been surfing threads here all evening & love both of these pedals. I am assuming you don`t use a battery with your SFT?