I've been using LSD cells long enough now, that I'm close to making that happen. I figure the next time I need to change the batteries, that's when I'll go with some LSD's.
Thanks,
k
Anyone prefer AA over 123
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I've been using LSD cells long enough now, that I'm close to making that happen. I figure the next time I need to change the batteries, that's when I'll go with some LSD's.
Thanks,
k
Marduke
Flashaholic
B&M, L91's are $1.67-$2.50 each. CR123's are $2.50-$8.00
Online, L91's are ~$1-$2.50, CR123's are ~$1.50 (name brand)
Locally, I OFTEN find L91's on sale for $0.50-$1.00 each at common stores such as CVS or Walgreens.
How about taking nominal voltage under load into account? L91's will hold ~1.5v, CR123's will dip down to ~2.5-2.8v.
Depending on brand at similar wattage discharge, you are looking at 4-4.5Wh for L91's, and 3.5-4Wh for CR123's.
While the difference is not huge, the stored Wh definitely goes to L91's over CR123's.
BTW, L91's are 7% larger, but are also 8.25% lighter in weight vs CR123's... 😳
Okay, the VAST MAJORITY of consumer electronics that use AA's will operate just fine on L91's. Flashlights, radios, cameras, fans: all the devices you would want/need during an emergency. How many consumer electronics devices operate on CR123's other than flashlights and some archaic 35mm cameras?
Locoboy5150
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2009
- Messages
- 1,102
I definitely prefer AAs over 123s or any of the other "specialized" batteries on the market that high performance flashlights use. My preference has nothing to do with performance though. It has to do with convenience because one other obsession in my life is photography and all of my Nikon camera equipment uses AA batteries. Whenever I travel, I take at least one light and all of my Nikon equipment with me and thus, AAs are all that I ever need when I'm on the road.
I thought that I'd have to get some flashlight-specific batteries when I went shopping for a new light, but then Fenix came out with the TK40 and voila...I'm an AA-guy all the way! 🙂
My EDC light, a modified Mini-Maglite, also uses AAs so I live in an AA powered world. Even when I went to China on a two week vacation last year, I was able to find AA batteries if I needed them. A marginally "clean" bathroom was *impossible* to find in that country, but AA batteries were EVERYWHERE.
But...I just started modifying my 4 D cell Maglite, so there's a monkey wrench in the system! 😀
I thought that I'd have to get some flashlight-specific batteries when I went shopping for a new light, but then Fenix came out with the TK40 and voila...I'm an AA-guy all the way! 🙂
My EDC light, a modified Mini-Maglite, also uses AAs so I live in an AA powered world. Even when I went to China on a two week vacation last year, I was able to find AA batteries if I needed them. A marginally "clean" bathroom was *impossible* to find in that country, but AA batteries were EVERYWHERE.
But...I just started modifying my 4 D cell Maglite, so there's a monkey wrench in the system! 😀
Clean bathrooms are only in nice hotels.
WDG
Enlightened
AA Eneloops, for me.
When I started looking at what I might replace my Streamlight Scorpion with, I briefly considered rechargeable 123s. I discovered Eneloops and how far LEDs had advanced about the same time, and realized that there is nothing I need to do with an EDC that single-cell AA Eneloop can't handle. Plus, I like the increased likelihood of being able to scavenge cells if it ever comes to that.
BTW, my experience with those 10-year shelf-life claims indicates you might want to check them from time to time, especially if you're "saving money" on cheap online CR123s. Before my switch, I bought 20 bargain CR123s, and put them safely away to feed the Scorpion. That was a bit over two years ago, and the last time I checked them about half were nearly dead, and the rest not doing well. Meanwhile, the Energizer CR123s still in the Scorpion are near fully charged. Cheap does not always mean inexpensive.
FWIW, I've never had a problem with L91/L92 cells, though I no longer need them since the advent of LSDs.
When I started looking at what I might replace my Streamlight Scorpion with, I briefly considered rechargeable 123s. I discovered Eneloops and how far LEDs had advanced about the same time, and realized that there is nothing I need to do with an EDC that single-cell AA Eneloop can't handle. Plus, I like the increased likelihood of being able to scavenge cells if it ever comes to that.
BTW, my experience with those 10-year shelf-life claims indicates you might want to check them from time to time, especially if you're "saving money" on cheap online CR123s. Before my switch, I bought 20 bargain CR123s, and put them safely away to feed the Scorpion. That was a bit over two years ago, and the last time I checked them about half were nearly dead, and the rest not doing well. Meanwhile, the Energizer CR123s still in the Scorpion are near fully charged. Cheap does not always mean inexpensive.
FWIW, I've never had a problem with L91/L92 cells, though I no longer need them since the advent of LSDs.
Agree, and you have a key point.
Yes, I greatly prefer AA over CR123. And I have a Surefire 9P with a Malkoff M60, one of the better lights that use the CR123 format. I've had a long experience with high performance flashlights, dating to the early Surefire and Streamlight incandescent options.
Set aside the context of flashlights. If you invest in some of the outstanding Sanyo Eneloop AA's, and a good charger (Maha C9000 for instance), you have batteries to power radios, lights, cameras, a wide variety of battery powered items one might want in a power emergency. And the Eneloops provide you with a very low cost option if you use them to any degree; cost per watt, the lowest.
Low self-discharge (LSD) nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are the best choice out there for portable power. They are reliable, inexpensive in use (after an initial investment), and powerful. I have C and D converters to use AA Eneloops in a couple of devices needing that format, and they serve pretty well.
Back to the context of flashlights, you have LED based single AA choices like the Nitecore, Fenix, and JetBeam, amazing performance from similar 2xAA lights, and now the big 8xAA Fenix TK40 (my new "wow" light, too).
Even in the flashlight junkie world, AA based lights are right up there in performance with the exotic lithium choices, both primary and rechargeable.
If you need/want primary batteries, the AA format L91 Energizer lithium is a solid performer. Adverse reports on their safety and performance are far less common than those about the CR123. I keep some of them put away for special situations. They are priced pretty close to the CR123's, especially at retail, and have similar features for long shelf life, weight, etc.
If you do decide on CR123, avoid the uncommon but widely touted $1 variants. Stay with name brands only, and expect to pay more like $1.50 even when ordering online at the best possible pricing.
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Correction, L91 is the AA format. L92 is the AAA format.
http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/l91.pdf
http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/l92.pdf
In retail, both Lithium AA and CR123 are about the same price.
Who, in their right mind, buys "retail?"
GaryF
Enlightened
I prefer AA's for various reasons, although I'll acknowledge 123's have a small advantage over L91's in terms of size and working voltage for led lights. The truth is I hate primaries for everyday use where I have to guess the batteries charge level. I'd much rather head out with a freshly topped up rechargeable, usually an AA Eneloop. I will switch to Lithiums when I travel / backpack though to take advantage of their lighter weight and higher energy density.
Has anyone else noticed that 123's have disappeared from a lot of small shops / convenience stores in the last couple of years? Digital cameras that use CR123's are fairly rare compared to 35mm cameras in the film days, and flashaholics are more likely to buy in bulk / online.
Has anyone else noticed that 123's have disappeared from a lot of small shops / convenience stores in the last couple of years? Digital cameras that use CR123's are fairly rare compared to 35mm cameras in the film days, and flashaholics are more likely to buy in bulk / online.
Dude Dudeson
Enlightened
If I could only have one light I'd prefer AA.
In reality my preference is to have at least one light that CAN use them (and I do), but otherwise I prefer 123's.
In reality my preference is to have at least one light that CAN use them (and I do), but otherwise I prefer 123's.
flasohollic
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2009
- Messages
- 32
LSD: 2100mah x 1,2v = 2,520 wh
123: 800mah x 3,7 = 2,960 wh
+ the 123 is smaller , lighter and deliver more "punch"
123: 800mah x 3,7 = 2,960 wh
+ the 123 is smaller , lighter and deliver more "punch"
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GaryF
Enlightened
Of course if I wanted to venture into rechargeable lithium, I could accomplish the same with 14500.
shark_za
Enlightened
Do 16340's actually give 800mAh ?
Isn't 650-700 a more realistic output.
Good LSD NiMh give a real 2000mAh.
Isn't 650-700 a more realistic output.
Good LSD NiMh give a real 2000mAh.
On Sale, quality CR123 can go down to about $1 each vs. about $1.20 for the L91. Lesser quality CR123 can go down to $0.50 each.
The lesser Lithium Advanced EA91 (AA) and EA92 (AAA) can go down to about $1 each:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=206863
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=206177
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And if you notice, these small shops / convenience stores are getting rid of their old stock by selling them for cheap?
Go around town and visit these stores and you will find good deals.
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Justintoxicated
Flashlight Enthusiast
Not that bad, especially if you only need a couple.
My Dad hates all rechargeable batteries because they require extra care and he always ends up killing or losing them. Sometimes I think he accidentally tosses them in the trash, or maybe someone else using his stuff.
I prefer 123 over AA for small lights because they have MORE capacity for the size, not less as someone else suggested. You have to remember you don't need 2 batteries to get to 3v...
My EDC is a AAA light, because it is very small. For other small lights I like 123A, I'd like to move on to 18650 lights over 2x123 lights though.
IMO they all have their place.
18650 is only a replacement for 2x123 lights, AA cannot replace single 123 lights either unless you buy other special batteries (I wont use unprotected lithium rechargeables). If you count the 14500, then it's comparable to RCR123's... That said I think it's ALWAYS good to have an AA flashlight around for backup because you can always find alkaline batteries (just don't leave them in your lights or they might leak!)
Black Rose
Flashlight Enthusiast
My preferred lights are single cell 18650 lights, followed by 1xAA and 2xAA.
For awhile I was into CR123A lights but only have 4 left now, and they don't get used much at all.
Once all of my CR123A primary cells are used up (or given away), I'll probably retire those lights since it is not advised to use 16340 cells in 3 of them (unless I use LiFePO4).
The other CR123A light can use 17670 cells, although it's not as bright.
Based on my battery inventory, it would appear that I prefer AA over CR123:
AA: 38 Alkaline, 48 L91 Lithium, 82 NiMh rechargeables
CR123A: 20 Lithium primaries, 4 16340 rechargables
For awhile I was into CR123A lights but only have 4 left now, and they don't get used much at all.
Once all of my CR123A primary cells are used up (or given away), I'll probably retire those lights since it is not advised to use 16340 cells in 3 of them (unless I use LiFePO4).
The other CR123A light can use 17670 cells, although it's not as bright.
Based on my battery inventory, it would appear that I prefer AA over CR123:
AA: 38 Alkaline, 48 L91 Lithium, 82 NiMh rechargeables
CR123A: 20 Lithium primaries, 4 16340 rechargables
Paul_in_Maryland
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: using a flashlight for security at night
Men's trouser pockets are so deep, the upper-half seldom gets used. There's plenty of space for a 3AA flashlight. In fact, I used to EDC a 4x123A body with two 18650s, but that body was almost embarrassingly thick, if you get my drift.
I may replace the Javelin with a more substantial 3AA: The FiveMega with a FiveMega all-stainless-steel bezel. Then I could use it to break glass--say, the next time Tiger Woods is trapped in his Escalade.
Partly for this reason, I've ordered a 3xAA Dereelight Javelin for my keychain light. Yep, I'm talking about having a flashlight that can double as a whacking baton. I'm aware of the pro's and cons of this tactic; I own the book Flashlight Fighting.
Men's trouser pockets are so deep, the upper-half seldom gets used. There's plenty of space for a 3AA flashlight. In fact, I used to EDC a 4x123A body with two 18650s, but that body was almost embarrassingly thick, if you get my drift.
I may replace the Javelin with a more substantial 3AA: The FiveMega with a FiveMega all-stainless-steel bezel. Then I could use it to break glass--say, the next time Tiger Woods is trapped in his Escalade.
