Batterystation CR123 shelf life?

[V8TOYTRUCK]

Anyone experience short shelf life with their Batterystation 123s? Sometime ago (1-1.5 years) I purchased a large quantity because I read good reviews on the batteries (runtime wise) and the price was right.

Fast forward to 2007, I have about 12-20 of these left. They have been stored in my closet the whole time. Most if not all of them are duds! They are about 40%-70% capacity. Some will only power the LEDs in my A2! I gave some to my friend before a camping trip..and he called me to ask me if they were used!?


To test, I pull 3-4 year old Surefires 123s which have been stored in my truck's center console and they power up the lights. No problem and at 100% brightness

Anyone else experience poor shelf life with their Batterystation 123s?

Looks like I will be sticking with Surefires. I keep a box in my truck..I would hate to be in a emergency situation and have duds.

 

[Marduke]

I believe that some CR123 cells need to be "woke up" after long term storage. Try a fairly high current draw for several minutes and see if they come back to life.

 

[labrat]

I believe that some CR123 cells need to be "woke up" after long term storage. Try a fairly high current draw for several minutes and see if they come back to life.

Or blow up?!
Is not the Battery Station cells the ones most commonly blowing up when reports of these "accidents" happen?
I would never use them, I stay with Surefire or Sanyo when I need primary cells.
Especially when using two or more cells in one application!

 

[dano]

I've had the described problem with overseas made cells. They don't hold their capacity. I have several in storage that are approximately 1 year old and can't power anything.

-dan

 

[65535]

I recall BS having a lot of problems with bad cell batches and such, which is exactly why there new cells are manufactured in the United States, so any current cells you buy should be as reliable as Surefire or Duracell.

 

[V8TOYTRUCK]

I'll have to wait for long term data for that....really disappointing performance especially when I made a huge order for them.

 

[65535]

My cells didn't last that long either, by 1 year I had gone through 10 sets (20 cells. Some Socal CPFer got 20 cells too from the first Socal gettogether.

 

[thermal guy]

i just looked at a batterystation cr123 that came with a light i bought.Where is the expiration date?

 

[Well-Lit]

They used to be stamped on the bottom of the cell...

Bob