Cheap 123's

[freewheelin']

Cheap 123\'s

Ckeck this deal on ebay, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1942697351
if its gone check his other auctions cause he's got more

 

[kz1000s1]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

I bought some of these last week and just received them. The initial voltage out of the package was 3.55V which got me excited about how much brighter might be. However, the lights I tested them in were not as bright as with other brands of 123's I have. Rechecking the voltage several times after some usage, the voltage stabilized at 2.98V. Most other batteries I have are at 3.25V.

If the run time is good on them, they might still be worthwhile, as the $1.80 each is a good deal.

 

[kz1000s1]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

DO NOT BUY THESE BATTERIES!
I don't know why these batteries are being called CR123A's. I just did some more research on them. They are really BR2/3A size, which is a totally different battery. The package reads "CR123A/BR2/3A", which to me means that these designations and sizes are interchangable. I assumed incorrectly that BR2/3A is what 123A's are called in other countries. On Panasonics' Website this battery it says this battery is intended for gas and water meters. The package also says, "Fits most cameras". Yes, it does "fit" in my camera, however, it doesn't have enough power to run it, and it does fit my flashlights, but the output is dimmer.

Panasonic web page

 

[James Van Artsdalen]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

There are many different chemistries called “Lithium” by marketers. Peter (ARC) in another thread says you want the 3.0v batteries and that the 3.6v version couldn’t supply as much current.

I just tested the open-circuit voltage on a recently-purchased Surefire SF123A (expiration 8/2012) and got 3.28v. A recently-purchased no-name no-expiration CR123A from BYD also got 3.28v. These probably drop to 3.0v under load.

A recently-purchased GE/Sanyo CR123A measures 3.09v open-circuit.

I’m not sure who defines what “CR123” means. It may refer to no more than the physical dimensions and terminal placement.

 

[Doug S]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

Originally posted by James Van Artsdalen:
I’m not sure who defines what “CR123” means. It may refer to no more than the physical dimensions and terminal placement.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">The "CR" designation is used for batteries using the LiMnO2 chemistry. These are the ones with the high current capability. The "BR" designation is used for a different chemistry which does not support high current capability. Both have roughly similar open circuit voltage. A "BR" type used in a high current application will be a disappointment.

 

[Zeppert]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

FYI... you can get the GE/Sanyo CR123A at WWW.ZREISS.COM for $1.35 a piece if you order a case (48). However you must first register on their site THEN(give it a couple days) you can call 1-800-943-2000 and they will give you that deal. Or www.botachtactical.com has them $1.25(currently on sale) when you buy 20. That's the best I know. RUN,... don't walk RUN & get some... Who knows how long they will last!?

 

[dano]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

Yup...I bought some of those screwy BR batteries. Lousy...BUT they do run a SF E2 with the KL LED bezel nicely, and also run my X5T. So I'll find some use for them...

--dan

 

[James Van Artsdalen]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

Originally posted by Zeppert:
Or www.botachtactical.com has them $1.25(currently on sale) when you buy 20.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Botach's batteries are undated Toshiba (there may be a date encoded somewhere) delivered in a tray (no manufacturer seal).

CheapBatteries is delivering Sanyo/GE with a 2011 expiry in manufacturer-sealed bubble packs for $1.65.

On Ebay, mavin is selling undated Tekcell in trays for $1.25 in 100 lots or $1.00 if you have a really big appetite (800).

BYD is selling no-name no-date CR123A.

 

[Stingray]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

My Botach Toshiba's came (last week) sloppily wrapped in saran wrap (no tray), obviously by someone at their pawn shop, not the manufacturer's factory. I can't find a date code, or any code, anywhere on them. I put 2 in the Scorpion I got from them at the same time and it lights very brightly, no complaints so far. I just hope they have some shelf life left.

 

[Wolfen]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

I bit the bullet and ordered the Duracell # DL223A 6 volt battery pack from Cheapbatteries.com. You have to split open the pack but you get 2 cr123as. You can't beat the prices.

http://www.cheapbatteries.com/photo.htm

 

[sf_man]

Re: Cheap 123\'s

Beware of Botach's Toshiba batteries. They work fine if you can use them soon, but don't buy a lot expecting a 10 year shelf life. Even though the website calls them "new, current stock" and says they have a "10 year shelf life" the ones I got expire in 2006. But you have to buy a full box (200 batteries) to get the date.