Dissapointed with Battery Station Batteries

[raythompson]

About 1.5 years ago I purchased some CR123 batteries from The Battery Station. It was their branded batteries.

A week ago I decided to test all my CR123 batteries using my ZTS battery tester. I had 13 Battery Station batteries. Out of the 13 two were completely dead. Five of the batteries showed 40% capacity. Four of the batteries showed 60% capacity. Two of the batteries showed full capacity. CR123 batteries are supposed to have a long shelf life. Apparently not all have such an attribute.

I then test my Surefire batteries that were puchased three years ago. Each one of the batteries tested at 100%.

So you decide for yourself about the quality of the batteries. As for me I am extremely dissappointed.

 

[Black Rose]

Which version are they? Made in China or Made in USA?

Also, CR123A primary cells can develop what is called a passivation layer, which makes them appear to have lower capacity or dead.

Do a CPF Google search for "passivation layer"- you'll see some possible remedies or tests to verify if that's what you are seeing.

 

[raythompson]

Which version are they? Made in China or Made in USA?

I don't know. I tossed them (recycled) as I no longer trust the batteries.

Also, CR123A primary cells can develop what is called a passivation layer, which makes them appear to have lower capacity or dead.

Surefire apparently do not suffer from such maladies. A search also seems to indicate that the passive layer can be thick enough to cause the battery to never work properly, if at all.

Regardless, Battery Station batteries are off my list. I need long shelf life for many of the lights. That is why I chose CR123 based lights. If I cannot rely on the batteries and lights I might as well go back to AA based lights.

 

[mdocod]

...

So you decide for yourself about the quality of the batteries. As for me I am extremely dissappointed.

The issue was becoming commonplace on the old BS branded cells (made in china). They were exploding and self-discharging much faster than ideal. BS changed suppliers in 2007 to Panasonic (the same manufacture who makes your SF cells). While I don't believe they are officially at liberty to say that they are re-badged Panasonic cells as a part of their contract, enough experts have tested them and compared them that it is the accepted consensus.

It would be interesting if you could tell us which breed of BS cell you have... You may have caught them at the end of the transition time and got those bunk cells.

 

[raythompson]

It would be interesting if you could tell us which breed of BS cell you have... You may have caught them at the end of the transition time and got those bunk cells.

I can look at the two good ones that I have left as they were all part of the same order. What do I need to look for to satisfy the identification of the cells?

 

[mdocod]

I can look at the two good ones that I have left as they were all part of the same order. What do I need to look for to satisfy the identification of the cells?

"Made in China"
or
"made in USA"

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Ray,

In 2007, BatteryStation changed the manufacturer of their CR123 cells from China to the US. The China cells were blue with a yellow band, the US cells are all blue.

I just checked 22 of the US cells from 2007, and they all checked out at 100% on the ZTS.

I then checked 30 cells from those made for BatteryStation in China and they ranged from 0% - 100%, with a mix similar to what you found.

If your cells were the ones made in China, I can understand your frustration. However, since those cells are no longer available from BatteryStation, and the US cells are performing well, your recommendation should be to use up all of those old cells before they go bad, and replace them with the newer BatteryStation cells for long term storage.

Tom

 

[raythompson]

In 2007, BatteryStation changed the manufacturer of their CR123 cells from China to the US. The China cells were blue with a yellow band, the US cells are all blue.

The cells I had were indeed blue with yellow stripes. That would mean they are the China cells.

I then checked 30 cells from those made for BatteryStation in China and they ranged from 0% - 100%, with a mix similar to what you found.

Yep, matches my experience exactly.

If your cells were the ones made in China, I can understand your frustration.

They were, and yes it is frustrating.

However, since those cells are no longer available from BatteryStation, and the US cells are performing well, your recommendation should be to use up all of those old cells before they go bad, and replace them with the newer BatteryStation cells for long term storage.

That would indeed be a better recommendation. I stand corrected.

All I can do is describe my experiences and my feelings. I feel like I was shortchanged on a product. I do not doubt that BS was aware of the problem in the beginning as it would appear that changing suppliers clearly indicates this is something that appeared later and was corrected.

Based on others experiences I think I will simply toss the China cells and just avoid any problems altogether.

Thanks for letting me know about the difference in the cells and the corrects that were made.

 

[Toohotruk]

I've had good luck with the newer US made BS cells...I had some spares in my truck for well over two years, with a temp range over the seasons of more than 100 degrees F. and when I rotated them out and used them, they performed and lasted about the same as those out of a newer batch that are kept in a cool dry location. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again, and more than likely will buy more.

Edit: Just noticed the date on this old thread...nevermind...

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Let's close this one. Subject has been mulled over many times.

Bill