Just got my first Surefire - need batteries

[doctordun]

Where is the best place to get Surefire cr123 batteries?

 

[THE_dAY]

Right now I think the best place is actually from the Surefire website.

They have them at $22.50 (12 pack) + 6.95 shipping (flat rate)

These prices are similar or less than what I've seen on Amazon/eBay/CPF vendors.
Also you are pretty much getting the freshest cells straight from Surefire (new ones have a redesigned logo).

 

[Tiresius]

Them CR123's are quite expensive.

This thread will explain it all. I've gone to 17670 cells just to ditch the cr123's and sacrifice output/runtimes in my Surefires. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...d-your-18650&p=4011535&highlight=#post4011535

 

[THE_dAY]

+1

Going rechargeable is another good option if you'll be using your light a lot.

 

[doctordun]

Just using it occasionally. Also as a defensive light backup.

 

[blgentry]

You've asked about Surefire CR123s, which have a good reputation.

The advice about rechargables is very good IMHO. I burned through enough CR123 primaries to buy me a charger and some batteries before I realized it. Now I only use rechargeable batteries in my lights. But the decision is yours to make.

If you want primary CR123s, Battery Station's CR123s are very hard to beat IMHO. They run just as long and hard as the SF CR123s and cost less. Battery Station has a CPF discount page which brings the CR123s to something like $1.10 or $1.20 each (been a while since I ordered). I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a link, but you can easily find it with a web search. BTW, Battery Station's CR123s are essentially Rayovacs, which also have a good reputation.

As good as Surefire is at *some* things, don't get caught up in the cult of Brand that surrounds them. They are very good at what they do. But they aren't the only game and certainly not the best value.

Brian.

 

[jrmcferren]

I usually alternate between Surefires and Energizers (which aren't too much more than the Surefires after shipping is factored in). I get my Energizers in 12 Packs at the local Gander mountain. Both brands are okay per Surefire and I want to not only be safe, but also keep my warranty coverage intact on my G2 just in case something goes wrong.

 

[LightCrazy]

I am not sure about the newer Surefire's or the LED models, but I know when I had my older 6P and 9p lights, the biggest thing I noticed was the voltage required by the incandescent bulb. The 9p would kick off when the battery voltage dropped to a certain level, but the batteries would still work fine in other lights or cameras. The Surefire's lights did not tolerate that much of a voltage drop before shutting off. Thus, if I had used cheap 123 primaries, I am sure the useful life would have been shorter than that of the better cells. Just my .02

 

[Quiksilver]

You've asked about Surefire CR123s, which have a good reputation.

The advice about rechargables is very good IMHO. I burned through enough CR123 primaries to buy me a charger and some batteries before I realized it. Now I only use rechargeable batteries in my lights. But the decision is yours to make.

If you want primary CR123s, Battery Station's CR123s are very hard to beat IMHO. They run just as long and hard as the SF CR123s and cost less. Battery Station has a CPF discount page which brings the CR123s to something like $1.10 or $1.20 each (been a while since I ordered). I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a link, but you can easily find it with a web search. BTW, Battery Station's CR123s are essentially Rayovacs, which also have a good reputation.

As good as Surefire is at *some* things, don't get caught up in the cult of Brand that surrounds them. They are very good at what they do. But they aren't the only game and certainly not the best value.

Brian.

I don't think Surefire has ever occupied the apex of the Value curve.

They are sitting more toward the end where you get max reliability/durability, but you pay a greater amount for it. Most hobbyists who won't be abusing/hard-using their lights will find it difficult to justify going that far around the Value curve, past the point of diminishing returns, to get what Surefire is offering to the civilian market.

How it relates to batteries?

I've encountered a few dud cells from batterystation, but never encountered a dud Surefire CR123. I'm sure I get more for my money with Batterystation, but I personally am willing to pay more, for a greater degree of confidence that the CR123 cell I'm getting isn't a dud.

If you are searching for greatest value, go for Batterystation CR123. If you are searching for greatest reliability/quality control, go with Surefire CR123, just know that you are sending your $$$dollars$$$ past the point of diminishing Value returns to get this. I have no problem with that.

Personally I have both SF CR123s and 4Sevens CR123s. SF for emergency and reserves, 4Sevens for general use/edc.

 

[doctordun]

Since I'm only using 2 or 3 batteries per month, I think I will stay with Surefire batteries.
Confidence in what I use is very important to me.

 

[Shadowww]

You can also get Energizer, Rayovac, Duracell and Panasonic batteries if they're any cheaper, because they're made in same factory as Surefire batteries (Panasonic's factory), so they're essentially same.

 

[THE_dAY]

Rayovac, Titanium Innovations are 1400mAh.
Energizers are 1500mAh but were never as good (SilverFox data) as Surefire, Panasonic, and Duracell which are only a little more at 1550mAh.

Even though they are made in the same factory I feel each manufacturer has their own chemistry.
I also wouldn't be surprised if some brands were sharing their chemistries like Surefire and Duracell (speculation).

 

[weegidy]

I use 16340s almost all the time because CR123a are so expensive. I do keep a stock of CR123a around for when I go into the wilderness and can't afford for a crappy foreign cell to die on me. I bough some Duracell batteries on amazon for a good price - they are marketed as "pro cell" (normal duracell, but sold in bulk with different label). I got a dozen for less than $20 with free shipping. Unless you feel compelled to buy the surefire branded batteries I would go with the duracell pro cells.

If you're interested I have written up some battery reviews on my website[link] you can take a look at.

 

[THE_dAY]

I use 16340s almost all the time because CR123a are so expensive. I do keep a stock of CR123a around for when I go into the wilderness and can't afford for a crappy foreign cell to die on me. I bough some Duracell batteries on amazon for a good price - they are marketed as "pro cell" (normal duracell, but sold in bulk with different label). I got a dozen for less than $20 with free shipping. Unless you feel compelled to buy the surefire branded batteries I would go with the duracell pro cells.

If you're interested I have written up some battery reviews on my website[link] you can take a look at.

Did you get those Procells recently? I'm curious as to what the exp. date on those are?

Thanks

 

[weegidy]

Did you get those Procells recently? I'm curious as to what the exp. date on those are?

Thanks

Yes sir. I have both procell and normal coppertop. Both have an exp date of March 2021. I bought the procells about 6 months ago, and the coppertop about 8.

 

[THE_dAY]

Yes sir. I have both procell and normal coppertop. Both have an exp date of March 2021. I bought the procells about 6 months ago, and the coppertop about 8.

Then I'd say thats a pretty good deal. :thumbsup:

 

[weegidy]

I have heard that the procell line tends to have fresher cells because there is more of a turn over than Duracell's coppertop. That could very well be a rumor, but it sounds plausible.

 

[dano]

Any of the U.S. made 123's are fine. Japan manufactured cells also work good. Do not try to save a few bucks and use any of he Chinese origin cells, the risk isn't worth it.