RCR123 or replacement

[EricBr]

I have a couple of SureFire EDCL2-T lights and a couple of OLight PLx that use CR123 batteries . I have been using the LFP 123A 3.2v sold by SureFire for these lights, but when I went to purchase more of them, I found that they are no longer available from SureFire and are pricey or not available at other sites. I have looked for other rechargeable CR 123 batteries but am only finding ones that I have read to stay away from on these forums.

My questions are:
1. What are quality rechargeable CR123 batteries?
2. Where do you find them (LIONWholesale doesnt have any CR123 that I can find)?
3. Since the SureFire using the batteries "stacked" is there another battery that can be used in place of 2 CR123 batteries with a similar output and runtime to 2 CR123 primary or rechargeables?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[wicky998]

Keeppower 16340 are quality rechargeable “cr123a” batteries

Also keeppower has a 16650 recharable that’s the length of 2xcr123. That will fit in your edcl2t

Illumn has some

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Keeppower 16340 are quality “rcr123a” batteries

Also keeppower has a 16650 recharable that’s the length of 2xcr123. That will fit in your edcl2t

Illumn has some

Aren’t Keeppower 16340s 3.7v cells and not 3.2v RCR123s?

Tenergy makes decent 3.2v cells absent K2 Energy, which SF marketed at one point.

Chris

 

[wicky998]

You are correct , my post has been edited

But I’ve used 3.7 lithium’s in my surefires with fantastic results and no issues

 

[aznsx]

EricBr - Just FYI. In a downright bizarre coincidence, I happened to read your post - then later (for no good reason), I clicked to the BatteryJunction site (which I hadn't visited in a good while), just to see what might be new there. While there, I clicked up 16340 cells to see if their selection had changed. Much to my surprise, I saw that they're now listing the K2 LFP123s (which I don't believe they've ever sold previously). They're listed as brand=Surefire, with expected availability of 05/23, at a price competitive with what I paid for the last batch I bought a year or two ago from another distributor (2/$14USD), and the photo matches my K2s. They also list the Surefire-branded / marked charger (which I guess Surefire was selling when they were selling these cells). I use these in some 1xCR123A lights (with good results), and have a batch on hand for those and potentially other CR123A applications. This could be a good opportunity for you to get some stock. I have 'enough' for my needs, but might pick up a few more since I realized they were getting more difficult to find last time I bought a batch. I don't have a lot of really hard use on them, but they've worked well for me so far, and in 1 A discharge tests I initially ran on the ones I have, they 'worked as advertised', and their performance tracked closely across my samples, and with the specs on the K2 data sheet. Although I haven't used / tested LFP123s from other manufacturers (I do have a few still new in the box which I bought before going with the K2s, but didn't really like the looks of and couldn't find complete specs for), I have a feeling the K2s may possibly be the best option in this format / chemistry. Anyway, if you've used them with good results and are looking for some, this may be of interest to you.
- Richard

 

[ChrisGarrett]

You are correct , my post has been edited

But I’ve used 3.7 lithium’s in my surefires with fantastic results and no issues

The problem is is that 3.6/3.7v. cells come hot off the charger at 4.2v and two 16340s in series would be 8.4v and that might be enough to blow a 6.0 v driver.

There is obviously some tolerance and wiggle room built in, but it’s a gamble using the wrong voltage cells in some lights/devices.

Chris

 

[wicky998]

I’ve used a 16340 in single cell surefires like the edcl1t and In my 2 cell lights I run a 16650

Never had an issue

 

[ChrisGarrett]

I’ve used a 16340 in single cell surefires like the edcl1t and In my 2 cell lights I run a 16650

Never had an issue

Well...you certainly wouldn’t have an issue with running a 16650 4.2v cell in a light with a 6.0v driver...save for diminished output.

Chris

 

[wicky998]

A sacrifice for a rechargeable option is one I’m willing to give up

 

[EricBr]

Thanks guys that helps a lot. aznsx , thanks, I have ordered a few sets.

Eric