Rechargeable 123s - why the low run times?

[digitaldave]

From just about every review of a 123 flashlight, the runtimes on rechargeable 123s are much shorter than primary 123s. Why is this? And would it be possible for manufacturers to make a rechargeable with similar life to the primary?

Dave.

 

[pilou]

Perhaps rechargeable batts will catch up eventually. But just looking at the specs, a good primary has 1550mah capacity whereas rechargeable ones are in the 700-900mah range.

 

[mdocod]

RCR123s have a label capacity of 700-900, but a true capacity of 500-600.

If you want to match the CR123s in available power with a similarly sized rechargeable solution, buy 18650 powered lights.

 

[digitaldave]

If you want to match the CR123s in available power with a similarly sized rechargeable solution, buy 18650 powered lights.

It's looking more and more like I'll end up doing just that . I figure that since I currently only have AA/AAA type batteries, I'd have to buy new batteries and a charger for either 123s or 18650, so I might as well get the one that'll last longer.

Dave.