Rechargeable 3.0 v 123s

[artec540]

I am getting all kinds of dire warnings about using rechargeable 3.0 volt rechargeables, which I understand are really gelded 3.6 V rechargeables. I've been using Tenergy rechargeables which are nominally 3.0 volts but the Tenergy charger leaves more than a little to be desired.
What is the experience of others whose flashlights like 3 volt 123s? Stick to primaries? And if rechargeables are reliable, are there any decent chargers?
Any advice will be gratefully received.

 

[Marduke]

The problem with the Li-Ion 3.0v RCR123's where each cell bucks the voltage is that it takes a special charger with a slightly higher voltage to overcome the increased resistance of that special circuit. I can't think of any other chargers off the top of my head like that other than the Tenergy.

 

[asdalton]

I have a pair of Ultralast 3.0 volt cells that work well in my 2007 version Inova T1. (And unlike standard protected 3.7 V cells, they easily fit.) I've been using them occasionally for almost 2 years now, and they still work fine. The runtime is pretty poor, but I expected that.

These cells are safe to run a Surefire incandescent lamp, as long as they are not fresh off the charger.

The Ultralast cells came with a dedicated charger.

 

[Marduke]

I think the ultralasts you are talking about are LiFePO4, not Li-Ion like the Tenergy. The Tenergy are 3.7v cells which buck down to ~3v at 12ms after activation, which will instaflash an incan bulb.