Test/Review of AW 16340 ICR123 750mAh (Black) 2016

HKJ

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Copenhagen, Denmark
[size=+3]AW 16340 ICR123 750mAh (Black) 2016[/size]


DSC_3812.jpg


Official specifications:
  • Capacity: 750 mAh
  • Nominal voltage: 3.7V
  • Maximum current: 1A

AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-info.png


AW is a well know brand, but how good is the current RCR123/16340 cell? One important specification is the length and this cell is fairly short, but longer than a few years ago.

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AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-Capacity.png


The cells looks good up to 1A, but they are not that good at higher currents. The capacity is lower than rated!

AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-Temp-2.0.png


AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-Temp-3.0.png


With the low energy contents in the cell, it do not get very hot (I forgot to put the temperature probe on one of the cells).

AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-CapacityTimeHours.png


AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-CapacityTime.png


AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-Energy.png


AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-PowerLoadTime.png


AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-TripCurrent.png


AW%2016340%20ICR123%20750mAh%20(Black)%202016-Charge.png




[size=+3]Conclusion[/size]

The cells under the AW wrapper has changed over time and are getting closer to their specifications.
The cells do still look good.



[size=+3]Notes and links[/size]

How is the test done and how to read the charts
How is a protected LiIon battery constructed
More about button top and flat top batteries
Comparison to other LiIon batteries
 

sidecross

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Jul 29, 2012
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1,369
Thank you HKJ, I went to your excellent battery 'Comparator' link to see the difference between the 2015 Keeppower and the 2016 AW batteries. :thumbsup:
 

ChrisGarrett

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Feb 2, 2012
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Miami, Florida
Not bad but they should label them 650 mah if that's the best they can do

AW's claim to fame isn't that they eek out the last mAh in capacity, it's in the fact that they last more than 6 months to a year at very respectable levels. I'm still using my original AW ICRs and IMRs and while they're not 'nifty new' after 3.5 years, they're still very good on the lower modes in my lipstick lights.

I've tried Soshine and Kinokos and I barely got a year out of those brands. I do have a single Efest IMR, but the jury's still out.

Remember, with li-ion cells, going from 550mAh to 600mAh, probably doesn't translate to all that much runtime, especially if you're a blaster like me, but going from 1 year to 3 years, is a big difference, IMO.

Chris
 

m4a1usr

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May 4, 2013
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884
Location
Washington State
I'm hoping to see some new 16650 cell reviews hopefully? The vaping world has driven 16650 capacity up in the last 3 years and about the only data I see is on those vaping sites. Which isn't terribly reassuring when the sellers are hyping their own cells. Not that its much different in the flashlight world but HKJ does such a damn fine job I guess I'm spoiled by your reviews. And data.
 

recDNA

Flashaholic
Joined
Jun 2, 2009
Messages
8,761
I wish AW would make a modern protected 18650 with a button top. My old AW batteries are all still good after 3 years. I have used this rcr123 with no problems at over 1.5 amps. No isssues

Which protected rcr123 does best?
 

kreisl

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Jul 5, 2012
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Great tests as always thanks!

imho 16340's are overrated
 

The_Driver

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Jan 6, 2010
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Germany
The old cells were so good because they had consistentently high quality, reasonable life times and actually had somewhat correct dimensions compared to CR123 batteries. The diameter is especially important (if you want to use them in a Surefire A2 for example).

For modern LED flashlights made for 18650s they obviously make no sense. Much lower energy density and almost no improvement (100mAh/20% in 10 years?). 18650s get better every year because they are used in mass produced consumer devices.
 
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ShineOnYouCrazyDiamond

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Aug 18, 2009
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CT, USA
Just as a note regarding the A2. In my 4-flats A2 neither the new AW red 16340 or the black RCR123 will work. They are both wide (making fit very snug or not at all) and too long when stacked.
 

ChrisGarrett

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Feb 2, 2012
Messages
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Miami, Florida
Great tests as always thanks!

imho 16340's are overrated

They're only overrated if you compare them directly to their bigger brothers and expect the same out of them, as we get with the others.

For me--somebody who carries the lipstick lights everyday, they're fine for what they are. Longevity is the key IME and that's where I feel the AWs stack up a bit better against some of the other brands.

I understand and realize the limits of the 16340s and so I'm not disappointed with their lack of capacity and runtime compared to my 18650 cells when used in bigger lights.

Chris
 
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