The Problem With 123A Batteries

[Badmovies]

One of the main reasons I have not purchased a Surefire flashlight, along with a few others, is that they use 123A batteries.

The problem I have is that I tend to go through a lot of batteries. To combat that, I switched over to NIMH AA batteries and a charger (with a voltage adapter, since I am in Iraq). This lets me just carry 4 AA batteries, which satisfies my Earth Child side and also reduces the overall cost.

However, I just caught sight of rechargeable CR-123A batteries! Has anyone used these? If these work well, I might finally be able to get a Surefire (and a couple of other lights). I saw the batteries on www.thomasdistributing.com.

 

[turbodog]

I used to (and still do) think like you. I said I'd never have a surefire due to: 1)high cost of non rechargeable batteries 2)high cost of bulbs

This all changed when I bought a L4 and some pila 168s cells. L4 is led, which means no bulbs to replace. The pila cells mean no batteries to buy.

But on top of this...... I'd hazard to say that the L4 is at or near the top of every flashaholic's wish list. It simply is an awesome light.

The rechargeable 123 cells have a different voltage level and CAN have some limitations as to what lights they will work in.

 

[Badmovies]

Turbodog,

The interesting thing about the ones I found on that site is that they are the same size and voltage as a CR123A. In that manner they seem to be better than the Pilas and that is what really peaked my interest. I had read about some problems in using the Pilas in some lights. Plus, with these new ones, you could use a rechargeable in a flashlight that takes just one 123A.

 

[Lunal_Tic]

I think there's been a lot of discussion about them in the battery forum and JS Burly's has 1 or two different kinds. Only drawback I see is the shortened runtime.

LT

 

[Christoph]

Thats what spares are for /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin07.gif

 

[bjn70]

I have a more moderate battery appetite and buying them 20 at a time from batterystation.com satisfies me.