Why do so many lights use cr123 batteries?

[Daniel Ramsey]

Well yes I was considering LEDs but normally a single one is insufficient in light whereas 8 or more OR an encapsulated LED (Luxeon or other)is more suitable for a complete replacement flashlight, basically it would be a figure of around 20 lumens of LED light vs. the same in an incandescant plus the differences in alkilines or lithiums.
Perhaps whats needed is a gradient scale used universally of cost per minute of all lights, this would be a good factor in deciding which to buy, much the same as the energy rating system used here in the US for water heaters and such.

 

[Denix]

The only thing I can say is that I agree with just about everyone. 123's are extremely expensive (especially in Canada) and the run time is really short.

However, I took the plunge and bought a Streamlight Scorpion a while ago, and that's when I discovered the real problem... When I unpacked it I was a bit disappointed - it didn't look much better than a minimag. Then I hit the switch... 1 second worth of pure blinding light... and I'll never look at a maglight the same way again. It's an expensive light, but sorry, I just can't go back...

A piece of advice: if you've never used a lithium powered light - don't try one. It's the quickest possible addiction.

 

[Spork]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Denix:

A piece of advice: if you've never used a lithium powered light - don't try one. It's the quickest possible addiction.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

to late, I already ordered the e2.

 

[Klaus]

Same here - after I got my first E2 HA no going back - right now the first MiniMag ZLT+ LS mod is on its way and this might save one poor Minimag from the drawer. But the moded Tec40 with 4 NiMhs and HPR53 is nice too - even with the Nexstar bulb the Mag is just no comparison to those two.

Klaus

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I personally just keep looking on ebay for deals on 123 batts. I always buy either Duracell or Energizer and I regularly get them for around 1.50 ea. No flashlight that I know of can match the output for size and weight of the E2e.

Eric

 

[Spork]

Well seems a lot of members still like the standard e2 as much. AGR has free shipping for surefire orders over 75 dollars. I ordered a spare bulb and HA e2 so I think I got a good deal. I'm waiting to see my invoice to make sure they credit for the free shipping. I also called zreiss and ordered 48 batteries. I told the guy on the phone I thought they use to be listed as 1.69 if you buy 48 plus shipping. he seemed kind of rushed but was polite and hopefully got my order right. So if my math is right I will be paying my e2 3.75/hour in wages . a little better than before.

 

[txwest]

When I bought mine they were $1.46 I believe. I know with shipping it came to $1.63 ea. Just before there site went restricted, they were $1.39 + shipping in lots of 48. TX

 

[TrevorNasko]

now you know why Anduril is so ideal for me- insanely bright(p91 200lum) , free to run(nimh aa x6), long burn time , surefiire where it counts inexpencive were it doesnt

 

[Evan]

I've got to say, in most of the real world, 123s are just too expensive.

My Logitec wireless mouse and Kodak electronic camera both used 123s. I think a lot of customers complained, and follow-on models used penlights.

Maybe I'd pay for 123s if I was in the space program or going for the North Pole, but I just won't buy anything that runs on 123s anymore, certainly not a flashlight that goes thru 2 per hour. With the Arc-AAA, I'm not interrested in expensive coin-cells anymore, either.

I'd like to see more products using a DC booster to drive LEDs from a single "D" cell -- the most power for the dollar in a primary cell and available everywhere.

 

[brightnorm]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lightspeed2:
I personally just keep looking on ebay for deals on 123 batts. I always buy either Duracell or Energizer and I regularly get them for around 1.50 ea. Eric<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Eric,

I never bought anything on Ebay. Do they give the dates on those batteries? I don't understand why they're so cheap.

Brightnorm

 

[TrevorNasko]

id dont understand- i build a light that is irreproachably cool and solves a major fault that surefires have and i get ignored.am i being shunned for some reason?

 

[Graham]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Aragorn:
[QB]id dont understand- i build a light that is irreproachably cool and solves a major fault that surefires have and i get ignored.am i being shunned for some reason? QB]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Did you perhaps mean to post this under the other topic?
In any case, pictures! We want pictures. We can only go so far based on your description..
If you can't manage any photos soon, you can improvise by posting a bitmap which is all white, and saying that it is a picture taken with the light pointed at the camera

Graham

 

[lightlover]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Evan:
... 123s are just too expensive.

... I just won't buy anything that runs on 123s anymore, certainly not a flashlight that goes thru 2 per hour ...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Evan,
you're pretty new around here. I challenge you to post again about 123's in six months time, and see if your attitude has changed.
Seriously !!
You need to get an E-series SureFire, and see if that doesn't change your mind.
(Don't listen to papasan in the earlier post - he's the exception that proves the rule ..... )

lightlover

 

[Spork]

Well even though I will be getting the e2 I won't be using it much. I will go through maybe 1-2 battery changes a month then use the dead ones in a inova. What I would really like is a tec40 with the surge bulb in HA finish. Like Aragorns light with nimh cells would be almost free to run and just a 5 dollar bulb. My arc aaa or infinity works for about anything I need to do. I will probably keep the e2 next to my bed and just use it when I need something really bright. Even though the surge would work just the same since size isn't really an issue.
the next time I buy batteries it will be the 223 cells and I will split them apart.

 

[TrevorNasko]

make no mistake surefire is the only way to go. stock baterys because you WILL edc your surefire. go ahead laugh if you want to. i did. lok were it got me- addicted to surefire