AW RCR123 in a Surefire U2?

I have been reading the threads about using rechargable batteries in a Surefire L1. The consensus seems to be that it is O.K. to do so. That has me wondering if I could use rechargable AW RCR 123's
rated at 3.7 volts X 2 batteries in the U-2.

Has anyone tried this? What was the result?

Thank you,
U2VOODOO

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

It depends on which model of SF U2 (the newer Seoul led version, or the older Luxeon V version)

I believe that the older Lux V version will not work with 2x RCR123, and will be damaged.
It will run nicely on a single 17670, or if you lucky enough to have a really old plastic sleeved model, an 18650.

I have no experience with the newer model.


I have an old Lux V model, with the plastic sleeve removed.
I think the only time it has run primary cells is the first 2 that came in it, since then it has run on 17670 and now 18650, all 6 levels work, although the runtime on level 6 with 17670 is much shorter, around 30-40 mins (still leaves you another couple of hours at the lower levels)

The U2 is an awesome light, I love mine, and still use it regularly, I would like to get more power out of it though (maybe a nice neutral tinted MCE mod, or some othe suitable led is in the future).

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

Will AW RCR123 work OK in the SureFire UB3T Invictus?

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

If you look at the 2011 catalog from surefire, they list what lights can now take rechargeables.

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

7histology said:

Will AW RCR123 work OK in the SureFire UB3T Invictus?

Click to expand...

You can use 2 x IMR AW 16340 and a dummy cell. I am not sure if it allow 3 x AW 16340 cells. You may fry the driver.

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

Echo63 said:

It depends on which model of SF U2 (the newer Seoul led version, or the older Luxeon V version)

I believe that the older Lux V version will not work with 2x RCR123, and will be damaged.
It will run nicely on a single 17670, or if you lucky enough to have a really old plastic sleeved model, an 18650.

I have no experience with the newer model.


I have an old Lux V model, with the plastic sleeve removed.
I think the only time it has run primary cells is the first 2 that came in it, since then it has run on 17670 and now 18650, all 6 levels work, although the runtime on level 6 with 17670 is much shorter, around 30-40 mins (still leaves you another couple of hours at the lower levels)

The U2 is an awesome light, I love mine, and still use it regularly, I would like to get more power out of it though (maybe a nice neutral tinted MCE mod, or some othe suitable led is in the future).

Click to expand...

I have two (I beleive) of the earlier models after the plastic sleve was discontinued. I am pretty sure that they are also before the LWD upgrade. Oh well I tried.

Hey thanks for the information!

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

7histology said:

Will AW RCR123 work OK in the SureFire UB3T Invictus?

Click to expand...

It's a 9v light that takes 3x 123 cells, so it's a perfect candidate for 17500 cells.

I would not put 3x rcr123 in an Invictus.
2x 123 and a spacer will be ok in the Invictus, but the runtime will be short - get a pair of AW17500 - they will cost maybe 30 bucks with shipping, much better than destroying an expensive light

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

U2VOODOO said:

I have two (I beleive) of the earlier models after the plastic sleve was discontinued. I am pretty sure that they are also before the LWD upgrade. Oh well I tried.

Hey thanks for the information!

Click to expand...

17670 cells - get one for each U2 and a spare or two.
The plastic sleeve is pretty easy to see, and if you look into the head you can easily see the difference in LEDs (try googling Lux V and Seoul led for photos of both)

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

I have one of the later models and it works fine with the RCR123. Runtime is obviously lower than primaries but no difference in light output

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

TEEJ said:

If you look at the 2011 catalog from surefire, they list what lights can now take rechargeables.

Click to expand...

That's SureFire's own-brand of rechargeables (in CR123A form-factor) they haven't released yet.

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

I have an old U2, the luxeon version.
I have searched the forums thoroughly long time ago and found that the simple 3.6v RCR's (not the 3.0V) will definitely fry the emitter.
Go for 17670's for safety.

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

The Lux V U2's use a boost circuit, that performs very well with two CR123's, one 17670, or one 18650, if it fits. Two RCR123's, 3.6-4.2 volts will overdrive the circuit and LED.

Bill

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

Thank you guys,
Sounds like I need to measure my U2 inside tube diameter. Cool!

Re: AW RCR123 in a Surefire U-2?

I had the older Lux V LED U2 and tried 2 RCR123 batteries, and it worked with no problems. To be safe just run with a single 17670 battery as suggested.

garbman said:

I have an old U2, the luxeon version.
I have searched the forums thoroughly long time ago and found that the simple 3.6v RCR's (not the 3.0V) will definitely fry the emitter.
Go for 17670's for safety.

Click to expand...