• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

cr123 batteries?

Prebanpaul

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 2, 2009
2,259
709
Akron Ohio Summit
So locally they sell (CVS) @ around 4 bucks apiece. I went on to amazon and can get them for 1.70 but they are a sure firebrand. There is a big difference in the price for those and the energizer. Are the sure-fire just a knock off.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jthomas218
I have run both but mainly have the Surefire brand on hand.
Can't say I've ever noticed a discernable difference but honestly have never looked at the actual specs to compare the two.
I use them in several weapon lights and a head lamp, the only one that seems like it drains them fast is the head lamp but will run for hours of constant on time before getting weak.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Prebanpaul
I ran these in my Pulsar thermal for years actually slightly longer longevity than the $4 DuraCells.....

 
  • Like
Reactions: Prebanpaul
Well, I think Surefire was the original flashlight which required the higher output 3 volt CR123A battery in their 6P flashlight about 15 years ago or so, which essentially revolutionized the flashlight industry after the Maglight which used the standard AAA, AA, C, and D cell batteries.

Surefire does not manufacture batteries, but I'm sure for them to put their name on it, the product would need to be of reasonable quality to whatever standard they required.

Buy them, use them, and let all of us know how they run?
 
I've used the Surefire batteries for years in my MagnetoSpeed. I've had zero issues with them.
 
Not really with CR123. If you look at the specs they will have different amp, charge and discharge ratings. Has an effect on price and performance.
For my needs, they are all one and the same.
 
The local shops don't sell much and the price is high... same with a simple Cat6 patch cable- $2 online $15 in store...

surefire batteries are good...

if you want to nerd out
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php lots of flashlight and battery info here.... deals get posted too

this place has a variety of options
 
  • Like
Reactions: stimr2
Surefire is a top of the line light company that won't be putting out crap. ChinFatCo stuff is anyone's guess.

And the ChinFatCo stuff may seem just fine riiight until one leaks and destroys the device it's in . . . No thanks, not worth it, no matter how cheap.

Reputable brands do have advantages (and while not a battery company, I regard SureFire as a top shelf, reputable brand . . .).

- Tim
 
I use Surefire batteries in my flashlights and have noticed no difference in performance or battery life compared to Energizer batteries.
Phil G
 
For those that buy these high dollar batteries (and yes, I'm guilty of running nothing but Li-Ion batteries in most of my stuff), I'd encourage you to get some of these. They're worth it when stowing extra batteries in a pack or hunting coat pocket, to ensure they don't inadvertently make contact with each other, and drain themselves.

https://store.itstactical.com/collections/all/products/storacell-battery-holders

Storacell_Battery_Holders_Main_1024x1024@2x.jpg
 
This is for my thermal optic. I can tell you all batteries are not the same. Buy batteries from harbor freight and they last half.

I agree on the HF batteries. I've bought four packs that had two dead out of the package.
The Panasonic Dollar Tree are much better but not top quality.
Just fine for inexpensive backup or to hand out for those people with dead batteries.
 
So how many of you believe that Surefire batteries are produced in the US by some company other than ChinFatCo?

Batteries may differ in terms of specifications which drive performance but the comments regarding batteries produced by "ChinFatCo" are hilarious. Some very high rel Lithium batteries are made in China even when they carry a Samsung or LG label
 
I stopped screwing around with CR123 batteries and bought some 18650 batteries and a charger. If your flashlight uses two 123 batteries, you may want to think about getting a couple of these. These are the best flashlight batteries I've ever used. Rechargable and last a loong time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MarinePMI and tnc
I use a lot of SUREFIRE batteries in several weapons lights. They’re dependable & last a long time. I’ve had nothing but success w/ them & I’ve never encountered a dead battery while new.
 
I have ran sure fires for years in thermals and flashlights. Never a issue.

Batteries are batteries
Yeah I've read where energizer replaced high dollar devices due to battery failure. I would think sure fire would do the same thing.
 
Not to hijack, but does anyone use rechargeable versions of this battery and if so do you have any reccomended brands?