CR123A Batteries

[captmike03]

I have a Aipoint and a EXPS3 and both take CR123A batteries. I am considering purchasing a few rechargeable batteries and a charger and was wondering which ones were preferred by most here. Also, what is the difference between the 3V and the 3.7V besides the obvious. The battery that came with the Eotec is a 3V, but their website gives no other info.

Thanks

 

[txgw]

I've heard that some people were having trouble with the rechargeable CR123 blowing up the bulbs in surefire lights. Something about when they were fully charged they had too much voltage for the bulbs. I don't know anyone that this happened to, just what the people at the battery store told me.

 

[5spd]

I have a few night vision lights that state NO RECHARGABLE cr123a to be used ever as it will void the warrantee.

 

[MitchInOR]

Streamlight says no rechargeables. I have been buying Streamlight and Surefire 123's on Amazon for $21-$22 shipped for 12.

 

[jbell]

Its damn hard to beat the Surefire 123's I get the best life out of them.

 

[captmike03]

So it looks like rechargeable are out....just buy 123's in bulk if you need that many? Currently I just have to Aimpoint and the Eotech, but am looking for a flashlight and it's nice to have a spare or two.

 

[021411]

Just buy in bulk. It'll last you quite a while. CR123's have a very low discharge rate and if stored properly will be good for a long time.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/rayovac-cr123a-100-box.html The Rayovac batteries are made here in the US. They are produced by Panasonic which also makes them for the other companies. Can't go wrong there.

 

[Autark]

I second Battery Junction. Bought from them before. I got a different type than 021411, though. The "independent review" tab is worth checking out if you have way too much time and like charts.

The drawback is that these aren't Made in the US

http://www.batteryjunction.com/titanium-cr123a-50qty.html

 

[021411]

I second Battery Junction. Bought from them before. I got a different type than 021411, though. The "independent review" tab is worth checking out if you have way too much time and like charts.

The drawback is that these aren't Made in the US

http://www.batteryjunction.com/titanium-cr123a-50qty.html

The Titanium brand is good stuff. Never had a problem but I guess I had to post Made in the USA first to please the masses that haven't researched or been around batteries.

 

[jamesbern]

I may have to give those Titaniums a try, although for $12 or so more I can get the Rayovacs

 

[Chucky]

With Chinese batteries you run the risk of "venting" If you are only running 1 single battery at a time it might not be an issue but if you run a light or something with 2 batteries you could run into trouble. What happens is the chinese batteries do not have the circuit protection that the US batteries have. If you have 2 batteries of two different charges it will draw the extra current from the other battery overheat and then leak a lithium smoke that is very toxic. I have seen plenty of emails of burnt pants, lights with the glass blown out and even know of a guy that melted a Glock, burned up his kit bag and almost burned down the team room using Chinese batteries. So beware.

 

[HD1911]

Run SF123's and look no further.

 

[021411]

Just FYI, Titanium branded batteries are protected. And also, as far as Surefire batteries, most of the American batteries are made at one place and relabeled.
If you want to know more than you will ever need to know about batteries, check out candlepowerforums. Those guys are WELL VERSED in battery speak. They have it down to a science.

 

[EL34]

Here is another source for them http://www.batterystation.com/cr123a.htm they are local to me, and big gun guys too.

 

[021411]

Here is another source for them http://www.batterystation.com/cr123a.htm they are local to me, and big gun guys too.

I've gone through a box of 50 on those Battery Station batteries. They are good to go as they are made here. I used them in my modded Surefire U2 and EOTech. No issues at all. Speaking of I need to replenish.

 

[1whobuys]

Panasonic makes the SureFire, Eveready, RayOvac and Duracell batteries here in the US, all are very close in output and Battery Junction has the best prices I've found.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

 

[Ryan32]

Another vote for the Surefire 123's... I've run them in all my lights and never had a problem. They always seem to last longer than the standard duracell or kodak batteries as well.

 

[Supergyro]

Like 021411 said, look at CPF to find better deals on batteries. (that won't fry your stuff)

 

[AXEMAN]

i buy them on ebay from china for under a $1 each and i have never had a bad batch so far. last 10 were 9.50 free shipping. cant beat that price