Tactical Light Batteries

[Kanewpadle]

Three of my lights use 123 batteries. Been using Streamlight or Surefire. Anyone use Duracell or Energizer instead? They seem to cost a little less.

Someone once told me that Streamlight/Surefire were better. I find this hard to believe because I’m sure they don’t make the batteries. They’re probably made by Duracell or Energizer.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I buy several brands off the internet for about $1.25 a piece. They work just as well as the name brands at much higher price point.

 

[Grayfox]

I have used both energizers and duracells. They work just fine and last just as long as the higher priced batteries. If you buy them in at least a 12 pack, they're even cheaper.

 

[soFlaNative]

Timely thread.
I think I paid about $20 for a 12 pack of Surefire long enough ago I have no idea where I left the little carton.


+1 on Battery Junction from Sophie.

 

[sophie]

I buy the CR123A batteries by the 50 count box because my wireless security cameras require 4 per camera. When the cameras get low (2.9-3.0 volts) I replace the batteries and have an endless supply of 3 volt batteries for my Streamlight flashlights that use the CR123 batteries.
Now to answer your question about the difference in the 3 volt batteries, I started with Streamlight, after a year I went to using the Chinese made Titanium brand and actually they last pretty good. I went through 2 boxes of the 50 count Titanium. Best I remember they are 1250 milliamp on the Titaniums. I am now using a box of 50 of Panasonic 1500 milliamp batteries and the Streamlights and Panasonic are USA made and they last longer for my uses. Hope this helps. I buy from Battery Junction online and they have good sales. If you buy the batteries locally you pay through the nose for the 3 volt batteries.

I should have said that I have a 5 wireless camera system that takes 4 of the CR123A batteries per camera and the amount of batteries I mentioned above are since I installed the 5 cameras, 3 1/2 years ago.

 

[bigchuck83]

I buy the twelve pack boxes of Streamlight branded 123 batteries for my edc light. I replace them every few months when they are too low for the light to go through different settings.


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[Fishslayer]

I replace them every few months when they are too low for the light to go through different settings.

Had a guy throw in a $300-ish Veridian light/green laser with a pistol I bought. The pistol itself was a smokin' deal so I wasn't really upset when the light/laser didn't cycle through the functions like it should. Changed the battery & w00t! Seems a low battery doesn't kill it dead, just makes it go a bit wonky.

 

[Smoke]

If know it's not what the OP asked but speaking as someone who works nights and uses a flashlight every night the primary reason that I carry Fenix lights exclusively is that they are rechargeable.

I've carried a Fenix UC35(960 lumens) every night for the last 5 years or so and haven't had to replace the batteries yet. I recharge the battery once a week or so.

The light cost me $90.00 but I'm certain I've saved at least that much in the cost of batteries

 

[oldbrownhat]

Continuing the OT direction...

x2 on Fenix lights. Yes, made you-know-where but there is some good stuff from there and I think Fenox is one of them.

I have a UC40 UE (?) which is very similar to Smoke's 35 and it is my "go-to" light. The strobe function @ 1000 L could also be useful to deter an aggressive dog or human.

I also have their little LD15R right-angle light which I find incredibly handy. Also has a magnetic base.

And for SERIOUS long-range duty out here in the boonies, I splurged for a TK75. It's heavy but I can fry gophers at 100 yards as it can crank out 5100 L at max. (It does strobe, too. WHOA!!) Scared the poop out of some guy (probably only lost) who drove down my driveway - twice - at 3 am one morning


Sorry, OP. Now returning you to your regular programming.

 

[Wise_A]

I grabbed a Streamlight ProTac 2L-X. Despite the somewhat cringe-worthy name, it's so far served quite well. Rechargeable 10/500 lumens, and it lasted from when I got it in January until this past week without any charging whatsoever. And that includes at least one blackout where I clicked it to 500 lums, set it tail down on the coffee table, and promptly fell asleep reading a magazine.

The removable battery charges off a simple micro-USB, so it can use all the same chargers as your phone.

Not bad for $35.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

AS of a couple years ago, The Stream Light batteries were less money because they were suppose to be engineered to allow slow release of energy. The Duracell & Energizer were engineered to have rapid burst energy release for photographic use (something along the lines of a diode inside the battery) Surefire lights (and others) have the circuitry in the lights. I used Surefire, Duracell, Energizer, and some knock off batteries in my EDC's. Surefire last far longer for my usage. EDC lights are in every coat and kit, NEBO Redlight, single CR123 and retail for about $14. Surefire battery life has been in the 1 to 3 year timeframe. I carry a 12 pack of surefire CR123's in the truck, but never needed one!

Ivan

 

[Bakebfr480]

I Only use Surefire......a LGS sells them for $21.00 per dozen. A lot cheaper than Duracell or any other brand at Walmart!

 

[Farmer17]

The only batteries I want to use are rechargeable and I have rechargeable CR123s and 18650s along with AA and AAA and they are MUCH cheaper in the long run. I always have extra charged batteries and some on the charger ready to go and the new technology batteries last a long time and can be recharged dozens of times.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Last time I got some it was whatever brand they had at Batteries Plus.

 

[REM 3200]

What is the difference between "CR-123" and "CR-123A" ?

I have about given up on Duracell as I have had so many leakers.
I have never had an Energizer leak.

Anyone have any comment about "Duracell 1/3N" or its equivalent in another brand.