Best 123 Cell?

[Planterz]

As my Friday paycheck gets closer, the possibility of me getting a "real" flashlight grows nearer. The cost of 123 cells ($9 for 1 at Circle K?) always seemed prohibitive, but I see that there's at least 2 places where you can get cheap ones. One, directly from Surefire, the other from batterystation, both at $1.25 a piece.

But are these any good? Or are they like the "heavy duty" AA batteries you buy for $6/20 at the dollar store? But even if the expensive Energizer or Duracell ones are better, at $1.25 a pop, I would be OK if the cheapies were, say, 2/3 as good.

For reference, this would be in a "tactical" light like a Surefire L1, L2, or E2e, not a "forget to turn it off and it still works tomarrow" light like the Inova X5T.

 

[Blades]

The Surefire batteries are good. I've used them, and have them now in 2 lights. My next order will probably be from Batterystation. They always take care of everyone at Candlepowerforums.
I thought I read somewhere(probably Candlepowerforums) that only a few companies make the 123 cell's, but they slap alot of different stickers on them when they leave the factory. That may be a rumor, I don't know. No telling.



Blades

 

[Danish Viking]

The Surefire batteries are VERY good.

And BEST to the price!

 

[TOB9595]

I'm with Blades on Batterystation. two thumbs up for them.

I go thru lots of 123's
Tom

 

[stjames]

In my testing the Surefire's edged out Duracell Ultra and Energizer, with all three leaving Sanyo and Ushio well behind.

 

[thatmguy]

Nice thing too about 123's is to use fresh in your Surefire Tac light, and when they start to diminish, pull them and cycle them thru the INOVA X5T...(or any other 123-ran LED light)

I find that the Surefire batteries have a bit better performance. If you can find someone to split some boxes, Surefire has free shipping on orders > $100.

Buy 7 boxes at $15 = $105, free shipping.

 

[Planterz]

Thanks guys, that's good to know.

 

[SMcGill]

If you are a candlepowerforums member, the batterystation 123's are only $1 a piece. I got a Pelican 1010 spare batteries carrier, which is really nice. It is a Pelican 1010 box with a foam insert that holds 15 batteries. The set including the batteries is $25. Here is the cpf specials page link:

http://www.batterystation.com/cpf.htm

 

[Denix]

I've had good success with Kevin at Batterystation. His shipping rates were way below Surefire (good for us in Canada).

Guy

 

[rajan]

Which is better: the pelican case or the otter case? TIA. I have been thinking about it but never gotten around it.

If you are a candlepowerforums member, the batterystation 123's are only $1 a piece. I got a Pelican 1010 spare batteries carrier, which is really nice. It is a Pelican 1010 box with a foam insert that holds 15 batteries. The set including the batteries is $25. Here is the cpf specials page link:

http://www.batterystation.com/cpf.htm