Cr123

N

newknifeguy

Joined
Mar 18, 2001
Messages
815
Hey,
What do you all think is a good source for these batteries, and which brand do you like. I have some flashlights that need juice.
Thanks (again)!
Josh
 
I don't know how often it comes up here, but over on CPF its a common theme. Not that I use a lot (ok, I use almost none, but keep a stock just in case I run outta rechargables) but I get mine from batterystation.com

Supposedly a couple years back they had a scare with overseas 123's but now only source USA cells (plus a nice CPF discount).
 
IIRC batteryjunction.com had Rayovacs for around $1.40 each. They also had some lesser known brands for even cheaper. If you a order a few of them plus any other batts. you need, it will somewhat offset your shipping costs.
 
I like SF for my batteries. The new BS cells are just fine. Those are the two I really trust.

I prefer Lithium Ions. More dangerous, more power, and reusable. Obviously not for everyone.
 
eBay stores have Duracell and Energizers for 19.95 per 8 shipped.
If you search 123 batteries you will find them. I got a pack and they came first class mail and in a sealed pack, dated good till 2019.
 
Keep it simple: DO NOT BUY OVERSEAS MADE CELLS! They are known to be unsafe.

There's only one U.S. based manufacturing facility for CR123 size cells, run by Panasonic. They make all the private labeled cells, U.S. based:
Ray o Vac
Surefire
Streamlight
If it's labeled as made in the U.S., it came from Panasonic, and are safer use then questionable overseas labeled cells.

Japanese labeled cells are made by Sanyo, and are also safe to use.

Duracells are no longer made in Texas since the buy-out. They are now Chinese made, and I do not know if they have the safety features and manufacturing tolerances that U.S.based cells have.

High quality and safe 123's can be had in numerous places for 1.50 ish per cell.

I use mainly Streamlight labeled and Ray O vac labeled cells and have had no issues.

The best cells I ever tested were Night Ops/Blackhawk (from Panasonic). Worst cells were from a company called Evergreen.

comparison1.jpg



evergreen3.jpg
 
MutedRaccoon said:
Might want to be a tad more specific then that, I can name some major brands that have their cells made overseas. :p
Click to expand...


Do your research, Ultrafire and other "cheap" cells have been known to catch fire, explode, leak, and generally be a disaster waiting to happen.
 
I've used Ultrafire RCR123 (grey ones) with no ill effects but I've heard issues with them with regards to venting. They also seem to have some built quality issues such as some cells being taller or wider than others. When this happens I ship them back to the dealer for an exchange. Though it isn't so environmentally friendly I do prefer primaries over the RCR123s as I find they hold their charge longer and I get better run times compared to the rechargeables.
 
knifenut1013 said:
Do your research, Ultrafire and other "cheap" cells have been known to catch fire, explode, leak, and generally be a disaster waiting to happen.
Click to expand...

Very true! Some folks don't realize that the warning, "Vent with flame" is a literal one. They decide to save a few bucks by buying El Cheapo, Made in China, CR123 cells. Best way to save money is to buy Made in America CR123 cells, in bulk. Case at a time. Surefire's case of 12 can often be had at a good price online.

Besides Surefire, I have used Streamlight brand as well. To a lesser extent, Duracell, and Energizer CR123 cells. All Made in America. Not a single issue. And I have a large collection of CR123 lights.

Lighthound.com is a good place to find CR123 cells. The Hound has an amazing reputation. If anything goes wrong, they WILL make it right.
 
Monocrom said:
Very true! Some folks don't realize that the warning, "Vent with flame" is a literal one. They decide to save a few bucks by buying El Cheapo, Made in China, CR123 cells. Best way to save money is to buy Made in America CR123 cells, in bulk. Case at a time. Surefire's case of 12 can often be had at a good price online.

Besides Surefire, I have used Streamlight brand as well. To a lesser extent, Duracell, and Energizer CR123 cells. All Made in America. Not a single issue. And I have a large collection of CR123 lights.

Lighthound.com is a good place to find CR123 cells. The Hound has an amazing reputation. If anything goes wrong, they WILL make it right.
Click to expand...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=107

and moreso...

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=951360

Yeah Surefire battery went boom big time.
 
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