Rechargeable CR123A Questions

res1cue

res1cue

Joined
Feb 2, 2010
Messages
2,138
Hey so I started off flashlight-wise with the Frost cutlery of flashlights, the Ultrafire, clearly a surefire knockoff

Problem is, they quit working if you drop it from a height greater from 2 inches, what do you expect from being a knockoff? :rolleyes:

So the only thing that is good about the flashlight was the 3.7 Volt rechargeable CR123A (I am told these are incompatible with Surefires, correct me if I am wrong)

My question is, any suggestions to reliable (preferably US made flashlights) that can take the rechargeable CR123A's?

Specifically, I found what might be the perfect one for me: The Olight M20, but it doesn't say whether or not it would take the rechargeable CR123A's, any comments?

I am open to other suggestions as well, but I am basically looking for a high power ( roughly 300 lumen) flashlight that has a pocket clip that puts the business end downward in my pocket.

Thanks!
 
First off, I recommend you use protected cr123rs. That helps assure that the battery does not exceed the spec'd voltage when fully charged. I've had good luck with the ultrafire batteries that are grey. The use of those batteries in a particular flashlight is dependent on the max voltage input that the host flashlight can handle. For example, the head on the G2led from surefire is rated at 9v, so 3.6 +3.6= 7.2 so you are safe. Beware that some lights will not take protected cells as they tend to be longer than standard cr123s.

As for the next light. I have been a fan of EagleTac lights due to the unfaltering performance I have experienced. I like the twist-the-bezel for high/low output selection, and regulated output is nice too. I don't know where they are made, but I suspect they are imported from the big C.
 
Go to CPF make a account in the marketplace and buy AW batteries.

Also check batteries often with a multimeter to assure that you are using batteries with like voltage. NEVER mix batteries or use batteries with different voltages.

When I need 3v 123's I use tenergy, they are gray with a yellow bottom and are very reliable. Also have a long recharge life but only about half the runtime as standard 123's as most RCR123's do.
 
cheekser said:
First off, I recommend you use protected cr123rs. That helps assure that the battery does not exceed the spec'd voltage when fully charged. I've had good luck with the ultrafire batteries that are grey. The use of those batteries in a particular flashlight is dependent on the max voltage input that the host flashlight can handle. For example, the head on the G2led from surefire is rated at 9v, so 3.6 +3.6= 7.2 so you are safe. Beware that some lights will not take protected cells as they tend to be longer than standard cr123s.

As for the next light. I have been a fan of EagleTac lights due to the unfaltering performance I have experienced. I like the twist-the-bezel for high/low output selection, and regulated output is nice too. I don't know where they are made, but I suspect they are imported from the big C.
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Thanks cheekser, so I am looking really hard at that EagleTac T20C2 MKII, and I am a bit confused by your math, would 3.6 or 3.7 volt batteries work for these..?
 
I've been using an EagleTac P20c2 Mark II (the t20's little brother) for the last 2 months, and I have been VERY impressed with the performance that I've got out of it.

The battery life is astounding and the brightness is amazing. It also came with an assortment of extras including a screw-on diffuser lens which I find to work excellent for my electrical work.

The side belt holster is hands down one of the best that i've ever used.

I do believe that it can take rechargeable cr123s but as the others have states it is best to use protected cells.

Best of luck.
 
RCR123'S are all 3.7v with a peak charged voltage of 4.2v so if your light does not have at least a max voltage of 9v do not use this type of battery. The mah rating on these batteries due to physical limitations will rarely be over 750mah, if the battery is rated higher it is more than likely false information.

Protected batteries are protected against over charge and over discharge, this is a very important safety feature considering fire and explosion is a very real factor with rechargable lithium batteries.

Using brands like trustfire and ultrafire is inviting disaster, buy quality protected batteries and follow the guidelines of proper care. Please take the time to fully educate yourself on these batteries.
 
and I am a bit confused by your math, would 3.6 or 3.7 volt batteries work for these..?
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RCR123'S are all 3.7v with a peak charged voltage of 4.2v
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the grey-colored Ultrafire rcr123 batteries I use are labeled 3.6v (so is the charger) but the 3.7v that I have work in my EagleTAC P10C light.
see here: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3273

I really like the look of the EagleTAC T20C2 cell light on their site. I may have to pull the trigger....what's one more flashlight anyhow....
 
cheekser said:
the grey-colored Ultrafire rcr123 batteries I use are labeled 3.6v (so is the charger) but the 3.7v that I have work in my EagleTAC P10C light.
see here: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3273

I really like the look of the EagleTAC T20C2 cell light on their site. I may have to pull the trigger....what's one more flashlight anyhow....
Click to expand...

Yep, I just put in for one of these this morning. I also ordered 4 "Tenergy 3.0V rechargeables".

See the thing is, I can't find anywhere that says what the max voltage of the T20C2.. any of yall know what it is?

I probably won't use any of my blue ultrafire batteries anyways, but it would be good to know.
 
Then you will be fine to use 3.7v rcr123'S just make sure to use better ones.

Cheekser, its not that they won't work they're just not well made and have deceptive numbers given to their specs. Even the tenergy 3v batteries are 3.7v but have a voltage regulator that the instant load is applied keeps it to around 3v.

Fresh off the charger the tenergy batteries will be between 3.35v and 3.55v, if they do not charge to this point this is a sign they may be going bad. For a 3.7v it should be at least 4.10v. It never hurts to check after charging but is best to wait 24 hours to let the batteries rest then check again.
 
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