Rechargeable cr123 battery recommendations?

Mike8472

Full Member
Jul 28, 2009
1,163
3
west yorkshire
Does anyone here have and advice/recommendations on the best reasonably priced cr123 batteries?

I'm getting sick of the cost of non-rechargeables for running my torches and gadgets.
ive had a bit of a surf tonight but am unsure what would be a good choice.

i am weary about buying some and finding out they are cheap chinese knock off fakes.
 

wingstoo

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
May 12, 2005
2,274
40
South Marches
I bought mine and a re-charger from Maplins as they have a couple of different types and prices.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/search.aspx?criteria=CR123 BATTERIES&menuno=0

As for which is best, I only bought the one and it did for me, so you might need to do your own research for the one that meets your particular needs, no doubt everyones view will be somewhat varied due to their personal experiences.
 

Mr Adoby

Forager
Sep 6, 2008
152
0
The woods, Småland, Sweden
I have had very good experience with some cheap ones from dx.com. No fires or explosions at all, despite the names...

http://dx.com/p/ultrafire-3-6v-880mah-lc-16340-protected-cr123a-battery-2-pack-3273
http://dx.com/p/trustfire-protected-16340-880mah-3-7v-rechargeable-li-ion-batteries-2-pack-24980

The capacity most likely doesn't quite match the labeling, but still very usable, and much cheaper than AW. Also may be slightly longer than normal 16340. May not fit all flashlights, but they fit my flashlights fine. Been using them for a few years, without any problems at all!

I also have very good experience with 18650 and 14500.

http://dx.com/p/trustfire-protected-14500-3-7v-900mah-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-2-pack-26124
http://dx.com/p/trustfire-protected...h-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-2-pack-20392
 
Last edited:

ateallthepies

Native
Aug 11, 2011
1,558
0
hertfordshire
There are two types, AW RCR123A are 4.2 volt and are not a direct replacement for CR123A Primaries unless the thing being run can handle the higher voltage. A direct replacement would be RCR123's but REGULATED to 3 volts with a max charge of 3.6 volts.

Steve.
 

Mr Adoby

Forager
Sep 6, 2008
152
0
The woods, Småland, Sweden
I have never had any problems with rechargeable Li-Ion batteries. The ones I use have a protection circuit that stops charging at 4.2 volts and stops discharge at 2.75 volts. Keeps them from taking damage from overcharging or excessive discharge. But the flashlight doesn't go out gradually, it goes a little weaker and then suddenly go black. Most chargers also stop charging at 4.2 volts.

The nominal voltage is 3.7 volts. Works fine in most flashlights. There are some flashlights that are constructed only for primaries. I don't buy those. Primaries have about double the charge of a rechargeable, but I prefer to swap batteries and just recharge to throwing away and buy new batteries. Primaries can be great for emergency use.
 

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