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I just picked up a few new flashlights and realized I now have quite a few torches that run on the uber-expensive CR123A batteries.

So finally seeing the financial benefit of going with rechargeables.

What types/brands do y'all recommend?

Looking at http://www.batteryjunction.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I'm wondering about the maH rating ... 550? 750? 900? seems the non-rechargeable batteries are in the 1400 range .... how does this affect performance, longevity?

their current lineup of batteries and charger ...

http://www.batteryjunction.com/rcr123a.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.batteryjunction.com/recrbachrc.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bump

I won't buy another light that uses 123 batteries. The LED lights using AA and AAA batteries work as well or better and I can get batteries at the corner inconvinence store. I have two lights that run on 123s and they are both now my designated shotgun lights. I bought a large stock of 123 batteries a couple of years ago and still have plenty of batteries for now.

I read an article saying the rechargeable 123 batteries don't hold a charge well and they are prone to dangerous overheating during both charge and discharge.

Shop around on the 'Net you can find them for a buck or less in quantity.

A-R wrote:Looking at http://www.batteryjunction.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I'm wondering about the maH rating ... 550? 750? 900? seems the non-rechargeable batteries are in the 1400 range .... how does this affect performance, longevity?

Think of it like magazines. A higher rating has more capacity. (Assuming the rating is accurate, which is not always true.) X mA for Y hours. X times Y is (roughly) constant so if you increase X, then Y decreases. Expect to swap (or recharge in situ) them more often than primary batteries.

There's also self-discharge to consider. A lithium-ion 123 can sit around for years and still be good to go. However, if the rechargeable batteries are in a device you use frequently, that's not really an issue.

I have the Olight T20 and use these batteries and charger. I don't use it a lot, maybe 2-3 times a month for a max of 5-10 minutes each, but the LED lights draw so little current that I have never ran it down. I usually just change the batteries every 6 months. As for in-light discharge, the light has a <1% per year shelf discharge, so that is usually not a problem for anyone.

EDIT TO ADD: BTW, I love the light. Great illumination, fantastic coverage by the beam pattern, and the strobe is DEFINITELY disorienting.

Don't forget that the AH ratings are from the manufacturer and they use the most forgiving measurements they can, in other words, the rating is under ideal conditions. That said, they do serve to give an idea as to relative usage.

I have begun the process of switching over to all LED and AA or AAA lights, besides running down the batteries real fast, the incandescents get real hot if you forget and leave one on and stick it in your pocket.

jimlongley wrote:.... the incandescents get real hot if you forget and leave one on and stick it in your pocket.

The standard conical LED types don't, but the high powered CREE lights get really hot.