Best source for CR123a batteries?

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December 29, 2017, 11:20 PM

Chowser

I have been buying packs of 50 of whatever brand battery junction or all-battery sells for $1 each for years for all our wmls at work. They work fine and last awhile.

Tried the lifepo4 rechargeable batteries for awhile but they didn't last long. Figured $1/battery was worth it.

With the rechargeables we would get maybe 40 mins on a charge. The primary batteries lasted longer.

Not minority enough!

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December 30, 2017, 03:06 AM

mrvmax

I can buy them wholesale and they are still expensive. I just got an Olight charger with a flashlight I bought along with four of their batteries. I’m going to try and replace all my 123’s with rechargeable. This is a great little smart charger and their brand of batteries seem to be better than the Chinese generic ones I’ve bought off amazon.
https://www.olightstore.com/ba...s/miboxer-c4-charger

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December 30, 2017, 09:11 AM

Orguss

quote:
Originally posted by Woodman:
I'm still a holdout, I guess. Every couple of years or so I buy two 12-packs from Surefire.

Same. Actually, I tried to order some last week but they're on backorder.

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December 30, 2017, 09:36 AM

ensigmatic

quote:
Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
Battery Junction.

That's where I buy mine, but, with a wireless camera that goes through them like water, and several flashlights that use them, I'm moving over to 16340s (rechargeable in CR123 form factor).

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December 30, 2017, 10:15 AM

you want to buy from whoever has the fastest turnover - not from someone who's has cases on the shelf that haven't moved in months.

battery junction is a mover. there are others.

December 30, 2017, 10:39 AM

FiveFiveSixFan

quote:
Originally posted by ensigmatic:
quote:
Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
Battery Junction.

That's where I buy mine, but, with a wireless camera that goes through them like water, and several flashlights that use them, I'm moving over to 16340s (rechargeable in CR123 form factor).

That sounds like a good plan. The only 123's I use anymore are in weapon lights or single-cell flashlights I keep for emergency use. Most of my frequently used lights use 18650's.

December 30, 2017, 10:59 AM

hunter62

If you just need a few, Walmart usually has Surefire on a good price. They are not by the batteries at our Walmart, but instead back in the hunting section.

December 30, 2017, 11:19 AM

Jimbo54

quote:
Originally posted by SR025:
I usually buy a 24 pack of surefire ones on Amazon for about $20-22. Haven't had any issues with them

Yep, me too.

Jim

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December 30, 2017, 12:04 PM

Mr. S

quote:
Originally posted by ensigmatic:
quote:
Originally posted by FiveFiveSixFan:
Battery Junction.

That's where I buy mine, but, with a wireless camera that goes through them like water, and several flashlights that use them, I'm moving over to 16340s (rechargeable in CR123 form factor).

Just make sure whatever you are using them in can handle the extra voltage.

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December 30, 2017, 07:36 PM

Woodman

quote:
Originally posted by Jimbo54:
quote:
Originally posted by SR025:
I usually buy a 24 pack of surefire ones on Amazon for about $20-22. Haven't had any issues with them

Yep, me too.

Jim

I found this on Amazon:

Surefire SF123A Box of 24 123A 3 Volt Lithium Batteries 24-Pack. $38.88 & FREE Shipping.

Not to chip away at (privately held) Surefire's business plan, but this is a better price than the manufacturer. Surefire.com shows no 24-count box. Is the Amazon purchase shipped out in a single Surefire red and black 24-count box, or are the batteries repackaged by a bulk purchaser?