Are rechargeable CR123A’s a viable option for WMLs?

AR-15 » Lights and Lasers

AR Sponsor:

Site Notices

2024's Favorite CCW? | PSA Micro Dagger

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Are rechargeable CR123A’s a viable option for WMLs?

Posted: 3/30/2021 11:03:02 PM EDT

My local supply no longer has them, and I’d like to have a set of rechargeable ones to keep my lights shining.

Sorry if a dupe- I’ve searched several sub forums with no results.

Posted: 3/31/2021 6:14:14 AM EDT

[#1]

they work on my TRL Lights but blow the bulbs on surefire and streamlight twin task.
CR123 are 3 volt and the rechargeable are 3.7

Posted: 3/31/2021 6:47:36 AM EDT

[#2]

I use the "Rapthor" brand rechargeable CR123 type batteries in my Streamlight TLR1 HL. MrGunsandgear recommended that brand.

So far no complaints, except they don't work with my Streamlight HLX rail light. I use the Streamlight rechargeable single battery for that light.

Posted: 3/31/2021 7:48:47 AM EDT

[#3]

For 2xCR123 lights, using a 16650 battery is a better choice.

Its drop in, the cells are Made in Japan, and the runtime is much longer.

Posted: 4/1/2021 9:25:29 PM EDT

[#4]

I use Nitecore rechargeable CR123's in my X300U. They're 3.7v/650mAh. So far, so good. Surefire does have rechargeable options available again that are 3.2v/450mAh

Posted: 4/6/2021 12:34:50 AM EDT

[#5]

Ive recently purchased a streamlight tlr-1 HPL 1000lumin. Its my 5th sl. I didnt want to take a chance with the 3.7v rech batts so i searched for 3.0 ones & found some. I have a trustfire 3.0/3.7v charger & i really like them. Theyre a no name brand green color 1000mah & ive also got a pair of 3.0v tenergy as well which work well too. I bought enough so i could match up sets with the same voltages or very close to. I use them in my sl protac 90 that also uses AA batt’s & they work great in it as well. Hope this will help. I really wonder if the 3.7v batt’s would work in the tlr-1 hpl?

Posted: 4/6/2021 9:30:46 PM EDT

[#6]

For surefire lights and other high $$$ electronics i would use surefire rechargeables as they are around 3.2v and are much safer to utilize. Would NOT want to fry my expensive toys.

Is the nitecore charger compatible with the SF?

Posted: 4/7/2021 7:51:31 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
For surefire lights and other high $$$ electronics i would use surefire rechargeables as they are around 3.2v and are much safer to utilize. Would NOT want to fry my expensive toys.

Is the nitecore charger compatible with the SF?

View Quote

Interestingly enough, I called Surefire about using the Nitecore 3.7v batteries in their lights and they said it'd be fine.

Posted: 4/8/2021 11:36:59 AM EDT

[#8]

Just realize that the RCR123's, have about 1/3 the power reserve (~600mAh) vs ~1700mAh (for ASP Brand) "regular" 123s. So you'll have to recharge ~3 times to equal the run time of a "regular". Personally, with high power outputs, I'd prefer longer run time.

Posted: 4/8/2021 11:47:41 AM EDT

[#9]

You're much better off using LiFePo4 17335 batteries if you want to replace CR123 primaries. Li-ion cells have a nominal 3.7V, but can come off the charger as high as 4.2V, compared to LiFePo4 nominal of 3.3V with a max of 3.6V. Flashlights might not care about the voltage, but more sensitive equipment (like NV stuff) might.

Posted: 4/10/2021 4:18:18 PM EDT

[#10]

I use them in all of my wml’s that take cr123’s. So far nothing but smooth sailing.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Are rechargeable CR123A’s a viable option for WMLs?

AR-15 » Lights and Lasers

AR Sponsor:

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us