Rechargeable Batteries?

[Delta1067]

Has anyone tried rechargeable CR123 3-Volt batteries for a everyday carry flashlight? Not on a weapon mounted light.

[Geoffrey]

I actually dropped all my CR123 lights for AA's. And I have found that Eneloops are the best AA and AAA batteries.

I did a great deal of research at http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/

There is a great deal of info there, and I am sure you can find what you are looking for.

[Resq47]

Yep, I have RCR123's in both my SF lights I carry on duty and also in a 6P with >1200 rounds on it mounted up on a carbine. As long as you have compatible LED heads, they are significantly cheaper in the long run. I had worse experience with the 14670 cells that are essentially the same length as RCR123's but only one battery. I believe I only have one of those that's still working and it's in a handlight as well.

When/if you buy some, get the protected cells. They stop flowing current before reaching low enough voltage to kill the cell. That's important when you hand off a light to a firefighter/bystander/mother-in-law that doesn't know to shut off the light when it begins to fail.

I'm not affiliated but I use the protected AW 750ma RCR123a's.

[Delta1067]

Thanks, this answers my question. I will try them out in a Surefire G2 LED.

Geoffrey, since you are using AA flashlights could you recommend one that is reliable and sturdy. It would have to fit in a pocket, be activated by a tailcap switch, be an LED model, and throw out at least 80 lumens.

[Geoffrey]

Right now there are not a lot of choices in quality AA lights with "forward" clickie switch. Fenix makes a bunch, they are made in China unfortunately, but they are well made and have great customer service.

Currently I carry a Fenix L1T V2.0 https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=334

It uses 1 AA battery and while it states that it is 90 lumens I would say it is more like 60-70. This light is brighter and has a more white light than my Surefire E2E did. This has been a great light, it has two outputs and is my daily carry.

It doesn't come with a pocket clip but you can get one from Gerber that will fit it.

Fenix offers TONS of AA lights. FenixStore.com offers a great selection.

There is also the NiteCore Defender Infinity. Also well made, but made in China. Seen here http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/flashlights%20main/defender_infinity.htm
This has gotten great reviews and from what I have read is VERY bright.

TAD is out of stock so I don't have one yet.

If you don't mind well made Chinese product Fenix or Nitecore are both good options. Neither one has a pocket clip, but pocket clips from the Gerber Infinity can be altered to work extremely well.

If you don't mind reverse click then the JetBeam Pro uses a AA and has a pocket clip http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/jetipro.html

Btw "reverse" click means you press the switch in all the way and the light comes on once you release the switch. Alternatively "forward" click means the light comes on as you press the switch on and you can use the light without clicking it on

Also if you are going to use a AA light I highly recommend Sanyo Eneloop http://www.eneloop.info/ batteries. They work extremely well in flashlights and have a very slow discharge rate.

Hope this helps.