It's probably just the need to always plan ahead to make sure you get your new order of batteries before the last ones run out.
I just don't like using primaries at all, it just seems rather wasteful.
secretlyabitofahippyPook :P
I mostly use rechargeables too. I may use a dozen or so 123s a year but I'm not going to pay $12.
whathaveistartedFoy
International shipping from the US is rather expensive - then I'd be liable for import duty, VAT, and the PO ransom fee. The PO fee would be 50% more than the cells cost ($21). I've never bought a CR123s from a retail store, and I hope I never have to.
The duty-free import limit was dropped last week from roughly $29 to $24. And the cost of the postage is included. So I'd now be looking at $50 for 10 plus a few pennies in VAT. I can get them cheaper than that.
It is usually quite expensive for us here to buy stuff from the US and get it shipped. For some reason our Customs are far more vigilant about stuff coming from the US than almost anywhere else. Especially when the exchange rate is better than it is now. If the exchange rate goes over $2 to the pound (Currently around $1.6), Customs pretty much open everything bigger than an envelope from the US.
I was quite surprised not to get hit with a large post/duty/VAT charge for these Xtar lights as the Customs paperwork declared a value of $46.
Two lights from Shining Beam
1) a red iTp A3 EOS keychain light. Nice broad beam, lights up a whole room. Two modes, a medium and high setting.
2) Romisen R3 N3 A very short CR123 light, with an optional tube that you can screw on and use it with 2 AA batteries. ALso a floody, but light up my entire front yard as well as my neighbors yard across the street. SB included a freebie Cr123 battery with the order
I got one of the lower grade Ultrafire MCU C7's from DX today. Although I know this isn't as good of a torch as it used to be but I still think it is quite nice! I never had an original so I can't compare but I really like this one alot! It is bright and the finish is great and threads on mine aren't to bad. I wish it was drove harder though. My sample is only drawing 790mA on a full charged 16340 cell. I like the 3 modes and memory is instant...I do wish the low was even lower though but I guess it was a better choice being a bit higher in a High Low Strobe arrangement.
I know some that have purchased the original super high quality one will probably disagree with me but I still find this to be a very nice torch and can highly recommend it and am happy to add it to my collection! I will be buying more as spares! I will now also be buying the overpriced Manafont XP-G version as well just because I can't stop myself!!! I am ill!!!!
P.S. I am also expecting a SRM763 and a AKOray K109A programmable torch from KD!
I got my Jetbeam BA20 from GoingGear just a few minutes ago. BA20 is a 2 mode (245lm and 30lm), 2xAA light with R5 led. It has a good body, tailstands and has a forward clicky (modes change by head turn).
Don - Wow, so you have to add that to every light you consider purchasing. That would be the tipping point for my wife; no way would she remain quiet when she learned of import duty.
Foy
Mostly not. I do actually take care that as many of my orders as possible are below the limit (Was £18 until last week, now £15 and there is a lot of talk about abolishing altogether). The highest it can be in the EU is the euro equivalent of £18 as I understand it. Denmark is much lower than that.
I have never had to pay import duty on an HK/China package.
The basics of the rules are here but you also need to find out the commodity code (Of which there are over 14,000) to find out how much duty is involved. Usually the amount is zero and you just have the VAT (20%) on the item and its transport/postage/whatever costs. If this is below £9 (US$14.40 at the current exchange rate) the Customs waive it. Import duties only start at £135.
However, the Post Office will charge you a customs clearance fee which will be either £8 or £13 depending on which bit of the PO handles the parcel. Unless it has gone up. Again.
But not if the Customs wave it through. UPS fifteen years ago charged £25 for the same complete lack of service, and others were worse I'm told. This is for showing the CN22 to a Customs officer then picking the parcel up again. Complete rip-off.
Well, since I placed my Manafont order (Ultrafire WF 503B, Ultrafire T6 and 2 18650s) from work on my boss's eBay account, it arrived here today. Hong Kong Post in 9 days! That's the quickest I've experienced so far.
I'll do a full review of the 503 soon but I just wanted to give it up to Jim and Manafont for some pretty good customer service. Nothing makes a tightwad flashaholic happier than low prices, cash back and fast turnaround.
manilaenvelopesmakemehotFoy
today i got a new GRANDSON 8lb-7
i am having a few beers please forgive if i post more nonsense than usual
CHEERS Barrie
Congratulations!
Enjoy yourself!
Hey scruffy, congratulations!
foyhas5and2onthewayFoy
Congratulations, Barrie! All of the fun, none of the responsibility. Enjoy the new grand!
Now you get to buy baby gadgets!
Congratulations Barrie :)
a big Heartfelt thanks to all of you
thanks my friends
Barrie
I bet shipping was costly lol!
Congrats on a new grandson! Don't spoil him too much. Don't forget to teach him the essentials of flashaholism =D
Best to start 'em young :) - http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?guid=2CC39DA4-19B9-F369-D99B-D854E23F9110&product_id=25819&src=endeca
I'm sure you could upgrade it first :P
Congratulations on your healthy and BIG Grandson Barrie!!!
This buds for you!!! 
I probably was one of the biggest babies born and believe me--I was HUGE!
13 lbs. 8 oz. 
Congrats Scruffy!!
Way to go Scruffy.
All the best. :)