Ok folks, I started out thinking a 2XAA mini-Maglite (incandescent) was a bright light. Then I found the wonderful world of LED’s and tried the Sipik SK68 with a AA. Then I found out what a 14500 was. Then I found out about 18650 batteries. Then I found out about 26650 batteries. You see where I’m going with this; BLF has been a wonderful educational resource. Much appreciated.
So, now it’s time to become more educated
I currently don’t have any CR123 lights. However, I’d like to learn more about them. I’ve learned that my Sipik SK96 can operate on a single 18650 or 2XCR123 (tried it yesterday while talking flashlights with my partner who has a Streamlight that uses CR123 batteries. So the questions start forming;
A CR123 is a non-rechargeable battery? (Although I see some places online that say you can recharge them 5-10 times on a slow charger safely)?
There are types of CR123 batteries that are normal rechargeable batteries?
I see CR123 and CR123A, what’s the difference if any?
As I understand it, a CR123 and a 16340 are the same? If not, what is the difference? If so, are they interchangeable i.e. can be used in a CR123 flashlight?
Sorry if I’m misunderstanding some terminology or mixing some things up, but that’s why I’m asking.
Also, for my AAA lights (I have a ML Solitare LED and I have a ThruNite Ti3 on the way), If I understand correctly the 10440 is the li-ion version? Should I stick with a AAA for these flashlights or is there a compelling reason to use a 10440 battery in them?
Okay, that should be enough for now. Thanks for the education and bringing me along.
CR123 are primary batteries, which means they are NOT rechargeable. There are batteries that are the same size as the CR123 batteries that are rechargeable and they are called RCR123 or 16340. CR123 is the same as CR123a and RCR123 is the same as RCR123a. 16340 is NOT the same as CR123 as 16340 refers to the rechargeable (RCR123).
10440 over AAA offers the same advantages of 14500 over AA, which is higher voltage and better performance. Use caution that your light supports 10440, but my lights that support 10440 are much brighter on 10440 than AAA.
10440, 14500, 16340, 18650, and 26650 all describe li-ion. The first two digits are the approximate diameter and the next two digits are the approximate length, so a 10440 is approx. 10 mm in diameter and 44mm long.
Side note: While primary CR123 batteries have very long shelf life (10+ years), it is always more dangerous to use two CR123 or 16340 in series than it is to use one 18650.
In regards to the 16340 batteries, I’ve been using Trustfire flames in 14500/18650/26650 and they’ve been a good battery for me so far. I’m assuming it should be a similar experience with the TF 16340 batteries? Or other options are welcome, I also have Genuine Sanyo 18650’s that I like quite a bit.
Thank you for the suggestion. From what I’m understanding, the 10440 will provide better performance in terms of brightness, but may not be useable for a particular AAA flashlight. I have no idea if the Maglite Solitare LED can use one or not, I see some folks have used it in the Ti3. They say it gets hot quick though. 120 lumens from a AAA light seems pretty sufficient to me. In regards to the Eneloops suggestion I’m seeing something like this on Ebay;
Never used Eneloops yet but from what little I’ve seen on them they are a great battery. Is this a fair price? Or if anyone has a link to a better deal that would be great. At the moment I have an alkaline AAA in my ML Solitare and was planning on the same for the Ti3 (CVS brand IIRC).
Alkalines leak, eventually. (The chemistry actually corrodes away the shell from the inside, using up the pure metal in the reaction)
When alkaline is used with LED lights, an alkaline may begin leaking before voltage drops to where the light starts to get dim.
The less risky way to use alkalines is with incandescent bulbs, because they get dim so fast you’re likely to notice when the alkalines start leaking soon enough to clean up.
The only Trustfire Flames I’ve ever purchased are the 16340’s and they are the reason I have never bought Trustfire batteries again. I use 16340’s in my EDC and I do not recommend the Trustfire.
Actual tested capacity of 4 different TF Flame 16340’s rated at 880mAH is between 240mAH and 280mAH.
Glad to here you are having good luck with Trustfire, you may have a different experience than I had with the 16340’s.
Most 16340 batteries are overrated with the exception of Xtar.
Xtar is a good quality protected, inexpensive and properly rated 16340 Li-Ion.
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