Batteries are a portable source of energy. But do you always have to worry about the battery’s backup? Or get frustrated when it’s unable to perform decently? Yes, I know the feeling.
There are a wide number of batteries available for different devices. All of them have their own pros and cons. But when it comes to using batteries in flashlights, none of them can outperform a CR123A battery.
The best CR123A batteries for flashlights are non-rechargeable. Nonetheless, they have the greatest capacity and can serve you for an extended period of time. Besides, its long-lasting shelf life kicks the other batteries out of competition at once.
Allow me to tell you the advantages of using CR123A batteries in flashlights, in short. Later, I will showcase the finest products available on the market that are worth the money.
Why Should You Use CR1231A Batteries for Flashlights?
There are several battery kinds that may be used in flashlights. However, for the greatest results, I always recommend using a cr123a battery. Here are the reasons why:
More Capacity
Many people are intrigued by modern rechargeable batteries used in flashlights. First, let me clear up the confusion.
Using flashlights with rechargeable batteries is inefficient. If the battery dies in an emergency, you won’t be able to recharge them quickly. Also, they do not provide backup like flashlights that use CR123A batteries.
A CR123A battery has a higher capacity than a regular AA battery. It is nearly twice as much. This is beneficial in clinical settings where a long-lasting light is required.
Yes, you may need to charge the battery after using it for a “long” time. However, as I said earlier, it delivers a longer backup. As a result, you won’t have to bother replacing them for at least 20-50 hours. That’s terrific!
Increased Power
Flashlights are certainly not used if there is enough light available. Imagine you’re already carrying a flashlight in the dark, yet it’s not providing you with enough light to see clearly.
How vexing might the issue be? Moreover, using two flashlights at the same time to increase brightness doesn’t quite seem to be realistic.
Using a CR123A battery comes in handy in this case. This is the battery type that powers a flashlight the most. It has a considerably greater voltage output than a standard double AA battery. And greater power equates to a brighter light output.
Lower Self-discharge Rate
The self-discharge rate of CA1213A batteries is the lowest. To be honest, it, to some extent, depends on the brand. However, it only drains about 5-10% of the battery in 5 years on average. Obviously, if stored at 20-25°C.
So, even if you don’t use your flashlight for an extended period of time, you don’t have to be concerned about the battery’s health. At the same time, rechargeable batteries self-discharge at a rate of 2.5% each month.
Temperature Tolerance
Batteries tend to underperform in extreme temperatures. The good news is that CR123A batteries are exceptionally resistant to high temperatures. These batteries are not damaged by extremely cold or hot temperatures.
As a result, performance-wise, flashlights powered by CR123A batteries consistently surpass other types. It makes no difference whether you’re staying in Quriyat or camping on a snowy mountain. These batteries will continue to work perfectly. And their lifespan won’t be affected at all.
Accessibility
If I have to buy a battery for my flashlights, it has to be easy to get. This is the most prevalent aspect that we typically overlook: battery availability.
CR123A is one of the most widely available and inexpensive cells. This is a significant advantage when relying on flashlights, particularly in urgent or survival circumstances.
Compactness
Have you ever considered the size of a flashlight battery? I’ve already highlighted a few of the key reasons why CR123A batteries are the most efficient for flashlights. But aren’t they non-rechargeable?
Since these batteries are just for one-time usage, you may need to carry a few more with you. And it’s a considerable fact if you’re a true hodophile.
If you’re in a crisis, lacking a sphere battery isn’t going to make you any better. And guess what? CR123A batteries are also famous for their portability too.
CR123A batteries are lighter than AA batteries. They are also much smaller in size. These traits make it feasible to carry them even in your pocket. If you’re going on a trip, you can easily store it in your emergency kit bag.
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3 Outstanding CR123A Flashlight Batteries
Now you know the advantages of using a CR123A battery in your flashlight. For their benefit, many brands have been making and selling these batteries to this day. As a result, it can be a hassle for some to find the right CR123A battery at times.
Don’t worry. I am here to assist you with that as well. Here are the top 3 CR123A batteries you can purchase blindly for your flashlight:
1. Tenergy 30408 High-Performance 3V 1500mAh CR123A Lithium Battery (Best for Cost competitive)
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Tenergy has made these CR123A batteries for devices that need a comparatively longer backup. These lithium 3V batteries have a capacity of 1500mAh. Thus, they are ideal for flashlights.
The Tenergy B003EOMVX8 battery is a one-time-use kind of battery. But they really have a very high density of energy stored in them. So, if I compare its longevity with a one-time use alkaline battery, CR123A lasts almost 3-5 times longer.
The Tenergy CR123A battery’s self-discharge rate is significantly lower. It’s almost less than 1% a year. So, if you don’t use the flashlight regularly, you don’t have to spend any extra bucks on buying a new battery. It remains charged year after year.
A CR123A battery isn’t a type of battery that can be fully discharged. Actually, attempting to discharge them deeply can really reduce their longevity and performance.
However, pressure and current protection safety are incorporated into these batteries. This feature prevents the batteries from unnecessary and excessive discharge.
Temperature protection is another feature you are getting in this battery. Though this battery already has a wide operational temperature range of -20°C to 60°C, the feature is gonna eliminate any possible performance lags in extreme environments.
Bonus: Tenergy CR123A lithium batteries are ROHS, UN, UL certified. That means they are tested, and it is proved that they don’t contain hazardous substances.
The dimension of the Tenergy CR123A battery is 17 mm (diameter) x 34.5 mm (length). For this specific dimension, they are able to replace almost all common batteries used in flashlights.
So, if you already have any kind of 123, 5018Lc, or CR17345 batteries in your existing flashlight, they obviously aren’t providing great performance. And you can easily replace it with a Tenergy CR123A battery in no time and get all the benefits instantly.
The battery is only 16 grams in weight. It allows you to carry backup batteries for flashlights without weighing your backpack.
This is a disposable, not a rechargeable battery. So don’t attempt to recharge them. It may cause short circuits and hurt you in many ways.
Pros
• It is cost-competitive.
• It has a very low self-discharge rate.
• The battery can outperform in extreme temperatures.
• It is certified for its safety features.
• It can easily replace most other common flashlight batteries because of its size.
• Has a battery shelf life of 10 years.
2. Streamlight 85180 CR123A Lithium Batteries (Best for Durability)
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If you don’t need to use your flashlight on a regular basis but want the most durable battery, the non-rechargeable Streamlight 85180 CR123A Lithium Battery is the ultimate pick for you.
This battery has a very lower self-discharge rate. As a result, even if you leave them for years, they will still be working fine.
While having the benefits of a longer-lasting battery, here comes another concern. A major one. Generally, if you leave a battery in a flashlight for a really long time, there is a possibility of corrosion.
But Streamlight has used anodized aircraft aluminum while making these 85180 CR123A Lithium Batteries. As a result, this is highly resistant to corrosion. You don’t need to worry about your battery’s life nor your flashlight’s.
The battery is 3V and has a capacity of 1400 mAh.
However, there are flashlights of different lumens in the market. But this battery can provide you with up to 28 hours of backup if the flashlight is rated at 2.5-3 lumens. If the lumen is 105, you’ll get around 3.5 hours of backup, which is great.
The size of this battery is 1. 36″ (34. 5 mm) in length and has a diameter of 0. 67″ (17 mm). For this specific size, it can easily replace all other double AA or different brand CR123A batteries in flashlights.
The battery has an actual shelf life of 10 years. Besides, Streamlight is offering you a 1-year warranty with this product.
Pros
• It is the most durable battery for flashlights.
• Highly resistant to corrosion.
• It has a shelf life of 10 years.
• The battery’s self-discharge rate is very low.
• For its size, you can easily replace other flashlight batteries with this one.
• A 1 warranty is provided with the product.
Cons
• The capacity is lower than that of other best CR123A batteries.
3. Energizer 0036QL1JY CR123A 3V Lithium Battery (Best Battery Backup)
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Energizer has made a few types of CR123A batteries for different kinds of devices. They have differentiated batteries for daily mid to low drain usage, frequently fast drain usage.
However, they made a battery that is most suitable for high-tech devices. It drains the charge very slowly, hence providing a greater battery backup. The Energizer 0036QL1JY CR123A 3V Lithium Battery is the one.
I recommend this battery especially for flashlights as they are 3v and higher in capacity. It has a capacity of 1500mAh. The more the capacity, the longer the backup.
It is very resistant to extreme temperatures. So, freezing weather or hotter temperatures will have no damaging effect on this battery. Therefore, your flashlight won’t underperform anywhere in the world.
The shelf life of this battery is a whopping ten years, just like the other best CR123A batteries. You can leave it unused for years without fearing total discharge.
However, as this non-rechargeable battery is not 100% corrosion resistant, I recommend not leaving the battery in flashlights for years. But it’s okay if you’re not using the flashlight for a few months.
The height of this battery is 34mm, and the diameter is 17mm. The size made the battery a handy and empowered replacement for CR17345 and other 123 batteries in flashlights.
Pros
• The battery has better capacity comparatively.
• This battery is exclusively made for high-tech flashlights.
• It is greatly resistant to extreme temperatures.
• The shelf life of this battery is very long-lasting.
• Easy replacement for other flashlight batteries.
Cons
• No pressure or current protection features are incorporated into this battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I recharge a CR123A battery?
Nowadays, there are variations in the market. You really can find some rechargeable CR123A batteries. But the fine CR123A batteries for flashlights are mostly non-rechargeable. And you certainly can’t recharge them.
Attempting to recharge them will not increase their capacity but will cause them to heat up and leak. This might result in rapture. So, don’t ever try to do this.
- What’s the difference between a CR123 battery and a CR123A battery?
There is absolutely no difference. Some manufacturers brand their batteries as CR123A, while others use CR123 to name the cells they make.
As a result, it’s only a question of labeling the batteries with identical specs, like the voltage, current output, capacity, and others.
- Can corroding affect even the best CR123A batteries for flashlights?
Very Low possibility, but yes. On the contrary, you can easily get rid of that. You just have to clean them slowly with vinegar. Using a tiny brush will definitely escalate the process.
- Can you leave CR123A batteries in a flashlight?
The shelf life of CR123A batteries is quite extensive. It’s around ten years. That indicates the chances of leaking prior to that is low. Having said that, I wouldn’t recommend leaving flashlight batteries in if you’re not going to use them for a “really” long time.
As I previously stated, CR123A batteries can also cause corrosion. As a result, it is prudent to store the battery in a ziplock bag to keep your flashlight safe. Besides, it will also protect you from possible short circuits produced by the battery.
Final Thoughts | Longer Lifespan with Enhanced Features
No matter what, contemporary rechargeable batteries are constantly compared to CR123A flashlight batteries. Since rechargeable batteries can be charged/discharged 100-180 times, it may often lead you to the greatest misconception.
Yes, the batteries are rechargeable. However, their battery backup decreases significantly over time, cycle after cycle. Even so, their overall backup is less than that of CR123A batteries. On the other hand, if they are not used regularly, they won’t last long.
In this case, using a non-rechargeable CR123A in your flashlight will be the wisest. They have a higher backup time, a longer lifespan, and better safety features built-in.
Yes, you have to change them once they are fully discharged to their capacity. But spending some extra bucks on the best CR123A batteries for flashlights will definitely serve you way better in the long run.
In every way, CR123A is and will always be the best battery for flashlights. Period.
Resource
- Battery Shelf Life Guide→ https://www.batteryequivalents.com/battery-shelf-life.html
- Understanding Battery Capacity & Voltage→ https://www.explainthatstuff.com/batteries.html
- Proper Storage of Lithium Batteries→ https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2022/Summer-2022/Features/Lithium-Ion-Batteries
- Temperature Effects on Battery Performance→ https://www.energizer.com/battery-technology/battery-care-and-handling
