SureFire Rechargeable 123A Batteries

SureFire appears to have finally found a rechargeable 123A form-factor battery that they're happy enough with to put their name on it. The batteries are $6 each, and are available in two-packs as well as a combo with a charger that works from the wall and from vehicle (12V) power supplies. From the product shot it looks like they're using K2 Energy's LFP123A, which uses lithium-phosphate technology.

SureFire's traditional lithium batteries, which typically sell for around $2 each, will last about twice as long as a fully-charged rechargeable—but SureFire notes that the maximum output levels should not be different between battery types. K2 asserts that their batteries are good for over 2,000 charge cycles (SureFire more modestly claims only "hundreds") but they don't provide any details on their performance characteristics as they age.

The big challenge for rechargeable 123A-style batteries is that they typically operate at ~4.2V, whereas the lithium versions produce only 3V. This can have the nasty effect of overpowering and damaging some electronics and incandescent flashlights that are only expecting 3V cells. It looks like these batteries haven't solved that problem, as SureFire has a disclaimer not to use these cells with incandescent lights.

As rechargeable AA and AAA batteries have improved dramatically over the recent years—witness the fantastic eneloop batteries from Sanyo—rechargeable 123A batteries have been hobbled by the high voltage problem. This, in turn, has lead to a lot of people turning away from 123A-powered devices in favor of ones that use AA or AAA cells. I'm glad to see a big name step up and support a rechargeable 123A form-factor battery, even though it appears they haven't addressed the high voltage issue. And, though their runtime is a bit anemic, the ability to recharge them makes them a good value if you 123A-powered devices frequently. They're also invaluable in situations like large-scale disasters where normal supplies aren't easy to obtain but recharging existing cells from portable generators is possible.

Comments

[Steve Sarette]

My EDC flashlight is a Surefire E1B backup. I also have several other Surefires stashed here and there, including an old incandescent 6P in my truck and a U2 Ultra that I carry in my man bag (when I carry a man bag). I also have an A2 Aviator that I use in the dim LED (red) mode when I'm locking up the house at night.

Rechargeable 123s are interesting, but then you also need the recharger. One more thing to carry on vacation, one more thing to stick in your go-bag. I'd rather just buy 123s in bulk and stash them everywhere. Which is pretty much what I do. With a 10 year shelf life, that actually works for me.

I use my flashlights frequently, but it's still rare to need to replace a battery; usually once a year, six months at most. The run time on the LED flashlights is fantastic. Frankly, I think the lights would have to be out for a month or longer before I'd really wish I had rechargeables.