I'm just getting into this topic and can't thank you enough for how informative this great primer has been. Thanks man.

Cool vid. I use a lot of CR123, I buy them at the local gun shops that sell Surefire lights, they seem to sell the batteries for the best prices to encourage people to buy the lights

Thanks. Great video. I've tried explaining this same thing so several people but you explain it better than I can. This is important information for those new to CR123 batteries.

Another device that commonly uses CR123 that you might not think about - portable AED machines. The Zoll AED Plus unit has *10* of these batteries in it.

Hi, Like the examples you have shown. They have helped me sort out in my mind what I need. Just a note, I have a memory problem so having the batteries laid out like this is very helpful.

That warning really makes a good case for getting Countycomms battery holder.

I really liked the amount of information that was performed in the video Keep going that way.

Great information! Didn't know some of the information you covered. Three rules were good to go! Thank you.

Thank your for posting this video. I really appreciate your effort to warn us. Thank you for being so PATIENT. You Rock Dude! Thanks for ALL the GREAT posting you put up on the internet!!!

That maratac light that uses the AA is the most practical. In a pinch you can find an AA battery in a tv remote or out of a radio and the light works pretty good even on partially drained AA's. And you can use it as instant on by pressing the end with your thumb, without turning it. And it is plenty small. I love the shiny polished stainless too.

@airsoftgunsandknives I never had intentions of owning a sage , but was offered one in trade I coudlnt resist because of the trade off, you asked about the light before I owned one

you are so right about everything having the possibility of danger when misused. hell, even q-tips say right on the box "do not insert in to ear canal"

i have the xml edition of the mini 123 too. bought part of the first run. loving it, great light.

The video leaves little to question. Very informative. Philosophy as well.

@gsxer13 you cna buy and use rechargable CR123's

These tips that are said in the video are all great and correct. One thing is that you shouldn't throw them in the trash, it is recommended to recycle them at a facility. They contain Lithium which is fairly value, this reflects in the cost. Read On For More Information! I work over at Batteries + Bulbs. (Formally Batteries Plus) These are all rounded up to nearest dollar. 1 - $8.00 - $8.00/Battery 2 - $15.00 - $7.50/Battery 6 - $19.00 (Only select stores) - $3.17/Battery 12 - $27.00 - $2.25/Battery The brands we carry are Rayovac (1 Pack,2 Pack, 6 Pack), Duracell (1 Pack, 2 Pack), and Streamlight (12 Pack). Yes, mixing both used and new batteries can be very dangerous, possibly fatal. Same as with mixing different brands. If you need to know anything battery specific feel free to message me!

Awesome vid dude! Learned alot of tuff I didn't know,thanks!

I have been using Surefire CR123 batteries in my Fenix PD30 for a long time now. No problems at all. Batteries last a long time with the type of EDC use I do so the cost is not really that bad. Just pick up a box of cells and use em up over time. They last a long time so no worries there.

i love my four sevens quark 123^2 tactical. the dual mode program is nice, i didnt like scrambling through the modes to get to where i wanted

The SF's CR123 seem to be just a little bit longer than other brands CR123 so I think it's a good idea to check if they fit in the flashlight before you buy one.

@Nreckless all the batteries in the box have no been used including the one I use for the demo

My Surefire x400 uses cr123 and I love it. It goes well on my Colt Rail Gun.

Men I thought the same as you, and now re considering buying a CR123 flashlight for the same reasons that you mentioned

This video should be viewed by most people. The Arlo surveillance system use these type of batteries.

Thank you for the video. 👍🏽

cool thanks. did not know about that. I know I have always seen the same warnings on regular battery like AA and what not.

@videokid001 been working great in my maratac lights and remote controls

When my girlfriend's step father passed, he left us his massive surefire torch collection and until then, I'd never even seen a CR123A battery. He had stocked up on SF brand batteries that, unfortunately, don't seem to hold up to what their shelf life is stated to be. I was getting far less than 30 minutes of use from both single and double cell torches when I finally decided to toss them all about 2 weeks ago. After seeing this video, I'm glad I did. I never knew he had such an expensive hobby and collection, though. It's nuts.

thanks alot im new to the flashlight hobby and its good information for me

great info Jeff, Thx and Blessings.

I remember on Man v Wilid, Bear Grylls talks about if your phone is dead you can use your litium battery from it to puncture it and when it gets exposed to the air it'll ignite and burn and he shows you and actually starts a fire that way. So also good to know.

@TechCuber once you create a circuit they transfer energy sop both cells ahve equal amounts at all times and they drain evenaly

@xDEMONIZEDx there is far more energy in the CR123 lithiums than say a standard alkaline AA, the transfer of energy in multi cell lights when you mix one new batterey and one used will overheat them to the point of explosion, somethgin that WONT happen in alkalines

I'm thinking about buying the E1B and would really like to see your review/ opinions on it before I spend my hard earned money. looking forward to it!

"I don't like CR123 batteries!" Has an entire box of CR123 batteries.

Very nice! Thanks...

To quote another KZfaq user, "Dangerous Things Are Good." Know what you're doing before you do without knowing. Good general list of reminders for users, Jeff.

@blackroses4her I had thought I specifically said surefire offerings, obviously other companies offer them in AA and AAA as I own them

@RYDERkN my Quick, research shows 1 hour on turbo, but I may be wrong or at least my sources

The video leaves little to question. Very informative. Philosophy as well. Not limiting yourself. Rechargeable to follow?

What do you think about rechargeable cr123's in flashlights and if you like or dislike them what brand would you buy or what is a good brand I'm new to cr123's so i would like to know what you think. Thanks do much

for cr123 flashlights, its good to have rechargeable batteries. I bought a box of 12 surefire cr123 batteries for emergencies but i use the rechargeable batteries for everyday use

Hey Jeff you should try AW's IMR16340 cells in the lights that'll handle 8.4V, it's Lithium Manganese chemistry which is a rechargeable lithium ion, but it has zero chance of explosion/venting in flames, it also can provide upto a 8C constant discharge, eg 1 16340 size LiMn cell can provide upto 4A of current, that's enough to power a SST-50 at full power and a XM-L at full power, the downside is the low capacity which is 550mAh.

Crap man. In the beginning of the vid, I was like, "ha, what a pansy. Batteries scared him away." As you went further in, not I'M skeptical of my cr123 batteries! I recently bought some rechargeable on ebay and was wondering why I only got about half an hour out of my lights. NOW I KNOW! I ALMOST DIED MAN! YOU SAVED MY LIFE! THANKS!

man jeff your right that copper maratac light looks nice like that. i didnt think it would lok nice but damn!

I have a night vision monocular that runs on cr123 batteries. The interesting thing is that cr2 batteries work too. Will these be less powerful? Or what will the downside be to using these?

@simonsky8 great option, but if you need say 1000 lumens AAs wont cut it, haha unless your talking a half dizen or more and rechargable in a M@gmod

i like your how you try and explain stuff, the aaa and the aa are the same battery just different shape ie but they are both 1.5v,, but the cr123a is a different shape but they are 3v twice the voltage, so for every cr123a you have it,s 2 x aaa or aa i wish cr123 would becmome more popular

@Zigosity an alkaline or NiMH battery might ooze out, they will not explode and or vent with flame and the gas is not nearly as poisonous if ingested, people have gone to the hospital having breathing issues after having one vent, its serious

Hi Cutlery lover would you recharge a cr123 battery, I stopped using my scorpion flashlight because if the expence, in fact just a few hour's ago I pulled my scorpion out it was in a box with other flashlights, I'm not a high tech guy, and I really like my mag flasklights, but you can't argue how much better the light is on my scorpion, maybe I just use my scorpion too much, because it seems the batteries go real fast for me, could it be something wrong with the flashlight that causes it to drain the batteries so fast, Thanx in advance.

Thank you. Very useful !

hey jeff, are these saftey warnings for just cr 123s or all lithium batteries i.e. like a AAA lithium battery? trying to upgrade my battery usage from regular old cheap alkoline but just wanna be safe

My store sells the Surefire and Streamlight branded CR123 batteries for $1.99 a piece or $21 for a dozen. Sounds kinda pricey but that's literally the cheapest price you can find them around me for about 100 miles.

do cr 123's contain the cr1/3n batteries inside

Just curious never got a straight answer for this, is it okay to leave 2 CR123A lithium in flashlight? Will the flashlight drain over time? I have a sure fire set up to pressure switch. Should I just put them away next time I decide to use flashlight?

However, the USB rechargable Surefire keychain light he had ended up on my keyring and that thing is BRIGHT!! Holds a charge for months as well!

hey! cool you finally got a 4 sevens lights

@RYDERkN and affordable compared to similar output lights from surefire but surefire cant compete with fenix/ 4 sevens because surefure is an american company, prices reflect that...but yes fenix TK40 630 lumens for 1 hour on 8 AA's...just remember with lights you cant have all three...you usaly get 2 out of three, the three are size, brightness and run time...the TK40 takes 8 batteries and is huge....and has a short run time on high

Are these the same size as LR1-N?

REI sells a 12 pack for approx $2.40 each - $30 if you need something quick.

You forgot to mention that cr123 shelf life is 10 years and pwns alkaline shelf life. I have used "Tenergy" brand from amazon.com cr123 batteries in conjunction with dealextreme's various single celled flashlight models with no issues. Came in handy when trick or treating last year, the throw on these lights are insane it was like a mini sunrise in my hand.

@guns4good surefire or any US company cant compete with other companies around the world either as our costs are much higher

Thanks for the information

@MrHickstopher $23.88 for a dozen or just $1.99 each from goinggear where I got a bunch of lights Ill be showing soon

@cutlerylover Do you think it would be bad to use rcr123 batteries in that 4sevens quark mini

Can you use a semi used CR123 cell in the quark mini, as it only uses one?

Would these same issues that plague the CR123 also affect the CR2 batteries?

what are the best brand of CR123 batterys? im looking for longest lasting and lightest

man ive been using cr123 in my surefire light for 4 years with no problems at all and the batteries are not expensive. i buy surefire brand batteries at lowes. pack of 2 for $4.50

Jeff, you're not best off buying online in bulk, you're best off buying rechargeable batteries. Cheaper and greener!

I always carry two flashlights, and both use the 123 batteries. The ones I avoid are AAA's since getting them in lithium is nearly impossible and very expensive.

Why don't the CR123a batteries I got from work fit my gunlight and small maglight style pocket light I have? They seem to wide. They don't fit in the tube. Don't the CR123's and the CR123a's have the same diameter and length?

will you do a review of the 47 qmini 123? also do you think its okay to leave my qmini 123 on its head?

will you do a review of the 47 qmini 123?

I just found my 3 brand new a123 batteries from 2010 in a storage bag I had put away, I put them on a charger and they charged up quick. The only problem is I need a flashlight that is compatible

I see your point Jeff, I personally like the more powerful batteries. But let's say you have 3 Flashlights and you need 3 different batteries - if you run out on one of the six options, 1 light is gone, and batteries can't be shared. What I like to see is that AA and AAA batteries get better and used more in devices, so the supplies can be shared. I'm even bothered by the fact that my Fenix E01 uses AAA and my Fenix LD10 uses AA batteries and that I cannot share in an emergency situation.

what brands of cr123 batteries should I use

@jedininjapirate713 cheap isnt always good, please watch the video again

When batteries go dead in one light, I like to take them and suck them dry in my single cell lights, is this bad?(Any possibility of damage). Also, what point should I stop using CR123 batteries in the multi cell light, when the light doesnt turn on anymore or when it starts to dim? I have a Maelstrom S18 and only use new batteries from 47.

You switched the positions of the SF cr123a batteries. Has it blown up yet?

wow you bought the e2l?

@cutlerylover do you like flashlights?

@xDEMONIZEDx True, I have 2400mAh 11.1V lithiums for RC planes and when those go wrong you better hava fire extinguisher. Its not the safety factor I have a problem with its just that they aren't readily available.

@ALWAYZARMED surefire L1D?

what is your opinion on rechargeable cr123s?

hey i have a question, iv'e recharged my CR123s and its only gotten warn at most but i'm hearing that you can't. how does it work so well for me

what brand and what model is the 2nd flash light???

@lvcsslacker no, which is a good thing

how much run time do you get out of a cr123?

Read up everything you can on rechargeable rcr123's and get a couple of good quality cells. Batteries will never be a problem again. I'm using an AW RCR123 in my 4sevens Quark 123 Tactical.

@cutlerylover any suggestion of CR123 rechargeables?

hey jeff, where can i buy maratac aaa with shipping to europe?

@cutlerylover I was just messin.... Hahaha I'm new her on youtube you have the best videos

Jeff, these 'problems' with CR123As apply to ALL batteries. Any kind of battery could do this. It's intrinsic to the design of a battery.

Thank's Jeff Good Video big help. :D

I must admit, Imma CR123 fan. They blow away all other batteries. I may have missed this in the vid, but they also have an excellent shelf life - about 10 years. I think they'd be great to put into a storm shelter for that reason alone. Also, maybe it's cause I've already done my homework, but a lot of this information seemed quite obvious. But I suppose for a complete noob it's good info to know.

@MsTechDude lol....uhhh yes, been using flashlights for years, like nice flashlights not dollar store lights

I only have one flashlight that came with my Victorinox SAK, its a really nice little flashlight, runs off of two AAA batteries and it brighter than the 20-30 dollar lights my parents buy xD

I was wondering about your thoughts on the Maratac line. I thought I would get a AA or AAA light for ecd. My idea was a pocketable small edc and a more powerful but still carriable flashlight for my edc bag or for nature hikes. Rev 3 maratac line seems like a good way to go if I am going to do AA or AAA. The copper and brass options for AAA look fantastic. Unfortunately, free shipping with countycom is $99. This gives me the excuse to go get the AA x2 extreme tactical flashlight and a few other toys. The brass comes back in stock soon. Just for reference, I am just getting into the high quality edc flashlights. (I am hoping this "hobby" will not cost as much as finding the right edc knife . lol) My delima is that in my research for the right edc flashlight, I ran across the Olight s10r baton running off the 123a rechargeable. It looks like a powerful (squat and wider) pocketable ecd with a docking station that is the same as the Olight s20r and the s30r . Either s20r or s30r would fit the same function of the AAx2 as my edc bag/ nature hike flashlight. Both seem like great combinations. If I get rechargeable batteries and a charger for the Maratac combo, the cost is comperable. Since I have never held either brand, I just don't know about the small but important details such as, how do they feel in pocket? Is the quality of one combo higher than the other? What is the opinion of people who have seen both brands or even either brand? Not having seen either and not having the finances to be wrong, ... it is dificult. Any advice on the subject would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I am using Ultrafire 1300 lumens with two CR123A batteries but I already ordered the genuine Ultrafire 3000mah batteries