Rechargeable batteries for weapon light?

[AndeyHall]

I've got a streamlight TLR-1 HL and it came with CR123A batteries and a little slip of paper saying to only use either their brand or Energizer or Duracell or some other name brand. However I was wanting to find a set of rechargeable batteries to use instead. Anyone have any experience or knowledge on if this would cause issues or mess up the light?

 

[UATKP]

I think they do this because they are paid some stipend by the particular battery companies. It's your light because you paid for it. I'd put what I wanted in it, if it were mine.
Of course, I've never even seen the light you named, so I don't know what I'm talking about.

 

[r1derbike]

There are rechargeable lithium ion batteries (CR-123), but unprotected (non current limited) cells are very dangerous when used in multi-cell applications, if one of the batteries is old, or defective, leaving the fresh cell to lead the pack and deliver dangerous current which may result in an explosion.

I've used rechargeable lithium-ion cells for RC, imported flashlights (Chinese, which use the same cells used in laptops), and they are fantastic for the energy they deliver, but have to be recharged with care (balanced, in multiple cell applications). They become unstable if discharged beyond a certain point as well, and the same applies to overcharging. Smart chargers are a must!

Just do a search on CR123 rechargeable batteries. I only use primary cell CR123s, for most of my weapon light applications, because the lights are very rarely used.

Again, please find protected rechargeable CR123 batteries, if they are available, if that is what you want.

You might want to do a search on rechargeable lithium ion explosions and fires, to get a feel for the danger and risk involved.

 

[AndeyHall]

There are rechargeable lithium ion batteries (CR-123), but unprotected (non current limited) cells are very dangerous when used in multi-cell applications, if one of the batteries is old, or defective, leaving the fresh cell to lead the pack and deliver dangerous current which may result in an explosion.

I've used rechargeable lithium-ion cells for RC, imported flashlights (Chinese, which use the same cells used in laptops), and they are fantastic for the energy they deliver, but have to be recharged with care (balanced, in multiple cell applications). They become unstable if discharged beyond a certain point as well, and the same applies to overcharging. Smart chargers are a must!

Just do a search on CR123 rechargeable batteries. I only use primary cell CR123s, for most of my weapon light applications, because the lights are very rarely used.

Again, please find protected rechargeable CR123 batteries, if they are available, if that is what you want.

You might want to do a search on rechargeable lithium ion explosions and fires, to get a feel for the danger and risk involved.

Sounds like more trouble than it's worth for what little it gets used.

 

[Dave]

Check this. I buy several boxs at least every year.
Cheapest price I have found for a dozen of good batteries.
Surefire lights are too expensive to ruin with bad batteries.
Anyway try this link. The third item is rechargeable.
Never tried them myself.
Battery / Charger Products

 

[AndeyHall]

Check this. I buy several boxs at least every year.
Cheapest price I have found for a dozen of good batteries.
Surefire lights are too expensive to ruin with bad batteries.
Anyway try this link. The third item is rechargeable.
Never tried them myself.
Battery / Charger Products

So you think the surefire rechargeable batteries would be safe? Cause they're about he same price as 6 sets of the streamlight batteries, so it would be worth it over time.

 

[r1derbike]

Follow their warnings and guidelines below:

Battery Warnings and Handling

http://www.surefire.com/counterfeit-battery-warning

 

[Dave]

I would trust Surefire on about anything.
I have had some of there tactical lights for many years
And no problems at all. Some take 6 batteries.
Only reservation I would have is how long will they discharge
before needing recharge. Most rechargeable I have tried in
other things do not last near as long. That's one reason I just
find the best bulk price for batteries I need. I do keep a stock
of other size batteries and solar chargers just in case.
I use the cr123 in several wireless security systems and change
the batteries every year But have tested a few and let them run
until the system indicates a low battery. That is usually around
3 years. If it's something I don't use very much like the tactical
lights I only am concerned with one leaking and ruining a light.
I have tested a few with a VOM after 3 years and there still near
full charge.

 

[jcreek]

I bought off brand rechargeables at Batteries Plus for my surefire G2X and they work just fine. Battery life is less than with disposable but they definitely save money in the long run. It will void your warranty because of the possibility of leakage so it's kinda luck of the draw with off brand rechargeables.

 

[AndeyHall]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'm just going to buy a bulk amount of regulars and stick with that.

 

[BigSlick]

Rechargeable batteries are good if you use the light every day and can have another set charging which you can swap out when one set runs down. If you rarely use this light stick with the cr123's. They will hold their charge for years and always be ready when you need it. Look for bulk deals on EBAY. You can buy them in sets of 40, 50 or even 100. I have purchased many different brands and all of them seem to be just as good as the surefire brand batteries. The last case I bought I paid about .80 cents per battery. That's real cheap when compared to Wally World prices which are about 5.00 bucks per battery. The price on these batteries has gone up of the last couple of months probably due to the increase in guns and ammo purchases. Just about every flashlight I have uses these batteries which is why I buy them in bulk.

 

[r1derbike]

I agree. Primary batteries are a heckuva deal if you are not using the lights a lot. I believe some of the newer rechargeable batteries retain 85 to 90 percent charge after a year of non-use, they are expensive.

I do use rechargeable 38650s (I hope that is right numerically) in my chinese high powered flashlights, with care. They are the laptop cell batteries with protection.

 

[jcreek]

I agree. Primary batteries are a heckuva deal if you are not using the lights a lot. I believe some of the newer rechargeable batteries retain 85 to 90 percent charge after a year of non-use, they are expensive.

I do use rechargeable 38650s (I hope that is right numerically) in my chinese high powered flashlights, with care. They are the laptop cell batteries with protection.

17650 actually. Those are the ones that are the same diameter as cr123s but twice the length so you only need one for a standard 2 battery flashlight.

 

[wolf_fire]

I can put cheap ammo in my firearm and it will most likely go through without a hitch... but ummmm, why would I risk it.

I think you are making a good decision to just buy new. I too have a high lumen output flashlight that uses CR123. I buy a dozen batteries at a time and don't go through them very fast, but they have a long shelf life. Keep unused batteries in a cool place like a refrigerator and they last longer.

 

[jcreek]

I the only reason I use rechargeables is because I'm an armed security patrol officer, graveyard shift so I use mine extensively every night. I was going through a pair of CR123s every 8-9 days which wasn't working for me.

 

[Austin]

I agree with buying bulk of non-rechargeable if you dont use them all the time. I use li-ion 18650 batteries at work and they are good. Always a risk involved though.

 

[dustoffuh1]

Yep, I just buy them in bulk. You can find them on Amazon, batteries dot com etc etc etc. I don't use mine enough to use rechargeables.

 

[XD40scinNC]

Rechargeable batteries loose their charge just sitting, up to 1% of the charge per day.

Surefire CR123 batteries have excellent life, and shelf life. Due to the construction of my house, most of the alarm sensors are wireless and are powered by these batteries. In 11 years, I've replaced them only twice.

Shop online and you can find much better pricing than a hardware store or battery specialty retail store.

 

[Blackhawk 93]

I agree that rechargeables in a daily used (or nightly rather) flashlight is a smart idea. But on a weapon light? Unless you practice alot, or have to point your weapon alot at everything you want to light up, I'd stick with the new ones. They have a shelf life of 10 years and I only point my weapon when I'm seriously threatened by something. I have the TLR-2 which is similar to the TLR-1 but with a laser, and even with much use at first getting them sighted in they are still extremely strong.

Of course, my light is only used on my nightstand firearm, and is only for bump in the night issues. If yours is being used alot, it may be worth it. But I'd hate to have them and need them and they start to go downhill. Those batteries aren't the easiest thing to swap out in the dark.