Batteries: CR123 Lithium vs. AA or AAA Lithium

It is not uncommon for much of the equipment in your gear setup to take batteries. This is especially true with flashlights. One way to maintain efficiency, cost effectiveness, and weight reduction is to, when possible; standardize your batteries so that all, or most, of your equipment uses the same size battery. This will allow you to interchange your batteries if necessary. Depending on your needs this may not always be possible. For example, when I worked in law enforcement my flashlights always used CR123’s because they were able to produce a higher output which I wanted. But, for most people their needs will not be so demanding. And, at the end of the day, you may need to sacrifice a little power and output for the ability to interchange batteries between other items of gear. There will always be a cost/benefit ratio that you must contend with and see if you can live with the advantages and disadvantages. There is a lot of technology that goes into producing batteries. I am purposefully going to stay away from the details and minutia so not as to bore you. Too many people get wrapped up in numbers when it comes to output, such as Lumens, in flashlights. They will adamantly argue that they “need” 225 Lumens as opposed to 125 Lumens. I have conducted numerous tests comparing different Lumens and most people either can’t tell the difference in brightness or state there is only a slight difference in output. Yes, there is a significant difference between an 80 Lumen light vs. a 300 Lumen light but you still must ask if you truly need 300 plus Lumens in a light. Only you can answer that question.  

As for me, I have made the conscious decision to stay away from CR123 lithium batteries if at all possible. I realize that this means that when using AA or AAA lithium batteries I sacrifice power (voltage) but I also reap the benefits of less expensive batteries, longer run-times, more availability, and most important the ability to use the batteries in different pieces of gear. 

I completely understand that CR 123 lithium batteries have more output for high-demand pieces of gear and can offer higher voltages than your standard AA lithium battery. But, how often do we need such high output especially when CR123 batteries are more expensive, have relatively short runtimes, and have less availability? If you work in law enforcement, the military, security, and other such jobs then you may justify the added expense. When my life is potentially on the line I never sacrifice cost. And, neither should you.

Benefits of Lithium AA and AAA Batteries

+ Lithium AA and AAA battery can be found almost anywhere

+ The level of availability is its greatest strengths

+ These batteries are also very lightweight

+ Are an adequate performer for most of your needs even in a bug out situation

+ More cost efficient compared to CR123 lithium batteries but more expensive than AA or AAA alkaline batteries

+ Work well in extreme temperatures

+ Long shelf life

Disadvantages of Lithium AA and AAA Batteries

+ More expensive than alkaline batteries

+ Less power output

Benefits of Lithium CR123 Batteries

+ Higher voltage output resulting in more power

+ Ability to have smaller sized and more powerful flashlights

+ Long shelf life

Disadvantages of Lithium CR123 Batteries

+ Expensive

+ Not widely available

+ There have been a lot of counterfeit CR123 batteries flooding the market. Some of these batteries have exploded leading to severe injuries.

Conclusion

When possible I stay away from CR123A lithium batteries because of their high expense, they are not widely available, have shorter run-times, and may not be interchangeable with other pieces of gear. I am willing to sacrifice some output if necessary. Many other people that I talk with about gear share the same ideas about the CR123 battery. The good news is that battery technology is rapidly advancing so my thoughts may change as battery technology improves. Overall, lithium batteries are much better than alkaline batteries. I am also aware of rechargeable batteries but that is conversation for another time. 

Never underestimate the ability to interchange batteries between different items of gear. This is especially true during a crisis when you may not have the opportunity to get to a store to obtain more batteries or other equipment. If you have already invested a lot of money in gear that uses CR123 batteries don’t worry as your investment is not a waste. But, as you begin to build, modify your setup, and analyze your gear you can now begin to integrate items that use a more standardized type of battery. Also, there are many people who will be willing to trade gear. There are many “uninformed” consumers of gear who will gladly trade up to a CR123 flashlight because of the added output while not thinking of the disadvantages. Their lack of knowing and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of gear can be used to your benefit. Good luck.

//TC

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