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

© Copyright

 

Fenix TK41 Flashlight: Dominate the Dark

The TK41 Flashlight by Fenix is a solid multifunctional flashlight that packs 800 Lumens of pure power which will allow you to dominate in a low-light or no light environment. One of the main benefits of this effective light is that it works on 8 AA batteries and not the expensive CR123 battery. If you use rechargeable batteries you will be good to go and save a lot of money. There was a time when it was not possible to produce 800 Lumens from AA batteries but technology has improved making this a reality that should not be overlooked or under appreciated by the consumer. I do not think I will go back to using flashlights that utilize CR123 batteries unless it fills a very specific need that cannot be achieved with AA batteries.

TK41 Flashlight

The Fenix TK41 has two buttons to operate the flashlight. One button is the on-off button which also activates the strobe function when it is double clicked - very fast, simple, and easy to activate even under stress. The other button switches brightness levels of the light. There are 4 brightness levels being: 10, 108, 335, and 800 Lumens. Examples of appropriate use of the different settings include:

10 Lumens: Great when you are in your vehicle looking for something or writing a note, good for search and rescue operation to read a map, etc.

108 Lumens: Functions well when you are in a confined or smaller location but do not require overwhelming light. Great setting for using in an apartment or home when the power goes out. More than adequate for camping while sitting around the fire looking for something that you set down but can't find. This light also has an SOS strobe function that automatically works at the 108 Lumen setting. Not recommended for a law enforcement or tactical environment at this setting.

335 Lumens: Great for tactical situations where you want to momentarily blind an adversary. Also good for conducting building searches. Great law enforcement setting.

800 Lumens: Appropriate for search functions in an outdoor environment such as a search and rescue operation and for camping when you need to see for a long distance. Good tactical light if you are searching in a large warehouse, building, or mall. The strobe function works at the 800 Lumen setting. When at the 800 Lumen setting this light has very solid beam that goes for a long distance. Note: The 800 Lumen setting is not a good for conducting a building search for most apartments or residences because the output is so powerful that you will get "throw back" from the light especially with walls that are painted white. Such "throw back" could potentially impair your vision.

Overall:

This is a versatile law enforcement light and with a little practice it would be good for building clearing, target identification, and suspect control by impairing vision. When you hold the light your ring finger can easily activate both switches if needed. When utilizing the strobe feature you must also understand the tactics needed to use in conjunction with the light in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. If you are willing to take the time to train with this light, understand its strengths and weakness then you will be very satisfied with this product. One option for a flashlight holster is the Maxpedition Universal Light/Baton Sheath - Khaki 1708K.

Besides a law enforcement application the TK41 is a great option for your home, vehicle, camping, performing search and rescue operations or anytime that you need a light that will work in a multitude of situations. At the advertised price point it is hard to beat especially for 800 lumens. Size wise it is comparable to a 2-D cell MagLite.

It is a solid light that I would recommend as it has multiple uses and runs on conventional or rechargeable AA batteries. Always carry a back up flashlight and extra batteries otherwise the infamous Mr. Murphy will come knocking...at the worst possible time. Get this light and dominate the dark!

This knife can be purchased at: http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Flashlights-TK41-Flashlight/dp/B004XN3FHA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365393165&sr=8-1&keywords=fenix+tk41

//TC

© Copyright