[ackbob]

I found out this morning that I needed to pick up some odd ball batteries for an under gun light -- luckily before I needed to use it..... but how many are getting the odd ball batteries now..?

 

[The Saint]

If your referring to the CR-123 3vdc lithium or equivalent then I buy by the case. But all my other battery operated devices are AA or AAA.

 

[Deadmeat99]

Odd ball batteries are why I'm starting to prefer devices that run AA's. I have a few devices that run CR123s, and while they are stout, the batteries can get expensive. The best bet for those odd-ball sizes are to buy in bulk, and buy lithium if you can for the storage life. I think CR123s can be had for about $1-$2 per if bought in bulk, compared to the $5-$6 you'll see in retail stores.

 

[The Saint]

Speaking of aa and aaa not all of these batteries are cut from the same cloth. do some research on battery types and choose your batteries based on purpose (ie type of gadget you will be powering) and expected shelf life.

For instance Lithium has a very long shelf life but when it dies it dies very fast there is no "getting dimmer" warning to them.

 

[SurvivalMike]

I try to avoid them when possible. I understand that batteries have a limited shelf life. So it would be wise to have devices that can be powered with chem batteries that would be cheap and relatively available post SHTF.

At least that is the hypothesis. In reality it is sometimes hard to accomplish. Like a good weapon light with adequate output and run time that runs on AA. Not found one yet. But I do have a decent back up 1 watt LED light that I fit into a mount that takes AAA. Trade off but better than nothing should the time ever come.

 

[ackbob]

CR123 are $6.99 a piece here .. and that is the one I was talking about...... all my others are AA or AAA also

 

[The Saint]

OK engineering preppers secret here.

This is where I buy mine.

http://www.batteriesandbutter.com/?gclid=CInw042bhaQCFcHY5wodHCs_Gw

 

[VINCENT]

this is my one and only end all be all battery suggestion. buy durracell. they have a warrenty like no other. i have only twice had thier batteries leak into and ruin any of my items. i contacted the company, and both times they send me a check for the full price to replace the item, plus they sent me a pile of coupons for $20 worth of free batteries

 

[The Saint]

this is my one and only end all be all battery suggestion. buy durracell. they have a warrenty like no other. i have only twice had thier batteries leak into and ruin any of my items. i contacted the company, and both times they send me a check for the full price to replace the item, plus they sent me a pile of coupons for $20 worth of free batteries

cannot argue with you there they do have a very good quality control system.

 

[VINCENT]

they also own gillette, they sent me a free rasor too. i think its still under the counter since i dont shave.

 

[merccom]

i try to go rechargeable with everything.

i love my Li-ion rechargeable CR123s you'll just never beat them for lifespan or price.

 

[The Saint]

they also own gillette, they sent me a free rasor too. i think its still under the counter since i dont shave.

I have an electric....woops

 

[VINCENT]

there you go again, anything you have that isnt electric?

 

[The Saint]

there you go again, anything you have that isnt electric?

shoelaces, but Im working on it.... :thumb:

 

[hatguy]

Luckily for me I have connections and can get any batteries I need....though I don't like using those tiny thing unless I need it. I started using Industrial batteries in everything I have, and, except in my camera, they last forever...

 

[The Saint]

Luckily for me I have connections and can get any batteries I need....though I don't like using those tiny thing unless I need it. I started using Industrial batteries in everything I have, and, except in my camera, they last forever...

You need connections to get batteries???


Psssst hey buddy need a ray-o-vac? :

 

[Partial Deck]

Battery station provides the best bang for the buck on cr123s according to testing done on lighting forum. I can not recommend highly enough NOT buying any not made in USA as there have been incidents of them literally blowing up and starting fires when used in twos and especially when using mismatched (as in brand or remaining voltage) batteries. Battery Stations batts are made in US and are good as are the special now on case of 100 at battery junction around $1.10-1.20 each depending on quantity purchased. If you are unsure check out the battery section on Candle Power Forums, a little homework can save a burned house, seriously.

 

[Graywolf]

Don't know if any of you have heard of a fairly new rechargeable battery that has been on the market for the past couple of years. It is called an "Eneloop" NiMH battery, and it is made by Sanyo in Japan. Where most batteries can only be recharged about 500 times, the new Eneloop can be recharged up to 1500 times, and it has no memory effect. These batteries will retain up to 75% of their original charge after three years of storage and are suitable for temperatures as low as -20° C. Amazon sells them, and from what I am seeing, they run about the same price as all the other rechargeables. If you are interested in more information, check out their website at:
http://www.eneloop.info/home/the-new-improved-eneloop.html

 

[MikeK]

If your referring to the CR-123 3vdc lithium or equivalent then I buy by the case. But all my other battery operated devices are AA or AAA.

I'm the same way. The only oddball battery size I use are the 123s and I buy in bulk. I've standardized everything else on AA so I can use rechargables. I wish they'd start making a lot of the devices that use two 123s to use four AAs instead. I have a Russian IR illuminator that uses four AAs and they set it up to run them side by side in a square. It fits the hand perfectly. This would be a better choice for high powered LED flashlights than two 123s in my opinion. Not only more comfortable to hold, but better battery life, even with rechargeables.

 

[MikeK]

I try to avoid them when possible. I understand that batteries have a limited shelf life. So it would be wise to have devices that can be powered with chem batteries that would be cheap and relatively available post SHTF.

At least that is the hypothesis. In reality it is sometimes hard to accomplish. Like a good weapon light with adequate output and run time that runs on AA. Not found one yet. But I do have a decent back up 1 watt LED light that I fit into a mount that takes AAA. Trade off but better than nothing should the time ever come.

The Russians make some weapon lights and IR illuminators that use 4 AAs. There aren't many importers though so they're expensive. I hope that'll change in the near future. They're outstanding units.