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The CR123A battery is a 2/3A size lithium manganese, 3.0V non-rechargeable battery. CR123A battery size is CR17335, which is a 17mm diameter, 33.5mm height lithium manganese column battery. CR2 is CR15270, which is a 15mm diameter, 27mm height lithium manganese column battery.
Price and availability
AA batteries are inexpensive and readily available and are the reigning champion of the EDC torch battery category. Because they are so easy to obtain and stock up on, many EDC enthusiasts favour AA torches. This is a crucial advantage when in an emergency or survival situation.
You sometimes have to look at the bottom of the supermarket shelf to find some CR123A batteries. They are often thought to be the type of batteries that should be used in professional appliances (like cameras). They are also more expensive – 1 decent 12-cell box of CR123A batteries costs about $20, while 12 alkaline AA batteries cost half that amount.
Size
The most obvious difference between AA batteries and CR123A batteries is their size. AA batteries are long and thin, while CR123A batteries are short and stubby. The difference may not seem significant, but it is especially noticeable when it comes to the size of torches using this battery, especially with dual-cell torches (usually 2AA torches are much longer than 2xCR123 torches). Generally speaking, AA torches are longer and thinner, CR123A torches tend to be shorter and thicker.
For us EDC enthusiasts, the first thing to consider is the size and shape of the kit, as it has implications beyond just carrying it in your pocket, and a good feel in your hand. Here’s an example of a regular CR123A torch compared to a Fenix LD11 torch, a single AA torch that is a good model. Depending on the size of your hand and how you need to hold it, you may have to think more about the battery configuration than others. I have smaller hands and prefer the shorter CR123A torch, but the same torch may make it uncomfortable for people with larger hands.
Output and range
The torch relies on the voltage from the batteries to drive its LED to emit a bright beam of light (measured in lumens). An AA battery has a voltage of only 1.5V, but this is enough to produce a powerful beam – for example, the Fenix LD11 can run at 130 lumens for 2 hours on the high brightness setting. And the 3V CR123A battery can provide the Fenix PD25 to run at 400 lumens for 70 minutes in the very bright position. Although the LEDs they use are different, in general CR123A torches can achieve a greater output than AA torches.
To make the most of this power, sometimes manufacturers produce CR123A torches like a ‘pocket rocket’, for example with a larger head to increase range and to control excess heat from the increased voltage, making the overall size of the torch close to an AA torch (see Fenix PD25 vs Fenix LD11).
While this is certainly impressive, brightness is not everything. Battery life is just as important (especially in an emergency). At the same 50 lumens, the LD11 lasts up to 7 hours and 50 minutes on AA batteries. Not bad, eh? Well, the PD25 lasts up to 9 hours and 5 minutes with a CR123A battery.