SureFire SF2-CB 123A Batteries Review: 8.7/10 Verdict
A verified Amazon buyer called these batteries “cheap lithium batteries that aren’t ‘cheap’,” praising their consistent brightness and solid fit. That sentiment—balanced between affordability and reliability—runs deep in user feedback for the SureFire SF2-CB 123A Batteries (2-Pack), earning them an 8.7/10 in our aggregated scoring from thousands of cross-platform reviews.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long 10-year shelf life praised by multiple users | Packaging inconsistencies noted |
| Consistent output in high-drain devices | Some reports of short runtime |
| Manufactured in USA with fault protection | Occasional defective units reported |
| Works across SureFire and other compatible brands | Chemical smell noted by a few buyers |
| Well-suited for extreme temperatures | Non-rechargeable – limits flexibility |
| Fair price compared to drugstore CR123As | Not ideal for those wanting rechargeable options |
Claims vs Reality
SureFire markets these 123A lithium cells as optimized for flashlights, boasting a “ten-year shelf life” and performance in “extreme temperatures from -76°F to 176°F”. While Amazon reviews confirm the long shelf life claim—one Trustpilot buyer noted “a freshly made date…much better than some I have gotten from other sources”—real-world runtime varies.
The brand also touts built-in heat and fault protection. This matches well with Reddit commentary on safety; one user highlighted how "built-in fault protection…causes the battery to shut down should overheating occur", reducing risks of venting but potentially surprising users who interpret shutdown as battery failure.
Lastly, SureFire stresses “optimized power for high-drain devices”. In field use, a Trustpilot reviewer tested these during a 40-minute hike in darkness, reporting the flashlight stayed “bright as day and never faded.” Yet a different Amazon customer countered, “just don’t last long,” despite arriving at “over 3v when unpackaged”.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Performance reliability appears to be the most consistent positive. A verified buyer on Amazon shared: “I put one of these in and now it works as bright as it ever did.” For tactical and outdoor enthusiasts, that output means dependable function in critical moments. Reddit’s BOSQUE Outdoors listing emphasizes “wide temperature tolerance…perform flawlessly in any environment,” appealing to hunters, first responders, and campers alike.
The long shelf life is another strong point. Fakespot’s analysis revealed multiple cases where users stored these for years before use with minimal power loss. A Trustpilot reviewer noted buying them “back in June” and only ordering more in December after extensive use in Arlo wireless cameras—a testament to endurance over months of drain-heavy operation.
Price fairness gains repeated nods. Fakespot’s pros section quotes buyers calling them "a steal at this price point," especially compared to drugstore equivalents. eBay listings for bulk packs reinforce perceived value, selling large quantities at notable discounts for long-term stockpiling.
Common Complaints
The most frequent negative observations focus on runtime. Reddit threads comparing SureFire rechargeables to disposables labeled them “kind of suck” for power longevity, even with full charges. One Amazon buyer gave 3/5 stars noting they “don’t last long,” suggesting potential mismatch with devices that require sustained, intense output.
Packaging inconsistencies also emerge—Fakespot’s report cites customers saying “the box does not match the photo here nor on SureFire site”, causing mild concern about authenticity or supply chain changes. Oversized shipping boxes irritated several buyers, with one describing packaging as “12" x 10" for 2 little 3v batteries.”
A niche but notable complaint involves a “plastic chemical smell” from new units, reported by some Amazon users. While not universal, it resonates with those sensitive to odors in stored gear.
Divisive Features
Safety shutdown on fault is both praised and critiqued. While Quora experts stress it as a failsafe against overheating—important for tactical flashlight users—others view it as unwanted behavior if it interrupts a mission.
Brand reputation garners mixed sentiment. Many see SureFire as “premium in the world in which they compete,” yet some buyers hesitate due to perceived inconsistencies in retail packaging, raising concerns over counterfeit risks in secondary markets.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Amazon narratives reinforce that counterfeit fears are minimal when buying from verified sellers, but skepticism rises with third-party marketplace buys. Fakespot identified “minimal deception” in Amazon reviews but noted up to 75 altered reviews—signaling past moderation of potentially misleading posts.
Long-term durability gets backing from Reddit outdoor community anecdotes; one user reported storing bulk packs for years with no noticeable drop in voltage. For security installers and tactical gear owners, this has translated to confidence that stored spares will perform when swapped into critical devices.
Alternatives
Community members compare these to Energizer lithium CR123s, with at least one Redditor bluntly stating “lithium Energizer CR123’s are where it’s at” for their devices. Rechargeable 18650 setups also come up frequently among flashlight modders, valued for extended runtime and built-in USB-C charging—useful if constant replacements aren’t cost-effective.
Rechargeable CR123 tests mention weaker output compared to SureFire disposables, making them less fit for high-lumen tactical models. For those prioritizing sustainability over peak performance, the rechargeable route still resonates.
Price & Value
As of recent eBay market tracking, the two-pack hovers around $6–$8, with bulk pricing dropping per-cell cost significantly. High turnover—like 913 sold for the 24-pack—shows strong market trust in buying multiple units upfront. Amazon buyers echo that “not a bad price for a battery that really doesn’t get used that much except for in training and function checks,” hinting at value in sporadic-use setups.
Buying tips from community: stick to bulk purchases through reputable sources for lowest per-unit cost, and verify expiration dates printed on packaging before storage.
FAQ
Q: Are SureFire 123A batteries rechargeable?
A: No, these are disposable lithium primary cells. Several users advise against SureFire’s own rechargeable variants for lower output compared to disposables.
Q: Do they work in non-SureFire lights?
A: Yes—buyers successfully used them in Streamlight models, Arlo cameras, and Nikon SLRs, as long as the device accepts CR123A form factor.
Q: What’s the best storage practice for their 10-year shelf life?
A: Keep them in a cool, dry place, ideally in original packaging. Multiple owners report full voltage years later when stored properly.
Q: Are they safe to carry loose in a bag?
A: While built-in short-circuit protection adds safety, many still recommend carrying in a battery case to avoid accidental contact.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a flashlight owner, tactical gear user, or emergency prepper needing reliable, non-rechargeable CR123A batteries for high-drain devices. Avoid if your priority is maximum runtime in continuous operation or flexibility from rechargeables. Pro tip from community: bulk buy from trusted sellers to minimize per-cell cost and verify expiration dates before storing.
