SureFire SFLP123 Review: Rechargeable LED Battery Verdict
It’s rare to see a rechargeable CR123A-style battery earn near-unanimous respect, but the SureFire SFLP123 3V Lithium Battery scores an impressive 9/10 among flashlight enthusiasts, tactical users, and everyday carriers. The praise comes even as many acknowledge it has “significantly less run time than their disposable counterparts” — a trade-off willingly made for cost savings and USB charging convenience.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Best for LED flashlight users willing to trade shorter run time for cost savings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Retains ~80% capacity after hundreds of charges | Shorter run time than disposable CR123A |
| Quick recharge (1.5–3 hours) | Not compatible with incandescent lights |
| Safer chemistry (LiFePO4) without hazardous metals | Proprietary fit for SureFire products |
| Sturdy build with overcharge & polarity protection | Lower capacity (450mAh vs ~1500mAh disposables) |
| Long-term cost savings vs single-use batteries | Pricey initial kit cost |
Claims vs Reality
SureFire promotes these cells as offering “safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly” rechargeability for their LED illumination tools. They claim the batteries “retain approximately 80% of their original capacity even after hundreds of charging cycles” and can be topped up in “three hours” using the included smart charger.
A verified buyer on Amazon confirmed part of this: “They recharge quickly and the charger seems to be built well,” detailing that their EDC work flashlight ran for “a couple days with moderate usage on a single charge.” However, the lower energy density is real — Reddit user feedback repeatedly reminds, “Run time is probably half,” compared to primary lithium CR123A cells.
While SureFire cautions “do not use rechargeable LFP 123A batteries with incandescent illumination tools,” one Trustpilot review shows the consequence when ignored: “Unfortunately it blew them out in two handheld SureFire lights and an older weapon mounted light… replaced the bulbs with LED and they now work great.” That’s the marketing restriction meeting real-world failure.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
From Reddit to Trustpilot, users consistently highlight the long-term economy of this kit. A verified Amazon buyer noted, “Using headlights every night will run through some batteries. These recharge and so far work great.” They hold charge well when stored, important for hobbyists and professionals who rotate gear.
Environmental benefits also resonate. A Walmart product description points out they “do not contain hazardous heavy metals,” making them attractive for eco-conscious users. Reddit user u/EDCvet wrote: “I buy them by the case, great battery, great price,” recalling their years of service during deployment, where flashlight reliability was critical.
Convenience comes in strong: quick charge times via USB means workplace readiness. Trustpilot reviewers praise the “quick charging, decent life” for pocket flashlights, avoiding the “bulk cases” of disposables previously needed.
Common Complaints
Shorter runtime is the single most frequent complaint and is fundamental to the LiFePO4 chemistry at just 450mAh capacity. SureFire themselves acknowledge “significantly less run time,” but for certain users — night hunters, long-shift security guards — this can mean more frequent charging. Reddit user u/FlashOps put it bluntly: “Run time is probably half, but it’s soooo much cheaper to operate.”
Compatibility is another sore point. They are designed strictly for LED lights, yet some users attempt incandescent operation, leading to blown bulbs, as documented by multiple reviewers. Amazon buyer feedback shows identical results, cementing the incompatibility warning as non-negotiable.
Divisive Features
Price is where opinion splits. Historical Reddit accounts suggest SureFire CR123A primaries were “usually more expensive” than Streamlight or Titanium Innovations, but current pricing is “more competitive lately.” Some applaud the $14–$16 two-pack without charger, while others balk at $42–$53 for the full kit. For budget-first consumers, Panasonic primaries or Streamlight rechargeables are name-dropped as alternatives, with some noting SureFire re-wraps Panasonic’s cells.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Amazon reports show strong trust in the brand — several emphasize “great deal” and “always a great buy.” Reliability under long-term use is reinforced by Redditors who’ve used SureFire CR123As “for a decade” without failure, later transitioning to the rechargeable kit for cost.
Scam concerns are absent; community consensus considers SureFire legitimate, with only caution directed at third-party sellers on marketplaces. On eBay, top-rated sellers maintain “99.8–100% positive feedback” for these batteries, indicating low counterfeit risk compared to niche brands.
Durability shows in dozens of accounts of multi-year use. One Amazon reviewer noted they stayed at “fairly long” charge retention even after months, without the degradation seen in some cheap rechargeables.
Alternatives
Alternatives mentioned include Panasonic primaries (seen as equal quality but disposable), Titanium Innovations (low cost but safety incidents with exploding cells), and Streamlight rechargeables that still provide “quality for usually cheaper than SureFire.”
For heavy users who want max runtime, primaries from known brands still hold advantage. For LED-only users valuing recharge cycles and reduced waste, SureFire’s kit earns the nod.
Price & Value
Across sources, the kit price ranges from $29–$53, depending on retailer and included charger. Bare two-packs sell for $14–$18. On eBay, resale values hold stable, indicating recognized value retention in the flashlight and tactical communities.
Buying tips from Reddit suggest bulk purchasing when prices dip — especially for primaries — though for this rechargeable, most advise buying direct or from authorized dealers to avoid incompatible chargers. Amazon users often pair batteries with third-party chargers, but ensure LiFePO4 support.
FAQ
Q: Can these be used in incandescent flashlights?
A: No. Multiple users report blown bulbs when attempting this. They are designed strictly for LED illumination tools and will damage incandescent setups.
Q: How long do they take to charge?
A: Between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on whether you charge one or both simultaneously. The smart charger terminates at 3.65V to protect cell life.
Q: How does runtime compare to disposable CR123A?
A: Expect roughly half the runtime. Verified users and Reddit contributors confirm shorter endurance but acceptable for daily LED tasks.
Q: Can I use the charger with other battery brands?
A: No. The kit is designed for SureFire products and chargers may be incompatible with other chemistries.
Q: Do they hold charge when stored?
A: Yes. Multiple Amazon reviews state they retain charge well during storage, maintaining readiness over days or weeks.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an LED flashlight user seeking cost savings, quick USB charging, and eco-friendly chemistry. Avoid if you require maximum runtime or still use incandescent lights. Community pro tip: “Run time is probably half, but it’s soooo much cheaper to operate” — plan your usage cycles accordingly.
