Can I use CR123A in my laser with suggested 16340/18350?

I'm sure this Q has been asked and answered a hundred times but I couldn't find a definite answer.

My 445 1W laser from SciFi Lasers is suggested to use either 2x 18350 or 16340. However, I have some CR123A's on hand I wonder if they would work too? I know they're only 3V vs the 16340/18350 having 3.7V but wouldn't that just result in reduced power?

Thanks in advance -
Adam :yh:

If you are talking about using two non rechargeable cr123a batteries (the cr vs rcr branding is all over the board for these) then the answer is probably. It depends on the driver specifications. It is certainly a buck style driver and should be able to work with 6v.

You do want to ask yourself why on earth you would want to use fairly expensive one time use batteries in a laser pointer though.

Helios said:

If you are talking about using two non rechargeable cr123a batteries (the cr vs rcr branding is all over the board for these) then the answer is probably. It depends on the driver specifications. It is certainly a buck style driver and should be able to work with 6v.

You do want to ask yourself why on earth you would want to use fairly expensive one time use batteries in a laser pointer though.

Click to expand...

Agreed - I decided to return these. They were a 2 pack at Staples for $10 and searching online reveals that I made a stupid impulse buy, and I can get 6 batteries plus a charger for $10 on eBay.

Thanks for the response :yh:

Don't do it, I purchased a 445 1.2w and 405 700mw 2 years ago and until 2 weeks ago didn't know what I was missing. I have been using Panasonic 123A batteries, I brought 130 of them back from Iraq, so I figured why not. Recently I tore down a Dewalt 18v pack that had a broken ribbon cable inside. I couldn't get the pack fixed so I tore it apart to use the 18650 batteries. These put out so many more amps than the 123A's that these are both like completely different lasers! I never realized there was that much difference I guess. Both running on Flex Drives.