Fenix CR123A Flashlights
Every light on this page is rechargeable first and takes CR123A lithium batteries as a backup. That is the practical way to use CR123A today: charge the main cell for daily use, and keep a pair of CR123A in the kit for the day you cannot. The PD35 V3.0 and PD35R ACE are 18650 flashlights that accept two CR123A; the HM60R V2.0 and HM53R are headlamps that do the same. For rechargeable-only lights of the same class, see 18650 lights.
Why carry CR123A at all
CR123A lithium primaries store for years with little loss, so a pair in the glovebox or emergency kit is ready when the power goes out and every charger in the house is dead. They also handle cold far better than alkaline, which counts in a truck parked overnight in January. The downsides: you throw them away, and they are not sold everywhere AA is. That is why these lights treat them as a fallback rather than the main fuel. Our emergency go-bag guide covers what else belongs in the kit.
Flashlight or headlamp
The PD35 V3.0 and PD35R ACE are pocket-size duty flashlights. The PD35 V3.0 has a tail switch for instant strobe; the PD35R ACE reaches 2,000 lumens and charges through a hidden USB-C port in the light itself. For hands-free work, the HM60R V2.0 mixes spot, flood and red light sources, and the HM53R is the light-weight option at 102 g whose lamp detaches to work as a small handheld with a magnetic tail. Each headlamp charges by USB-C; carry the CR123A for when you cannot plug in.
Fenix PD35R ACE
Multi-Mode Tactical Flashlight
A compact 2,000-lumen rechargeable flashlight with a 380-meter beam and seven programmable modes.
Fenix PD35 V3.0
High-Performance Tactical Flashlight
A 1,700-lumen flashlight with a 357-meter beam, dual switches, and 18650 or CR123A power.
Fenix HM60R V2.0
Outdoor High-Performance Metal Headlamp
A 1,600-lumen all-metal headlamp with spot, flood, and red light modes.
Fenix HM53R
Multi-Function Lightweight Headlamp
A 102-gram 1,200-lumen headlamp with magnetic tail-cap, body clip, and 135-hour runtime.
Frequently asked questions
- How many CR123A batteries does each light take?
- The PD35 V3.0, PD35R ACE and HM60R V2.0 each take two CR123A in place of their 18650. The HM53R takes a single CR123A in place of its 18350. Use fresh cells from the same pack, never mix a CR123A with a rechargeable or with half-used cells, and never try to recharge a CR123A.
- Is CR123A better than a rechargeable in the cold?
- Lithium primaries generally hold up better than Li-ion in deep cold, and both beat alkaline. In practice, a fully charged cell kept warm inside your coat handles most winter use. CR123A earns its place in a light or kit that sits in a cold vehicle or cabin for months between uses.
- Are CR123A batteries easy to find in Canada?
- Easier than 16340 or 18350 rechargeables: hardware stores, camera shops and many pharmacies carry them. They are still not as common as AA, so buy a spare pair to keep with the light rather than relying on a last-minute stop on the way to the cottage.
