Have any of you good folk had problems with the lifespan of your CR123s? I have two flashlights in that caliber, specifically purchased to allow me to keep them as backups due to the claimed 10yr shelf life of CR123s. I have a Fenix P3D and an iTP A1 (I think… stainless 1xCR123… goinggear no longer sells it, it seems). I hardly ever use them… I picked up a 2xAA Olight so that I wouldn’t run through the more expensive 123s so fast, but it doesn’t seem to have helped at all! Every six months or so, I’ll pull one out for a quick light, and I can always count on it being in the batteries-are-almost-dead pseudo-strobe mode. I’ll replace them and all will be well… use it a few minutes, then a few months later, repeat cycle. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten more than about 15 minutes of run-time, on any mode. The Fenix is supposed to last almost two hours on “turbo”, can’t remember the iTP’s claimed runtime (but I’m positive it’s a lot more than 15 minutes).

Up ’til now, I’ve always bought Streamlight lithium 123s from Amazon, which according to my research both on Amazon and CPF, are supposed to be quality cells. I’m all out right now, so I can’t check, but I’m reasonably sure they come with a good expiration date (It’s been about 18 months since I bought a 12 pack, so I can’t remember beyond a reasonable doubt). The stockpile is kept in good conditions — 68-70 degrees F, always in the shade. The ones in the lights fluctuate with my bag, but I don’t spend any more time in the heat than I have to. I’ve never pulled a light out to find it illuminated, so I don’t think they’re getting any “use” while put away.

Am I doing something wrong? Do 123s not really have a good shelf life?