Then the LiFe batteries are NOTA123 batteries.
A123 is both a brand and a patented battery design. Sadly, A123 is in financial trouble, much as the solar panel Mfrs are.
I believe the genuine A123 batteries(a good one, that is) have a longer life than the Chinese LiFe batteries. The DeWalt batteries
are likely "low bidder" batteries.
Decades ago, Sears came out with lantern batteries that had extremely low resistance, and if shorted, did things like catching on fire or exploding.
Recall time! Then, vents and fuses were added, and eventually auto resetting fuses. They may have been an early form of NiCads.
ORIGINAL: dirtybird
The advantage I have found with A123's is you don't have to baby them.
I get my batteries from China. They are better than the ones I got out of a DeWalt pack.