Which AAA Batteries?

[Kev D]

I've just ordered myself a couple of EDC torches for in my pocket, an Olight i3E and a ThruNite Ti3.

Which batteries do you use in yours? rechargeable or just a good off the shelf alkaline?

Personally I'm leaning towards a good quality off the shelf alkaline as they are readily available anywhere, but thought I'd see what everyone else uses.

[Etherealicer]

I would depend that on how much you are going to use that flashlight.

Once in a blue moon to rarely: Non-rechargeable batteries
Often to daily: re-chargeable batteries are more economical, carry a non-rechargeable as backup.

[zoidberg]

I was using energizer advanced alkalines and are now giving the eneloop rechargeables a go.

So far I like them.

Yeah hurts the wallet now but I should make it all back easily enough when night fishing on holiday.

[Aloha]

I use eneloops mostly but I also have some other rechargeable cells.  I want to try the eneloop pros and I've read good things about the amazon branded rechargeable tho I haven't tested them myself.  There are a few versions of those amazon rechargeable.  Some feel these batteries are rebranded eneloop 2nd gen but those are just opinions. 

If you are new to rechargeable batteries then stick with a proven quality brand.  You'll pay up front but in the long run I feel you will be quite happy.  No worries from leaking batteries and knowing your device will work when the rechargeable has sat for some time is peace of mind. 

I've had my eneloops now for over 4 years and I couldn't be happier.   

 

[AimlessWanderer]

Keep your eyes peeled at the supermarket for AA and AAA lithiums. That's what I use if I can. Otherwise I go with a Duracell disposable

[hiraethus]

Eneloops if it's something you're going to be using often, Energizer Lithium if you're just going to stash it for emergencies.

[Kev D]

Thanks guys


We keep batteries in our store at work, and they used to be some crappy cheap ones. I ordered some so I could see what they would be like in the torches.  They got delivered about 10 mins ago through our internal site system, and they are now Duracell plus power alkalines. I've ordered one or two more so I can test a good sample size. It's purely for test purposes you understand. 

It being a test means they will need random sampling at different times throughout the year to ensure correct performance in varying seasonal climates 

I'd best order a few other sizes to see if they are Duracell now to so I can test those as well in other electronic items I have.

[Aloha]

Quality non rechargeable are fine.  I still have some Duracell AA that are holdover from when I bought in bulk. 

[jcs0001]

I use rechargeables - either eneloop or rebadged eneloops - and find that they work well for me.  They hold a decent charge for a long time so are ready to use even if left in a light for a few months.  I have a solar charge station that keeps all of my many batteries up to charge.

One aspect of rechargeable nimh batteries is that it is important to have a good charger.  I have three that are reliable and work properly however they are either expensive or hard to obtain and in my experience must be ordered online as there is nothing suitable available locally.  I'm not up to date on chargers however either Candle Power forums or Budget light forums will have up to date information on what is available.  In my opinion there is no point investing in rechargeable batteries without spending the funds to get a good charger.

I don't particularly like alkalines as they can/will leak eventually leading to the ruination of whatever they are in.  I do have some lithium aa's but have never used lithium aaa's.  The lithium's tend to be quite expensive here.

John.

[Smashie]

Duracell Lithium's or eneloop pro for me.

You're right about the charger John, I've been though several over the years and the one I use now is the Nightcore Digicharger D4, 12 or 220v 

[captain spaulding]

I use Eneloops as well as non rechargeable alkaline and lithium. All work well and while I like my Eneloops I usually use Alkaline's in my AAA lights. I only buy Energizer or Duracell for these. I'm more than happy how its working out. 

[Kev D]

Duracell Lithium's or eneloop pro for me.

You're right about the charger John, I've been though several over the years and the one I use now is the Nightcore Digicharger D4, 12 or 220v 

They are a great charger, I have the same one 

[Blackbeard]

eneloops or if you want to cut the weight down on your keychain, try a lithium

[NutSAK]

Nothing but Eneloop for me, unless the light takes 10440 Li-Ion.  You won't catch me ever using Alkaline in my lights--I care for them too much to submit them to potential leaks.

[Millhouse]

Eneloop only for me. Lost a Fenix L0D to leaking alkaline battery.

[Kev D]

I went for eneloop pro's

Thanks for the advice everyone 

[Smashie]

I went for eneloop pro's

Thanks for the advice everyone 

Good choice 

[Aloha]

Nice.  From what all I've been reading and the vids I've been watching they do sound great.  I'm going to pick some up soon enough myself. 

[Millhouse]

Go for it. I'm still using some Eneloops from 2008 which are still going strong.

[radioactive_Man]

You should never use alkaline batteries in high draw devices like flashlights (or cameras, etc). They're prone to leaking and can't put out high enough voltage after a few uses. Stick with using good rechargeable NIMH's (like eneloops) or lithium cells like energizer lithium's.

[Don Pablo]

You cant go wrong with eneloop pro.
I personally use regular eneloop, cheaper and can take more charges with same performance(aside from shorter runtime, obviously).
In fact, am looking into buying coloured limited edition eneloop, if I am not careful, I might become an eneloop collector.   

You all probably know this, but as a rule, lights and other battery hungry equipment runs better/brighter on rechargeables like eneloop, due to the higher voltage under load.

(Watch out for made in china eneloop! nowhere near as good, panasonic is selling them in Asia and Australia.  )

[sergemaster]

Amici,
For all my lights, I use mostly Rayovac. I completely avoid anything Duracell.. With Rayovac, I've never had a single leakier of any kind, even spanning the period of years. But Duracell, I've had them leak either when they were loaded in a light, or even just sitting in it's original packaging..

I've also had nothing but positive experiences using also Sony or Kodak alkaline batteries.. I believe both are made in Japan. so that may be a factor regarding quality and performance.

Cheers,
Serge   

[Don Pablo]

Good to hear serge, just keep in mind that your lights might be brighter with rechargeables if they are powerful.   

[glenfiddich1983]

I use an AAA flashlight almost daily, I use regular Eneloop batteries 

[Gareth]

Yup, eneloops for me too.

[sergemaster]

Amici,
I was lucky to meet an individual who as a hobby repairs all types of flashlights when I was searching for someone to repair a classic 1970's all steel Ranger flashlight that was having ignition problems. Anyhoo's when we discussed batteries, he recommended to stay away from rechargeable batteries as a whole, since some of the reasons being were that they don't hold a charge long, degrade quicker, and are prone to leaking. So with that, I steer clear of anything that's rechargeable and replaceable. 

The exception being is this Nitecore TIP which is rechargeable via a USB. I know eventually, the internal battery will poop out. But unfortunately, they are not currently listing replacements, although the entire light is secured in place with Phillips bits.

Cheers,
Serge

[Don Pablo]

Newer kinds of ni-mh LSD rechargeables, such as eneloops, reliably hold at least 70% of their charge for 5 years. 

BTW. the Nitecore TIP has a li-on battery, same chemistry as a 18650 cell and the one in your phone

[Sazabi]

I've ended up switching all of my (relatively few) used flashlights over to lithium after I let an Enloop get too low of a charge in an E01 several years ago.  I'd rather not have to worry about outgassing or leaking batteries, and with how rarely I actually have to switch out batteries, it's worth the small premium in cost.  On that related note, I need to pick up some more lithium AAAs when I next go to Target.

[gregozedobe]

While lithium primary batteries are less likely to leak than alkalines, they aren't 100% leak proof - I had one leak a couple of months ago (and yes, I was a bit surprised). 

I have never had an eneloop leak yet, and I use dozens of them as my preferred battery in AA and AAA size.

My current recommendation for people who want a reliable, unlikely to explode/burn/leak battery, is still a LSD Eneloop for anything used regularly, and a good quality lithium primary for anything used infrequently.

[Don Pablo]

I've ended up switching all of my (relatively few) used flashlights over to lithium after I let an Enloop get too low of a charge in an E01 several years ago.  I'd rather not have to worry about outgassing or leaking batteries, and with how rarely I actually have to switch out batteries, it's worth the small premium in cost.  On that related note, I need to pick up some more lithium AAAs when I next go to Target.

Even if you abuse them(not recommended, as you will have to bin them), they will not leak/self-destruct. At worst, apparently they can let out some hydrogen(?)
which will not harm your light.