Best non lithium AA batteries for flashlights.

[bitter1]

I have just recently received a quark tactical AA2 light and so far love it, I know at some point I want to put lithium aa batteries for the main source of power, but if I want to keep a bulk pack of batteries whatis the best and longest lasting non lithium batteries that you guys have liked, and if you know of good lithiums then tell me. I got this light because I could use aa's and keep my Surefires for my maxped bag and other things and keep my 123's for emergencies and such.

 

[Planterz]

Titanium 2700mAh NiMH rechargeables. Alkalines absolutely suck in high-drain devices. Runtime is disappointing, the batteries themselves are unreliable (how many minimags have you ruined because the batteries leaked?). Not worth it at all.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/tpeh-taa2700.html

Get this charger.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/8800.html

It's a bit expensive initially, but it'll pay for itself quickly. Especially if you have other things that use AA batteries. When you're using rechargeables, you'll find yourself using the flashlight more without worry about runtime or cost (more fun). You'll not even want to use lithiums, although keeping some around for emergency use isn't a bad idea.

 

[KuRUpTD]

I prefer using Energizer lithiums - they provide better cold weather performance than alkaline batteries and are longer lasting and lighter.

 

[Millhouse]

For general use, I would use a good NiMh battery such as Sanyo's Eneloop. They are ideal for supplying power to a high drain flashlight, and after the initial investment in batteries and charger (unless you already have them), offer cheap running of your light. Eneloops also have a low discharge, typically keeping 85% of the charge after a year, so you can keep spares on hand ready to use.

Alkalines are unsuitable for your light as they won't last long on max mode. They are also prone to leaks, so I wouldn't use them other than in an emergency.

If you have lithium AA's keep them for cold weather and emergency use.

 

[powernoodle]

For general use, I would use a good NiMh battery such as Sanyo's Eneloop.

A+ on that. I use Eneloops in everything from flashlights to Wii remotes to radios. Their low self-discharge rate makes them good for applications where you use the light frequently, but also where you might throw the light or radio in the drawer and not use it for a few months.

 

[Bufford]

I use plain old NiMh rechargeable batteries. I always keep some charged up and use them for everything from flashlights, remotes and smoke detectors. That way I never run out of batteries. Rechargeables are great, unlike the old days when they were all single use throw aways. No batteries, then no use until the next trip to the store, they were quite inconvenient.

 

[glockman99]

For general use, I would use a good NiMh battery such as Sanyo's Eneloop. They are ideal for supplying power to a high drain flashlight, and after the initial investment in batteries and charger (unless you already have them), offer cheap running of your light. Eneloops also have a low discharge, typically keeping 85% of the charge after a year, so you can keep spares on hand ready to use.

Yup, that's what I use in my Nikon Speedlights, and I love 'em. (I am going to have to buy a couple of 'em for my AAA Fenix E01 flashlight.).

 

[photonjunkie]

One more vote for Sanyo Eneloops. Like Planterz mentioned, the NiMH batteries will handle the high discharge current better than alkalines and the Eneloops will hold their charge in storage longer than non-Low-Self-Discharge NiMHs. I use them in everything that uses AA or AAA batteries.

The newer Eneloops that are slowly trickling onto the market are supposed to keep their charge even longer (up to 75% over 3yrs).

http://www.eneloop.info/products/batteries.html

 

[RevDevil]

Thanks for the Eneloop tip. I'll be getting a few packs of these

 

[bitter1]

I might try those Titanium batteries and then also try some Eneloops also. That charger looks nice but it is out of stock, I have some AA's laying around and the light is new and my main power mode is the low mode.