Eneloop batteries the best alkaline replacement?

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Vern_in_IL

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I am fed up with alkalines, I use AA, AAA in most things, and they always leak, good brand Duracell.

I'm seeing good things on forums about Panasonic Eneloop batteries.

I really like the recharge ratings, and I do wonder if these batteries hold up the hype.

I use AA's in clocks, and AAA's in headlamps and flashlights.

I am also a little confused on Ni-MH battery chargers, what is the preferred charger between a timed charge vs a charger that uses "negative delta-voltage detection." Pro/Cons?
 
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Eneloops are LSD (low self discharge) so they are good for applications with long slow drain such as clocks. Then again, because you go through clock batteries so infrequently, how long will it take you to get a return on these expensive eneloops?

Eneloops are also great for high drain applications such as camera flashes. Thats where i use them.
 
Eneloops are pretty good. Make sure you get genuine ones from a legit retailer.
 
Yes I think eneloops are probably the best out there, they have been my favorite so far. I've been using eneloop in AA/AAA both the regular and pro versions for about 5 years and have given a bunch as gifts. Last 10 years, I've used duracell energizer sony powerex, they are all ok but eneloops have worked the best and lasted longest. The powerex imedeons are pretty inexpensive when on sale, 8 pack for $16 in AA but I've noticed the negative end gets dented easily. I normally use regular eneloops except for really high drain like flashlights then I use the pros that have more capacity. Get Ni-MH that have the slow self discharge, they can sit and hold their charge longer. If you want you can start by getting a power pack or get batteries you want and charger separate. Beware about buying from unknown sellers, there are some of complaints from people getting fakes or counterfeits.
 
enough wondering, you don't need to go whole hog and replace every single battery in one decision.
Just start with a powerpack and try it out for a bit with your most frequently used device that is eating through your batteries..

For things where you're not replacing the battery in a year, like an infrequently used remote control or a wallclock, i'd say just stick an alkaline in it though.
 
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Just to add no matter which brand you get once you get over
2000 maH you start to have issues with the number of reliable uses from each cell.

eneloop offer 2450 maH (BLACK wrapper) but for the most uses by far get the 2100-2000 (WHITE wrapper) cells.
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Eneloops are pretty good. Make sure you get genuine ones from a legit retailer.


+1. Costco in the US sells them.
 
I've found that the Energizer 9X Lithium batteries work best. From time to time, Costco has them in 12 packs. Also Amazon often has deals on them. I recently found a 20 pack on Amazon for $33.

They last like crazy, they don't leak and they perform wonderfully. Plus, they are zero hassle. I think they are the best deal.
 
We use eneloops in flashlights, bicycle lights, wireless trackpads, mice & keyboards in AA and AAA sizes. They have the same mAH rating as AA alkalines but cost roughly 10x more when compared to Costco batteries. ($2.50 ea vs $0.25 ea)

Given the long life of the eneloops they are worth purchasing if you use and recharge them more the 2x per year.
 
8 years ago I went nuts replacing all my AA's and AAA's in flashlights/remotes from alkaline to low discharge NiMH. Years later, I still have the same batteries. Knowing what I learned now and how cheap regular batteries have become, a 24 pack from Harbor Frieght is free after any purchase... I put some in some of my LED flashlights/remotes and the voltage difference 1.2 vs. 1.5 made quite a difference. Remotes require less accuracy when pointing.

Many of my LED flashlights run 3 in a series. That's 3.6v vs. 4.5... nearly 1 volt. I would have thought that some of my flashlights would have a voltage regulator, but they don't.

Now that you have mentioned batteries leaking and the fact that I'm using even cheaper zinc batteries I may at least buy name brand akalines, but I'm done with low discharge NiMH. I just don't need it in my situation where I use them in remotes/clocks/smoke detectors/flashlights.
 
Originally Posted By: razel
Many of my LED flashlights run 3 in a series. That's 3.6v vs. 4.5... nearly 1 volt.

Right, but from what I understand, traditional/alkaline batteries drop their voltage pretty quickly. Is this not your experience?
 
yes, there's plenty of graphs of flashlight runtimes on alkalines, eneloops nimh, and the alkalines will drop voltage within the first 10% of their runtime, and on an unregulated light, the light output drops correspondingly.
 
Originally Posted By: Cujet
I've found that the Energizer 9X Lithium batteries work best. From time to time, Costco has them in 12 packs. Also Amazon often has deals on them. I recently found a 20 pack on Amazon for $33.

They last like crazy, they don't leak and they perform wonderfully. Plus, they are zero hassle. I think they are the best deal.


Yours is $1.55/stick.
If you want to go generic, this one is $1.38/stick:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-pcs-AA-LR6-Li...=item1e883ba45b

I use them in remotes and in a pager. The little extra voltage/flat discharge curve helps range.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Varta alkalines? They used to be great back in the day. Not sure what they are like now.


Yep - Alkaline AA. Got them at a great price from amazon after reading that they're still very highly rated, but not much in the spotlight. I have them in my recently acquired LED motion-detecting lights I installed in some dark hallways we encounter when we enter our house via garage. (THAT is a great, useful item, goes on with motion, only activated in dark, and goes off after 30 seconds, if there is no more motion detected; don't know how I lived without them - so convenient, no leaving hallway light anymore when i know wife is coming home OR fumbling for light switches)
 
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