I sat down to order some batteries from Amazon; and, it dawned on me… I always purchase the same brand of disposable battery without giving it a second thought! I have been using the same brand for as long as I can recall!
Without getting into a debate of disposable vs rechargeable, please “vote” for your favorite alkaline battery.
I know that what they are used in does make a difference. The majority of the batteries I use are for LED flashlights, and other LED light sources, such as my tent light that uses up three AAA batteries per night… /sigh; and, some motion activated “night light” type lights… The batteries in the motion activated lights last the longest (usually a few weeks, sometime longer, sometimes not so long…).
I will post a separate thread on rechargeable batteries soon, as I really would like to get some; but, there are so many variables - so for this thread, let’s focus on the disposable batteries… Thanks!
I have read many comparisons/reviews; and, they all seem to conflict with each other… A battery that rates high on one comparison test, would rate mid-range or low on another… Let’s find out which brand(s) that MAKERS prefer!
Here are the options (in alphabetical order, except for the “other” option):
About the only things I have left which still use these kinds of batteries are the remote for my AC, a wireless keyboard, and a wireless mouse. All of which seem to last a very long time, so I buy whatever is cheapest.
I haven’t been to a ReStore in ages! I also would not have thought to go there to look for batteries… Hhmmm… Thanks for the head’s up! There’s a ReStore not to far from me that I’ve never even been to (yet)… I think I may just go check it out to see what all this location has. Thx again!
Bought some stocks of lithium AAs for cheap years ago that I use for the few applications where I don’t use rechargeables. Battery Station used to have awesome deals on their house brand before Energizer put them out of business. Can still find occasional deals on Energizer lithium AAs if you look.
Personally I am just fine with generic in items such as TV remotes etc. but in situations like my satellite beacon and flashlights when I am out in the backwoods I tend to go with lithium’s.
I’ve looked at the lithium batteries before; but, have never bought any… They always seem so expensive; but, then again - taking a 24 pack of alkaline batteries camping just to get through the week is annoying - so, I guess I’ll try the lithiums next time. Do they seem to be proportionately better (as far as cost vs how long they last in flashlights, etc…)?
For strictly a flashlight I use 18650’s (Rechargeable Battery) for car camping as well as I leave them in my car etc. They last for a very long time honestly can’t remember one dying… ever.
The problem with 18650’s they are not easy to come by at any retail store and they required a charger that would not be found in most retail stores.
For backpacking in the cold I use lithium’s. Notably AA or AAA (If it can’t be found at Wal-Mart I am not interested.)
TL/DR
Irregular Use (TV Remotes Etc) = Alkaline
Cold Weather Backpacking = Lithium
Constant Use = Rechargeable Lithium or NiMh
Flash Light of Choice ( I have tried most of them for the money I have really liked Fenix
Thanks for breaking down your experiences and suggestions @Robert_Davidson!
David (@Photomancer), years ago I had an subscription to Consumer Reports magazine and loved it! I would have totally checked them out for my battery questions, if I had an online subscription these days… (“Maybe one of these days…”).
