Talk to me about rechargeable batteries

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I had an epiphany yesterday while assembling lilwizard’s baby swing. We are going to go through a TON of batteries.

Now, rather than heading to Target and buying whatever Energizer Rechargeables they might have in stock, I’d like to tap the hive mind and see what you guys can come up with. I know that there are plenty of flashlight geeks out there who school me on what to look for and what to avoid. Tenergy seems to be fairly popular and has high Amazon ratings. What about chargers? Low self drain? We’ll probably need some in every size, including 9v and CR123 (for me, not for lilwizard).

So much to learn! HALP!

Comments

8 responses to “Talk to me about rechargeable batteries”

January 2, 2012

jon spencer

I use eneloop in the AA and AAA size for many different uses and am very satisfied with them.
In the 123 size I use Ultralast and they work well in my Surefire G-2 LED.

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January 2, 2012

SayUncle

If we’re any indication, you’ll use them for a couple months then realize it’s less hassle to buy new. Rechargables just don’t last long on a single charge.

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1. January 3, 2012
  
  Lazy Bike Commuter
  
  I’m gonna say it depends. Lithium ion batteries have a flat discharge curve, where alkaline voltage starts lowering immediately.
  
  Rechargeable li-ion will last a lot longer in things like digital cameras, that have a high voltage threshold before they will work. Alkalines will last longer in flashlights, but the flashlight will start to dim immediately. Li-ion will keep the brightness almost unchanged until they die.
  
  Also, alkalines will initially be brighter in a flashlight since they put out more voltage–though it doesn’t take too long for them to dim below li-ion levels.
  
  Reply
January 2, 2012

jon spencer

I use eneloop in the AA and AAA size for many different uses and am very satisfied with them.
In the 123 size I use Ultralast and they work well in my Surefire G-2 LED.
As for the chargers, I bought the batteries and chargers as a kit and have since just bought more batteries.

If this is posted twice, the original answer was just sitting there and not doing anything so I quit the page and started over.

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1. January 2, 2012
  
  wizardpc
  
  It got moderated. Shouldn’t have that problem again
  
  Reply
January 3, 2012

Blain

Batteries: Sanyo eneloop’s

Charger: La Crosse Technology BC-9009 AlphaPower Battery Charger
http://amzn.com/B00077AA5Q (not sure why the new model is $90 but I only paid $40 four years ago for the old model)

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1. January 3, 2012
  
  Blain
  
  As for alkaline I get the Costo brand. Consumer Reports always ranks them high.
  
  Reply
January 3, 2012

Linoge

I second the votes for the Eneloops – they run just about as long as COTS batteries, and hold a charge damned near forever. Unfortunately, they do not come in “odd” sizes.

My biggest problem with rechargables is that they last so long in the things I use them in (wireless mice, X-Box controllers, etc.), I lose the charger…

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