Suggestions for good rechargable AA batteries?

[mr_jman]

It seems like I have many things like my GPS, Cd Player, and LED UFO style lights that all run on AA batteries. I've bought some cheaper rechargable batteries in the past, but they are horrible. Anyone have some suggestions on a good charger and set of batteries that actually work well in the GPS or other high drain things? I know there are many brands I can get at a big box store but really want to get some good ones even if it costs a little more on the front end.

If you know the price thats helpful but not necessary!

[wolfman-k]

Try an Interstate battery store, they stock NiCads that last a long time, and they sell chargers too.

[bikeoutback]

Can't help on the batteries side as I simply use Energizer rechargeables in my camera and headlamps but those wouldn't probably be considered high drain. However on the charger side I have an Energizer charger that does either 4 AA or 4AAA batteries and it's a quick charger. Charges them in about 15 minutes then you can leave them on for up to another 15 minutes on a slow charge. Nicest thing about this charger though is it has both AC plug in and DC car lighter plug in so I can use it at home and in my truck. I keep it in the truck when on some trips especially cold weather where I can kill battery life with the cold and works pretty well. Not exaclty the solution you are looking for probably though.

[Northlander]

I use the same and they have worked great for my GPSeven in the cold for the past 3 years.

[DTro]

The only thing I really dislike about rechargeables is that when left sit at idle they will slowly discharge. Then when you go to use them, they are dead.

There are a few brands out there that supposedly won’t do that now. I think Ray O Vac and maybe Duracell. I think they refer to them as hybrid is something like that. I would suggest looking into that before you buy anything.

[OnAFly]

Lookf or the highest mAH you can find. These will last a little longer. Duracell makes good ones. I stopped using them because of the shorter life span than lithiums. Dealing with dead batteries just wasn't worth the savings.

[Sonicrunch]

Can't help on the batteries side as I simply use Energizer rechargeables in my camera and headlamps but those wouldn't probably be considered high drain. However on the charger side I have an Energizer charger that does either 4 AA or 4AAA batteries and it's a quick charger. Charges them in about 15 minutes then you can leave them on for up to another 15 minutes on a slow charge. Nicest thing about this charger though is it has both AC plug in and DC car lighter plug in so I can use it at home and in my truck. I keep it in the truck when on some trips especially cold weather where I can kill battery life with the cold and works pretty well. Not exaclty the solution you are looking for probably though.

I have this. I love it.

[Sonicrunch]

The only thing I really dislike about rechargeables is that when left sit at idle they will slowly discharge. Then when you go to use them, they are dead.

There are a few brands out there that supposedly won’t do that now. I think Ray O Vac and maybe Duracell. I think they refer to them as hybrid is something like that. I would suggest looking into that before you buy anything.

Agreed, The discharge is a pain.

I have some of the new types, and they do live up to their claims. They come fully charged, and they hold their recharge, unlike their predecessors. Technology to the rescue again!!

[pulleye16]

NiCads are good batteries but its mostly in the charger itself. If you are going to use NiCad batteries (or probably any battery), find a charger that will cycle or discharge the battery. If you don't use the whole battery you can and will build up memory. Before charging a battery, cycle or discharge it before recharging and your battery will last longer and the over all battery life span will last longer. Also, if you have the space, look for a charger that after it has charged, will start to trickle charge your battery and leave your batteries on the charger until the next use. Do a quick search on the internent for AA battery chargers with discharge feature and trickle charge...or go to a local battery store and the should have what your looking for. Even with batteries that claim to have low memory, you should still try to cycle your battery at least once a month. You can get way more technical on amps and voltage but these to features(dishcarge and trickle charge) are plenty for the average user.

[spearchucker]

I wouldn't use NiCad anymore. The NiMH batteries are much better and don't have the memory effect that requires discharging before charging. The Energizer NiMH AAs seem to be pretty good. I got some RayoVac rechargables and they didn't work as well. The Energizers weigh about twice as much but they were supposed to be same capacity.

[Squirtis]

Sanyo Eneloops are the new technology that people are talking about. They are a hybrid NiMH and don't have the self-discharge that most NiCd's and a lot of the NiMH's have. The memory effect is also substantially lower(not much need for cycling). I would recommend not fast charging them in 15 minutes, as that will limit the life if any battery like these. Google them and you should be able to find them online for a pretty good price. They are usually about $1.45 per cell, where the Rayovacs are about $2.15 per cell in the stores.

Good luck,

Curtis

[MBurke]

I have been useing rechargables for lots of the things around the house ..cameras,flashlights,kids toys ect...and this is the best that I have found. Low discahrge and performs great all the time. Theses batterys

(note from admin: please read forum policy before posting again, thanks)

Or you could call Thomas Dist. and they will be more than happy to help you.

Hope this helps

[jimmyjames76]

In my opinion, you definitely want to get the low discharge NiMH batteries. They're a little more expensive, but they're always ready to go when you need them. Regular NiMH batteries lose their charge sitting on the shelf rather quickly so to get fresh batteries you're always charging them before you go. The low discharge batteries claim to keep 80-85% capacity after a year of storage. Sanyo eneloop, Duracell Rechargeable Pre-Charged, or Rayovac Hybrids are pretty common. I think the typical cost for 4 AA's is around $10.

[Iceboy]

Yep - go get the low-discharge AA's (eneloops or imedions). I've had great luck with them in my Scoutguard gamecams as well, even in cold weather.

[croixflats]

The only thing I really dislike about rechargeables is that when left sit at idle they will slowly discharge. Then when you go to use them, they are dead.

There are a few brands out there that supposedly won’t do that now. I think Ray O Vac and maybe Duracell. I think they refer to them as hybrid is something like that. I would suggest looking into that before you buy anything.

Yea dtro you turned me onto them last year, Ray O Vac Hybred. So far they perform as good if not better than the other big brands.

The other thing about them is that they are about $2 cheaper.

[BrdHunter01]

I carry Energizer and a couple Duracell. I have had the Energizers for about 3 years and have never had a problem. I purchased a couple more duracells last year because I wanted a couple backups, also with no issues. Best investment I've ever made for fishing (ice or open water) IMO

[MountainJam]

PowerEx 2700mAh AA Rechargeable NiMh batteries.

I've been using them for all things electronic for a couple years, hold a charge and seem to handle the cold weather relatively well.