Which Re-chargeable Batteries Do You Like Best?

Dyre Straits · Dec 11, 2007, 09:48 AM

I'm curious as to which brand seems to work longest among the many brands of re-chargeable batteries.

With so many people using digital cameras, mobile communications, and what-not, I'm sure many are usng re-chargeable batteries to keep things working.

So, fire away with what you've found to work best.

Zelig · Dec 11, 2007, 11:32 AM

I use pure energy batteries, the manufacturer is only a few hours from my house. They have alkaline and NiMH batteries.

Grace · Dec 11, 2007, 11:39 AM

I'm using GP batteries, they are the best I ever tried so far. But I don't think you can find them everywhere.

GP Batteries (Hong Kong)

Tipstaff · Dec 11, 2007, 01:44 PM

Sanyo Eneloop.

These things come pre-charged, ready to use out of the package. They also discharge very, very slowly when not used, and in fact only lose 15% of their charge over a 12 month period (which is how Sanyo can sell them pre-charged in the first place). Even though their capacity is lower, due to the way they are designed they actually last longer than a comparable battery at the same rating (in this case they are 2000 mAh batteries, but run as though they are 2200 mAh batteries). I use them for pretty much everything now (I gave away all my other rechargeable). Hands down the best batteries I have ever used (and I've tried hundreds of brands).

Honestly, I can leave these on the shelf for a long time, and still know they have a charge whenever I need them. These have all the pluses and convenience of alkaline batteries, but none of their drawbacks. Tell me one other rechargeable battery that can say the same thing in either regards.

Just a couple notes: don't buy these retail. Stupid retailers tend to sell these way above cost. Look to places like eBay or NCIX as they will usually sell these pretty cheap. OH, and no need to buy a new charger either as these will work on all of them. However, just as with any rechargeable battery, don't use them only anything less than a 1hr charger. Quick chargers, although invented to make charging faster, also reduce the lifespan of the batteries by 1/2. So, if the battery was good for 1000 charges before, using them on a quick charger will reduce that lifespan to 500 charges.

Dyre Straits · Dec 12, 2007, 07:00 AM

Tipstaff: It appears that, unless these are ordered online, they are only available in Canada. Looks very interesting, though!

slugbug · Dec 14, 2007, 05:28 AM

Another vote for Sanyo ENELOOP

I find they hold a charge for longer than other batteries.

Dyre Straits · Dec 14, 2007, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slugbug

Another vote for Sanyo ENELOOP

I find they hold a charge for longer than other batteries.

But, you're in Canada, too. Are these only available there other than ordering online?

Tipstaff · Dec 14, 2007, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyre Straits

But, you're in Canada, too. Are these only available there other than ordering online?

You mean in the US, right? I know Walmart, Radio Shack (which is still around in the States), The Source (Circuit City down there), CostCo, Thomas Distributing (located in Illinois), and a few other places sell them.

Up here they aren't widely distributed, but they are getting there thanks to their reputation. The Source is probably the biggest retailer selling these. In my case I buy directly from the Canadian distributor, so I'm getting them dirt cheap (such as cost price for the 8 pack of AA).

Edit: Found THIS on Sanyos site, and that is for the US. Oh, and if you do buy them before the end of the month be sure to send in for the spacers. The spacers are inserts that allow you to use the batteries in devices that require C or D sized batteries.

Dyre Straits · Dec 14, 2007, 08:28 AM

Thanks! I hadn't even heard of this brand until you guys brought it up. Will definitely check them out.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Dec 16, 2007, 09:16 PM

Duracell, Energizer, Rayovac. Generics have a higher leak rates, and I'm tried
of looseing stuff becouse cheap batteries. ex I saved a whole couple bucks
but killed my $30 maglite when the batteries leaked...

BlueMak · Dec 16, 2007, 11:14 PM

I don't use batteries that need replacement or charge that I need to buy them every so often. When I used to buy some I think they were philips.

The only advice that I have about batteries, don't buy any that have a legacy of exploding or catching on fire. *cough* ends in ony

H3X4D3C1M4L · Dec 22, 2007, 11:40 PM

Another vote for Sanyo eneloop. Damn good little buggers. Also less susceptable to the "charge only when drained or loose capacity" effect, but as good practise I generally try to charge only when drained.

And yes I too am in Canada. These batteries can be had for very cheap at Costco.

Judas · Dec 22, 2007, 11:42 PM

I don't use recharageables..... i've yet to find one that is of any good...

I'll stick to my deracel..... expensive but long lasting buggers....

Dec 11, 2007, 11:32 AM	#2
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	I use pure energy batteries, the manufacturer is only a few hours from my house. They have alkaline and NiMH batteries. __________________ --

Dec 11, 2007, 01:44 PM	#4
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 190 System Specs	Sanyo Eneloop. These things come pre-charged, ready to use out of the package. They also discharge very, very slowly when not used, and in fact only lose 15% of their charge over a 12 month period (which is how Sanyo can sell them pre-charged in the first place). Even though their capacity is lower, due to the way they are designed they actually last longer than a comparable battery at the same rating (in this case they are 2000 mAh batteries, but run as though they are 2200 mAh batteries). I use them for pretty much everything now (I gave away all my other rechargeable). Hands down the best batteries I have ever used (and I've tried hundreds of brands). Honestly, I can leave these on the shelf for a long time, and still know they have a charge whenever I need them. These have all the pluses and convenience of alkaline batteries, but none of their drawbacks. Tell me one other rechargeable battery that can say the same thing in either regards. Just a couple notes: don't buy these retail. Stupid retailers tend to sell these way above cost. Look to places like eBay or NCIX as they will usually sell these pretty cheap. OH, and no need to buy a new charger either as these will work on all of them. However, just as with any rechargeable battery, don't use them only anything less than a 1hr charger. Quick chargers, although invented to make charging faster, also reduce the lifespan of the batteries by 1/2. So, if the battery was good for 1000 charges before, using them on a quick charger will reduce that lifespan to 500 charges. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Dec 16, 2007, 09:16 PM	#10
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	Duracell, Energizer, Rayovac. Generics have a higher leak rates, and I'm tried of looseing stuff becouse cheap batteries. ex I saved a whole couple bucks but killed my $30 maglite when the batteries leaked... __________________

Dec 16, 2007, 11:14 PM	#11
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	I don't use batteries that need replacement or charge that I need to buy them every so often. When I used to buy some I think they were philips. The only advice that I have about batteries, don't buy any that have a legacy of exploding or catching on fire. cough ends in ony __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Dec 11, 2007, 11:39 AM	#3
Grace HH's Tomboy Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anywhere but in my house! Posts: 776 Rep Power: 56	I'm using GP batteries, they are the best I ever tried so far. But I don't think you can find them everywhere. GP Batteries (Hong Kong)

Dec 14, 2007, 05:28 AM	#6
slugbug Going Broke Saving Money Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 571 Rep Power: 70 System Specs	Another vote for Sanyo ENELOOP I find they hold a charge for longer than other batteries.

Dec 22, 2007, 11:40 PM	#12
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Another vote for Sanyo eneloop. Damn good little buggers. Also less susceptable to the "charge only when drained or loose capacity" effect, but as good practise I generally try to charge only when drained. And yes I too am in Canada. These batteries can be had for very cheap at Costco.