Rechargeable batteries (AA's)

[LawlerClan]

This might not be the right area so move it if necessary.

Any recommendations on a good rechargeable battery system for household batters like AAs, AAAs etc? The kids toys go through a fair number and I'd prefer to recharge rather than just buying new all the time.

Anything to look for?

TIA
Chip

 

[SunTzuNephew]

I REALLY like the Sanyo Eeneloop batteries - available from Amazon, Costco, etc.

They hold a charge very well, they are high power (on the order of 2amps), and they last quite a while. In the past I've tried various small rechargeables, and been disappointed. I use these Eeneloops in most applications now.

They also make adapters to use the AA's in C and D size shells, and they still have more power than a regular alkaline.

And the price seems very reasonable.

 

[off-roader]

I REALLY like the Sanyo Eeneloop batteries - available from Amazon, Costco, etc.

They hold a charge very well, they are high power (on the order of 2amps), and they last quite a while. In the past I've tried various small rechargeables, and been disappointed. I use these Eeneloops in most applications now.

They also make adapters to use the AA's in C and D size shells, and they still have more power than a regular alkaline.

And the price seems very reasonable.

Ditto. So impressed with them I asked my sister for a set for xmas. She bought me 26 AA batteries, 4 AAA, 4 D adapters, 4 C adapters, and a 2 cell eneloop recharger.:Wow1:

I'll be using my 8 cell battery charger instead but gotta love my sister for getting me what I want and then some!!:bike_rider:

 

[MotoDave]

A third vote for the Eneloops. I just finished a 8 day vacation and used my camera every day, and the set of 4 eneloop batteries lasted the entire trip. They also hold their charge very well between uses.

 

[Rallyroo]

Fourth vote on the Eneloops. I've tried various brands of rechargables. I'm glad I finally found that the Sanyo Eneloops work well me. They hold a charge and they work well in high amperage applications. (Aside: Regular alkalines don't work well in high amperage applications)

I go an entire week on a set of 4 Eneloops on my 200 lumen bike light; I commute by bike 5 days a week.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

And I can testify that both the energizer and duracell versions are crap... They hardly last a summer.. They are basically 'disposable' honestly...

 

[Superu]

I use the generics from greenbatteries.com and have not seen a marked difference in performance over 12 months compared to the Sanyo batteries except for price. I've only compared the AA size apples to apples, but I've used AAA, AA, C, D and 9 Volt and have been happy with all of them.

I use the big 8 cell Energizer recharger and have been very pleased.

 

[ThomD]

Slow chargers are better than fast chargers. Fast charging shortens the battery life. La Crosse makes some nice ones.

Eneloops rock.

 

[1leglance]

Slow chargers are better than fast chargers. Fast charging shortens the battery life. La Crosse makes some nice ones.

Eneloops rock.

ditto on all accounts
I am a heavy battery user with all the family & activities..love the Sanyo's but will check out greenbatteries

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I wonder if the guys from OJ would like to do a comparison test???
Hint hint....

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Sanyo Eneloop batteries x 1000

Holds 90% of a charge for up to a year.

 

[craig333]

I'll add myself to the eneloop crowd, but they are pricey.

 

[Beowulf]

For more info than you could ever hope to find, head over to http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/ and within a couple of searches you will find comparisons and specifications on just about all rechargeable batteries out there.

 

[CJCA]

Sanyo Eneloop batteries x 1000

Holds 90% of a charge for up to a year.

Ditto

Eneloops plus the Maha 9000 charger with 12 volt power cord equal a limitless supply of AA battery power while offroad.

 

[soonenough]

If you want something that you can find locally (I can't find the Eneloops), the Rayovac Hybrid rechargeables are really good batteries. I did some reading online and found some reviews that say they're comparable to the Eneloops in performance. From what I remember, the reviews say the Eneloops have a slightly lower self-discharge rate, but the Rayovacs have a slightly higher mAh capacity (2100 vs. 2000 IIRC). I haven't done any legitimate testing, but I can tell you for sure they last a lot longer in my DeLorme PN-40 than normal alkaline AAs.

I was able to find them at Target stores around here. They have a 4-pack of AAs for $10.95, and also a 2-pack of AAs with a 4-cell charger (that will charge AAs and AAAs) also for $10.95.