Rechargeable AA batteries

[victorzamora]

I could be wrong, but I think a normal alkaline lasts longer than even an Eneloop does on one charge. So, it probably takes more than 5 uses to pay for itself. Anyway, 5 regular alkalines would last me 2, maybe 3, years for my Perdix. The SAFT batteries last a lot longer.

No big deal either way. I personally don't mind the extra "long term" expense of using an akaline or a SAFT in devices that only need a new battery once or twice a year. I don't have any hard data to support this, but my feeling is that I'd rather trust a SAFT that has sat around in my Perdix case for a year than to trust even an Eneloop that has sat around in the case for 6 months. It's a pretty minor thing, I admit. I really don't think either approach is "bad".

At the end of the day it's all personal preference. What are YOU comfortable with on YOUR arm? I don't dive any rechargeables in my dive computers, I just keep a large quantity of the cheapest-possible AA batteries on hand at all times.

 

[tbone1004]

@fmerkel the alka-leaks are the reason why I use the eneloops in everything that is going to have batteries left in it for any sort of time period because I don't trust them. I keep a box of cheapy aa's from Costco with me on dive trips for emergencies or if I can't get something on a charger, but they aren't primary use

correct and incorrect on the point that I think @stuartv made about alkaline vs nimh. Most of that is going to depend on the discharge rate. In high discharge applications like strobes and cameras, you are likely to get more usable amp hours out of rechargeable batteries. In something like a Petrel/Perdix you are likely to get more out of an alkaline due to their composition. This is why c rates are the most important and least discussed factors when analyzing batteries. For me? I'll stick with NiMH in my Petrel to not have to worry about them leaking, even if it means slightly more frequent battery changes.

 

[stuartv]

@fmerkel Thanks for the info. You've got me re-thinking my choices on things like my Perdix, for sure.

 

[fmerkel]

Will the Perdix take AA lithium primary? Huge shelf life, extremely low risk of leaking.

 

[tbone1004]

yes, they will take 14500's, as can the Petrels and Predators
What type of batteries can I use in the Perdix? - Shearwater Research

per the computer, the 14500's are no different than the Saft's because they are the same voltage. 14500's are just expensive

edit: sorry, you were probably talking about the photo lithiums. Yes they will accept a photo lithium with no problem, so will the Petrel, you will almost double your run time vs. regular alkaline and nimh.

 

[Caveeagle]

I have been planning to stock up on some AA and AAA rechargeables for a while now. I think I am sold on the Eneloop Pro. but was also considering the Sunlabz.

Just a few questions that are sort of 'on topic'..

-Do you keep your diving batteries dedicated for that use? Or do you they rotate in your battery pool for household use? Just wondering if its better to them to get more normal use/discharge from time to time? (most of my dive batteries are for backup lights).

-I don't have a Costco near be, so.. I'm probably looking at buying on Amazon in the multi-packs..

-Whats the best multi-charger? .. I have a 4-bay NITECORE that came with my DR LX20. But I would like something that gives more DATA and will cycle/condition the batteries.

 

[C Dub]

For the Perdix/Petrel the best choice is a simple/cheap 1.5v alkaline. Saft isn't worth it.

What type of batteries can I use in the Perdix? - Shearwater Research

 

[tbone1004]

@Caveeagle the sanyo charger is perfectly fine and quite inexpensive, though if you have 18650's as well you can consolidate chargers. I believe it is all or nothing in terms of all nimh or li-ion.

my batteries are rotated around, but so are most of my diving lights. I'm in the UK for work for about 6 weeks and have one of my diving backup lights with me that uses AA's and one that uses 18650's. They also rotate in and out with headlamps

 

[stuartv]

Just an FYI, I bought 4 x 4 packs of these Loopacell AAs the other day. They're rated at 2700mAh. $7.50 per 4-pack.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HDRM5LE/

I ran the first 4 through my Opus tester and they all tested between 2550 and 2650 mAh. The second batch is in the tester now. I will post results after testing all 16 batteries.

They're a fair bit less expensive than the Eneloop Pros... And they even came with a nice plastic case for each 4-pack.

Also, if I were buying a new charger, I would probably go for this Xtar:

Amazon.com : Xtar DRAGON VP4 PLUS Charger with charger pouch probes adapter car charger with Xpower Battery Case : Camera & Photo

It is also a tester, which I think is highly valuable for KNOWING what you're diving. And it will charge up to 4 x 32650 (D-cell size) batteries at once. Not cheap at $90, but what other charger/tester can charge so many big batteries at once?

 

[fmerkel]

Frankly I'd be leery of ANY high cap NiMh. I have some Ansmann 2700mA and 2850mA AA I used for strobes. Ansmann is a known German brand name. After a couple years use (not all that many cycles) the USEABLE cap is down to about 2000mA (on a very low draw they show more), the internal resistance is SO HIGH, they won't work in the stobes anymore, and are only good for very low draw applications. They also self discharge pretty badly. They suck.

@Caveeagle, I wouldn't go near those Sunlabz on a bet. As stated, really high capacity is 'fake bait' that fools people thinking they are getting more, often for less $$. It's generally pure marketing hype. Even looking at the stock 2000mA Eneloops vs the Eneloop Pro you give up longevity (cycles) and some self discharge for the extra little bit of capacity.....and that extra bit is probably gone in a few years I would suspect.