Rechargable Batteries

[Homerboy]

I've got some of the Engergizer NiMH 900mAh AAA and AA batteries. I want/need to get more and would like to find some online that are cheaper and compatible with the Energizer recharging station.

I figured the throbbing brain that is ATOT would know best...

 

[Jeff7]

Eneloops are the only way to go.
They're rated to retain 85% of their charge after a full year in storage, and while their mAh is a bit lower than some competitors' products, I'm more willing to trust them as valid and not overinflated. I've had Sanyo 1700mAh NiMH AAs perform as well as, if not better than, off-brand Chinese cells marked >2200mAh.
And for a charger, La-Crosse BC-900.


That usual recommendation aside, I usually get batteries from the place linked above - Thomas Distributing.
Energizer section

Though Amazon sometimes has better deals on Eneloops.

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
Eneloops are the only way to go.
They're rated to retain 85% of their charge after a full year in storage, and while their mAh is a bit lower than some competitors' products, I'm more willing to trust them as valid and not overinflated. I've had Sanyo 1700mAh NiMH AAs perform as well as, if not better than, off-brand Chinese cells marked >2200mAh.
And for a charger, La-Crosse BC-900.


That usual recommendation aside, I usually get batteries from the place linked above - Thomas Distributing.
Energizer section

Though Amazon sometimes has better deals on Eneloops.

Thnaks for the detail! Can I use those Eneloops in my Energizer recharger? I don't want to have to buy a new one...

 

[Jeff7]

I'd imagine that they would be fine in the charger. As far as I know, most NiMH cells are pretty much the same, and the Eneloops can be used in any regular NiMH charger.

What's the model number on the charger? Is it some super-rapid charger? It's possible that you do need special cells for some of those 15 minute chargers.

I tend not to like high-speed chargers, as rapid charging is harder on the batteries. That's one nice thing about the Eneloops - you can keep some charged ones on hand, which should reduce the need for rapid charging.

 

[child of wonder]

If you search the slickdeals.net forums you can find some nice coupons for all-batteries.com. Just got a 12 pack of 2600mAh plus a quick charger with car adapter for $33. Could have gotten it for $24 if I'd known about the free shipping coupon.

 

[Gothgar]

lol wut

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
I'd imagine that they would be fine in the charger. As far as I know, most NiMH cells are pretty much the same, and the Eneloops can be used in any regular NiMH charger.

What's the model number on the charger? Is it some super-rapid charger? It's possible that you do need special cells for some of those 15 minute chargers.

I tend not to like high-speed chargers, as rapid charging is harder on the batteries. That's one nice thing about the Eneloops - you can keep some charged ones on hand, which should reduce the need for rapid charging.

Its not a rapid charger, so I assume I'll be safe with it. I'll check out slickdeals too to see what I can find. I just need some good deals on decent batteries for the kids' toys, console controllers etc.

 

[Jeff7]

Yeah, that charger should be just fine then.

If you don't need top-quality NiMH's, Thomas Distributing sometimes offers free/"free" AAs with various other products.
Off-brands can have problems in addition to lower-than-rated capacity, such as reduced longevity. I've had bad experiences with Powerizer brand cells - uneven discharge curves, low terminal voltage under discharge, and a reduced number of total cycles.

 

[Agentbolt]

Another strong vote for Eneloops. Amazon is your best bet for finding the cheapest price, the prices seem inflated on E-Bay for some reason.

 

[DayLaPaul]

FYI, Duracell "Precharged" batteries are re-badged Eneloops. You can find those almost anywhere from around $10-15 for a 4 pack.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: DayLaPaul
FYI, Duracell "Precharged" batteries are re-badged Eneloops. You can find those almost anywhere from around $10-15 for a 4 pack.

Eneloops are $9.97/4pk at Thomas Distributing; I've seen them on sale for $8.88 at Amazon.

Text
And according to the one pic there, Duracell precharged cells are made in China; Eneloops are made in Japan. I tend to trust Japanese quality a bit more.
Maybe there are a few different sources of Duracell cells. Google shows some mixed results.

I guess if the Duracells are made in Japan, they're the rebrands.

 

[esquared]

Costco B&M has/had this particular eneloop set with 8AA 4 AAA and a charger and these adapters for around 27-28 bucks, the regular price. Amazon link just to show the model

Sometimes Costco has them on sale for 19.99. I picked up three for that price last time they were on sale. Unfortunately, I don't see them at Costco.com

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: DayLaPaul
FYI, Duracell "Precharged" batteries are re-badged Eneloops. You can find those almost anywhere from around $10-15 for a 4 pack.

and Rayovac Hybrid are also good as well.