Rechargeable batteries

[GoinAllTheWay]

What are you guys using? Is there anything outside the typical Energizer/Duracell products?

I use mostly AA and I've noticed that the charge they hold starts to drop off pretty quickly despite me not letting them fully discharge.

The last round of charging I did, the batteries were incredibly hot, almost too hot to touch. Not sure if the issue was in the charger or the batteries but this was only their 3rd or 4th charging cycle.

What do you guys use?

[opendoor]

I've had Eneloop batteries (used to be sold under Sanyo but now are Panasonic) for several years and they've been excellent.

[Hack&Lube]

Eneloops are your best bet in the consumer market. Ensure you pair the correct charger for your battery.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Excellent, thank you gents. Figured there was a better alternative.

[hockey.modern]

Really? That's strange, I've been using energizers for more then a couple of years fine and they still last a very long time.

[GoinAllTheWay]

I thought it was odd too. Maybe I've just purchased a bad batch but I've noticed them get really hot a few times now. Batteries can't get that hot and not be damaged as a result.

Not a big deal in things like TV remotes or toothbrushes but I use a number of them in radio controllers and can't risk having flakey batteries in those.

[BsFaninCGY]

I use PowerEx for AA's & iPower for 9v. ProTip: don't use a fast charger - they destroy your batteries.

[lazypucker]

I believe the PC brand (President's Choice) batteries are also made by Eneloop as well

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by BsFaninCGY

ProTip: don't use a fast charger - they destroy your batteries.

I always just used the charger that came with the batteries. It would charge 4 AA's in about 3 hours.

I'm assuming the one that comes with the Eneloops is of decent quality? Or should I spend the money on a standalone charger?

[BsFaninCGY]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

I always just used the charger that came with the batteries. It would charge 4 AA's in about 3 hours.

I'm assuming the one that comes with the Eneloops is of decent quality? Or should I spend the money on a standalone charger?

3 hours is reasonable. And I guess it all depends on what you're using the batteries in and how important it is that they don't die unexpectedly.

Here are the AA chargers I use:

http://www.mahaenergy.com/mh-c801d/

http://www.mahaenergy.com/mh-c9000/

[GoinAllTheWay]

That looks like a decent charger, thanks! Think I'll pull the trigger on the 8 cell model.