If you use the light daily and check it frequently, Duracell batteries will work. The trouble with alkaline batteries is that they leak over time and ruin the flashlight. That's pretty much true of all alkaline batteries, not just Duracell. If you are going to use the flashlight in the car, keep the batteries in a plastic bag outside of the light. If they leak, they can be thrown away with no problems. I have an old Mag 2D with alkaline batteries stored like this and have had no problems. Don't use it much, but I can see the batteries in the clear bag when I open the trunk.