Which AA is best?

[L_Darklighter]

I can't seem to find a simple answer to this question. This is for AA batteries only:

Of the rechargeables, which produces the brightest light? Which lasts the longest?

Of the non-rechargeable, which lasts longest/burns brightest?

 

[coppertrail]

FYI, this belongs in the batteries forum. But, I'm sure a lot of members will agree that the eneloop or other quality LSD NiMH cells are your best bet for a light. I run them in all my lights, except for those that I use Lithium AA/AAA cells.

Now, regarding Lithium, you have 2 options: Energizer Advanced Lithium cells, which are a bit brighter than NiMH.

Then there are the 14500 3.7V Li-Ion rechargable cells, but you have to make your sure your light's input voltage is at least 4.2V to use Li-Ion.

To summarize:

NiMH= Bright
Lithium AA Primary = Brighter
Li-Ion 14500 = Brightest

 

[matrixshaman]

Just to clarify are you asking which batteries are best or which AA light is best?

 

[Gunner12]

I'm guessing you are referring the batteries and not AA powered lights. Ask a mod to move this to the Batteries section.

A good NiMh battery should provide enough power for high output. A Li-ion 14500 should make compatible lights even brighter then with any other type of battery in the tube but it is 3.7v vs 1.2v of the NiMh(similar total power though).

Lithium primary batteries should last longer and burn brighter then any other batteries(not including Li-ion, more output).

 

[RyanA]

It's hard to say really. There is no objective best. It is more relative to the application. No one battery is best suited to all situations. That is why there are so many different kinds of batteries. Even in the seemingly limited range of requirements field of portable lighting we use a vast array cells. For the most part the cells used here are a balance of attributes. (price point, availability, voltage, capacity, draw rate, cycles, operating temp range, safety, stability, size, shape, weight, self-discharge, shelf life, etc.) For example Nimh is capable of high draw rates, high capacity, but have low voltage and discharge themselves over time (this can be avoided by using LSD cells, but at the cost of capacity). Lithium-ion on the other hand has high voltage, moderate current capability but comparatively poor capacity. Think of it like adaptation and environment in relation to animals. It is survival fittest (best adapted to it's environment). If one cell was truly superior the competition would eventually cease to exist. Instead of asking "which battery is best" ask "what niche does this fill best".

 

[metlarules]

Keep in mind to only use Li-ion 14500 batteries in lights that are rated for them. Otherwise you could a light.