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The best Alkaline batteries that are commonly available?

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/7630000134

September 28, 2017, 10:52 AM
parabellum
The best Alkaline batteries that are commonly available?
Specifically, D cells at the moment. I've used Eveready batteries for ages but I started looking around and discovered that there may now better performers, for instance, the Ray-O-Vac Ultra Pro.

Any opinions?
September 28, 2017, 10:54 AM
JRC
Kirkland.
September 28, 2017, 10:57 AM
Oz_Shadow
I pretty much stick with Duracells from Costco, esepecially when on sale. Every time I try a different variety it seems they do not last as long or perform as well.
September 28, 2017, 11:00 AM
parabellum
Kirkland offers a D cell battery?
September 28, 2017, 11:02 AM
ensigmatic
quote:
Originally posted by JRC:
Kirkland.

Absolutely NOT!

Worst alkaleaks I've ever used, bar none. Heck, I've had Kirkland brand batteries start leaking in the packaging.

Don't know about the new Ray-O-Vac cells, Para. I've tended to stick with Duracell for Cs and Ds. Though, after having lost another Maglight to alkaleaks, I'm seriously considering giving Eneloops or Energizer lithiums with D-cell adaptors a try.

That would get alkaleaks out of my life entirely, save for the 9V cells in my smoke detectors and a couple other devices.



"America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system,,,, but too early to shoot the bastards." -- Claire Wolfe
"If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living." -- Seneca the Younger, Roman Stoic philosopher
September 28, 2017, 11:10 AM
Pipe Smoker
I frequently see complaints saying that alkaline batteries leak. I use many alkalines, in some expensive equipment: 9v in my FLUKE multimeter. AA in my SECA 876 and Ohaus scales, and my mini MAGLITE. D in my lantern and big MAGLITE. I use Duracell, and I've never had any of them leak. I do have calendar reminders to change them periodically (two years for most of them), regardless of usage.



Serious about crackers.
September 28, 2017, 11:17 AM
jhe888
It isn't so easy a question to answer. You have to specify whether you are interested in low drain or high drain applications. You can't compare testing for one size battery to another.

And the test better be recent, as the battery makers change designs, and the rebranders (like Kirkland) may change suppliers over time.

I found some data that indicated Ray-O-Vac D cells were the longest lasting, but it was data that was 12 years old.

One thing that was encouraging was that the "good" brands are pretty close to each other.

I can say Duracell stands by its guaranty. I had some of their batteries in a flash unit that leaked. Even though the batteries were beyond the use-by date, Duracell sent me a check for a new flash.




The fish is mute, expressionless. The fish doesn't think because the fish knows everything.
September 28, 2017, 11:18 AM
SBrooks
I still have leaking batteries now and then - mostly in stuff that doesn't get used for a year or more.

I tend to buy whatever from wherever. Walgreens brand does okay and they are on sale now and then. We've used some Kirkland and not had problems. I don't really notice much difference between any of the major brands. I just avoid the dollar store type shit.

I did finally buy some rechargeable CR123 types and like those a lot compared to the regular type.

Just saw post from JHE - and it backs up my experience. The major brands all seems to be pretty similar in performace.


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SBrooks
September 28, 2017, 11:23 AM
honestlou
I have had some leakage from Evereadys; I don't think I've ever had leakage from Duracells. Duracell brands some alkalines "Procell" and they are priced economically. I've excellent results with their 9 volt "Procell", but I haven't used the D cells. These are what I'll buy for my next D cells:

https://www.amazon.com/DURACEL...2Bd%2Bbatteries&th=1
September 28, 2017, 11:36 AM
maladat
quote:
Originally posted by ensigmatic:
quote:
Originally posted by JRC:
Kirkland.

Absolutely NOT!

Worst alkaleaks I've ever used, bar none. Heck, I've had Kirkland brand batteries start leaking in the packaging.


I've had Duracell alkalines leak in the packaging, too.

I just hate alkaline batteries.
September 28, 2017, 11:54 AM
arfmel
I used Duracells for years, and gladly paid extra for them, because they so seldom leaked if they weren't exposed to freezing conditions. Lately, though, I've found them leaking in the package, sometimes before their expiration date. Both AA and D cells.

At least Duracell's warranty will still repair or replace an item damaged by their batteries in the event of leakage.
September 28, 2017, 12:08 PM
oldRoger
I just replaced most of my emergency "D" batteries used during Emma.
The Lanterns all had Eveready batteries most had dates two or three years ago, the oldest were 2012. Evidently I had not replaced them after the last power outage.

I replaced them all with Duracells because that is what Lowes had available. I have had good luck with Duracells in other sizes.

My problem is that I have no other use for "D" batteries except in my emergency lighting, and I seldom use it for more than a couple of hours. So I am more interested in shelf life than in the other areas of performance.
September 28, 2017, 12:13 PM
Aeteocles
Para,

For your new lanterns, you might consider Low Self Discharge NiMH rechargeable, instead.

For something that gets infrequent use like a lantern, you can recharge the batteries whenever you feel like it to ensure you've got full batteries. With Alkalines, you never really know if the batteries are fresh, partially used, or partially discharged from disuse. I also find it easier to just freshly charge the battery before an outing, rather than carry a spare set of batteries "in case" the partially used ones run out.

Here are some highly regarded 8,000 mah rechargeable D batteries by Tenergy (avoid the Energizer brand ones, as those are just repackaged ~2000 mah AA batteries). I've been using Tenergy lithiums for 15 years now without problems.

https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy...=rechargeable+D+nimh
September 28, 2017, 12:36 PM
Expert308
I just threw away a wireless mouse because the Duracell AAA's leaked all over the inside of it. I've had Duracell D cells leak too, in flashlights.
September 28, 2017, 12:42 PM
NK402
I too have experienced leaking Duracells.
September 28, 2017, 12:43 PM
OKCGene
Procell.

They're made by Duracell, but are not garden variety regular retail stuff.

It's the only one we use in certain types of medical equipment.

Procell is a bit difficult to find at local retail, we bought them wholesale, but you can get them from Amazon.

I've used literally 100,000 plus of these in medical pumps and can highly recommend them.
September 28, 2017, 12:53 PM
Jelly
I also have had problems with leaking Duracells. Won't even use them these days unless I have to.
September 28, 2017, 01:11 PM
Audioholic
We traditionally used Energizers but some years ago Costco and BJ's stopped selling them so we gravitated to Duracell. They were fine until about 3-4 years ago and then we started getting leakers. After the crappy Duracells ruined several remotes and a Fenix flashlight I banned their use in our household. The ones that leaked were all within the date codes so there was no reason for leakage other than shoddy manufacturing. When a company like Duracell bills itself as "premium" there's no excuse for leaking, it's not like the technology is new. I've got remotes that came with cheapie Chinese alkaline batteries that went dead but never leaked.

We switched back to Energizers last year and have had no problems so far. Duracell needs to cut back on their advertising budget and invest in more quality control.




"Every time you think you weaken the nation" Moe Howard
September 28, 2017, 01:53 PM
UTsig
When I bought my Siege lanterns, I bought the Rayovac Ultrapro. They've been in the lanterns for several years, still strong. Your thread on lanterns reminded me to check them. I'll replace with the same.



"Nature scares me" a quote by my friend Bob after a rough day at sea.
September 28, 2017, 02:02 PM
4MUL8R
My Duracell leak. Hate the brand. Many little-used gizmos damaged. I wonder if slow discharge causes leakage.


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Trying to simplify my life...