Best type of batteries for lights.

giantsasquatch

I new to modern lights, LED's etc. I know with standard batteries, the power drains and so do the lights .

What is confusing is the different kinds of new technology batteries.

Wha type of batteries can you recommend for lights? Is it beneficial to use these new type batteries in standard lights or just one's with the modern LED that are very powerful. Is it best to use rechargeable kind?

Cheers.

Slow Downcp

If you're going to use them regularly, go for rechargeable - you'll save a fortune in the long run

giantsasquatch

Yes thanks but what best battery type. I heard of Ni-MH, Hybrio, Li-on, Oxyride, Lithium. Ni-Zinc, NiCd, Carbon Zinc

I found this article.

http://www.consumersearch.com/batteries/review

Seems Hybrio are the best type of rechargeables, and lithium for disposables to use in lights.

keef66

AA / AAA rechargeables
Ni-Mh give good run times without fading in LED lights, and are available in high capacities. Good for commuting if you use them, run them flat and charge them regularly. No good for occasional use because they lose their charge when not in use, and sods law says they'll be as good as flat when you need them.
For this kind of use I'd reccommend Hybrio type batteries (there are others) which do not self discharge. Handy for an emergency light you keep in your pack in case you get caught out in summer.
For both types I'd recommend investing in a smart charger that will monitor the condition of individual batteries and charge them accordingly, rather than a simple timer based one.

Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but more powerful proprietary rechargeables(think camcorders, laptops etc) Usually need a model-specific charger.

Ni-Cad is your standard Duracell type disposable, and Carbon zinc is your bog standard ever-ready type (which Duracell adverts unfairly compare themselves with) Lithium disposables are really best for things like cameras; bloody expensive to run bike lights on!

giantsasquatch

Thanks alot for the answer i was looking for. I was wondering if there was anything better out these days than Nimh or Hybrio but seems not.

keef66

Have a look on vapextech.com for both types of rechargeables and a smart charger (world traveller or something like that)

hitthewall

I've used Hybrio batteries but think Sanyo Eneloops are better although a little more expensive. The article does say Eneloops "leads the pack".

Downside is they are 2000 mhA but they really do hold their charge for a long time.

Purchase from Amazon

GyatsoLa

Always check out the power ratings at the side - for AA's 2,700 is about the most powerful you can get (sometimes 'bargain' ones are 1500 mhA or lower). For AAA's 1100 MhA is good. Sometimes you need a good pair of glasses to find where its written on the pack - the weaker the battery the smaller the writing!

Buy the most powerful ones you can afford, its worth it in the long run if you use high power lights.

I'd second the Vapotech world charger, it is a very good charger. I always just keep a bunch of AA's and AAA's in rotation, giving them all a good charge once a week. But there are some chargers now you can use on usb's (so keeping them charged at work), and its even now possible to mount a charger on your bike if you have a good dynamo.