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Expert Advice > How to Choose Batteries

How to Choose Batteries

Quick-reference Guides

Quick-reference Guide: Rechargeable Batteries

  Precharged NiMH Standard NiMH Lithium-ion Nickel cadmium
REI assessment Excellent AA, AAA, C, D choice. Retains power longer. Very good AA, AAA, C, D choice. Good long-term value. Some bike lights use Li-ion; not yet in AA, AAA, C, D sizes. On the road to obsolescence; cadmium is toxic; not sold at REI.
Nominal voltage ("pushes" electricity) 1.2 1.2 3.6 1.2
Typical AA energy capacity (mAh) High (2,100) Higher (2,500+) AAs/AAAs not yet widely available Low to moderate (1,200)
Estimated recharging cycles (higher mAh may yield fewer cycles) 150-500+ 150-500 300-500+ Up to 1,500
Average rate of "self-discharge" (% of energy capacity lost when idle) Very good (20% per 6 months) Poor (1%/day, 30%-40%/month) Excellent (< 2% per month) Poor to fair (20%-40% per month)
Maintenance Recharge whenever capacity dips 30%-50% below peak. (Can be recharged any time.) Recharge whenever capacity dips 30%-50% below peak. (Can be recharged any time.) Charge at any time. Avoid draining all capacity. Nearly drain, then fully charge.
Suggested charging rate Medium to fast Medium to fast Whatever charger allows Slow to medium
When to condition (fully discharge/fully charge) Not always mandatory, but OK once every 10 charges or every 3 months Not always mandatory, but OK once every 10 charges or every 3 months Not mandatory, but periodically OK Recommended for each cycle
Suggested long-term storage Fully charged at 60°F Fully charged at 60°F About 50% charged at 60°F (On computers using AC current, OK to detach or leave attached.) Mostly discharged
at 60°F
When to charge during storage Every 6+ months Every 1-2 months Partial charge every 6-12 months Discharge/charge every 2-3 months
Performance
at 0°F/90°F		 Good/fair Good/fair Good/fair Good/good
Ruggedness Avoid hard contact, heat Avoid hard contact, heat Avoid hard contact, heat Very durable
Best or common uses High-drain devices (digital cameras, GPS); moderate-drain devices (headlamps, toys) High-drain devices (digital cameras, GPS); moderate-drain devices (headlamps, toys) Some bike lights (plus notebook computers, camcorders, cell phones, assorted personal electronics) Older power tools
Distinctive characteristics Ready to use out of package. Beats standard NiMH when used over prolonged time (in a headlamp or GPS on a long trip) due to slow self-discharge rate. Must charge before first use. Beats precharged NiMH when used intensively over condensed time (say, shooting photos at a wedding) due to higher energy capacity. Must charge before first use. High performance, but limited to specific products (not yet in AA, AAA, C, D sizes). Diminished by age apart from use. Must charge before first use. Less capacity (50%+) than NiMH. Vulnerable to "memory effect". Most rugged rechargeable.
Recyclable Yes Yes Yes Yes (a must due to cadmium)

Quick-reference Guide: Single-use Batteries

  Lithium Alkaline Heavy-duty/General purpose
REI assessment Very good AA, AAA, C, D choice. Power-packed; low weight. Good AA, AAA, C, D choice. Dependable, reliable workhorse. Poor choice; antiquated technology; low energy capacity; not sold at REI.
Nominal voltage ("pushes" electricity) 3.0 1.5 1.5
Estimated shelf life (at 70°F) 10-15 years 5-7 years 3-5 years
Suggested long-term storage 60°F-70°F; Avoid refrigeration/freezing 60°F-70°F; Avoid refrigeration/freezing 60°F-70°F; Avoid refrigeration/freezing
Performance at 0°F/90°F Good/very good Poor/good Poor/fair
Hypothetical number of flash photos 100-plus Dozens A handful or two
Best or common uses High-drain devices (digital cameras, GPS); moderate-drain devices (most headlamps, toys) GPS (about 2 days continuous use, longer when used intermittently); moderate-drain devices (headlamps, toys) Low-drain devices (clocks)
Distinctive characteristics Excellent backup battery; good for emergency kits. Best digital camera choice among single-use batteries. Some devices require lithium cells in specialized sizes (CR123). CAUTION: Too powerful for some devices (particularly headlamps); read product instructions first. Excellent backup battery; good for emergency kits. Varying grades (premium, standard, economy) exist with corresponding differences in performance and price. Battery of last resort
Recyclable Yes, though most go to landfills (materials offer little value) Yes, though most go to landfills (materials offer little value) Yes, though most go to landfills (materials offer little value)

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By T.D. Wood

Last updated: June 2008

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