They are starting to use AAA cells to downsize everything... I was considering buying a Garmin Geko 201 GPS but did not do it because it was using 2xAAA batteries. When i'm going to get a GPS, it's batteries are going to last more than 16-18 hours.

John,

Good point - but D cells still have a lot more capacity (watt-hours) than the alternatives. In low-current applications I think they are the most economical in relatively small quantities. We buy AA by the case at home, but no other sizes in that quantity, so I'm not sure about the overall economics in case and larger quantities.

I standardized on AA as much as practical a long time ago, (OK - except for ARCs and some 123 torches) but it doesn't hurt to sustain good D cell equipment that folks already have at home. OTOH, I DID get rid of C cell stuff a few years ago and don't miss them. I have a couple of D mags that I haven't converted to LEDs yet - probably will never get around to it, as I just use the already converted ones.

Just my opinion: The most versitile "scrounger" device is something designed for 1 - 2 D cells and a set of battery adapters for it to allow AAA AA and C cells to be used.

I scanned thru Tom's shootout back when he posted it - it was better reading this time, in this context, and I paid a little closer attention to the details. Thanks for reminding me and posting the link to it!

Regards,

Tom

In principle, I agree. I just don't see how you could engineer a Petzl Zipka around AAs, though.

Have you guys tried the Panasonic Oxyride AA? I put one in my Infinity Ultra LED light. It is brighter and I am looking forward to the longer life. I bought a 4 pack at Walgreens for about $5.00.

Check this thread. Personally I'd stick with lithium AAs for better performance.

-john

Sounds good to me!

In theory I try to stick with AA's whenever possible. But as I write this, I realize I'm a little farther from that than I thought:

Digital camera = 2x AA
Garmin eTrex = 2x AA
Mini Mag = 2x AA
Petzl Tikka Plus = 3x AAA
Mag Solitaire = 1x AAA
Pelican Mini Light = 2x AAA
Surefire G2 = 2x 123
Photons = Button Cells
Mag Lite = 3x D
Pelican Light = 3x C

Maybe I should buy stock in Energizer or Duracell. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

It's what's not on that list that's good.... custom Li Ion packs.

The only Li Ion pack I have is for my cell phone. Darn near unavoidable. Everything else is readily available standard sized cells of some sort.

AA or no way... I'd be happy with "Li Ion is for Laptops".

OK, it would seem that the consensus (well ALMOST) that the AA and CR123 are basically "must-haves" and the AAA is coming up quick.

I'll NEVER give on the "button" cell issue - they are insanely expensive and unique - you can't use a nicad or alkaline or oxywhatever or lithium CR2023, and I don't like that.

Now, the CR 123 - that's an interesting thing. It's light, dense (energy wise) and I suspect that it may become a new "standard". I know I can ger 123's at just about any drugstore, so that's good.

So, I guess it's AA, 123, AAA that's all to say.

CR2032's and 2016's are no harder to find than CR123's, they're cheap if you order them online, and Photon-type coin cell lights are absolutely great, every BOB should have a handful of them. You can get the lights for a buck or so apiece or even less, and that /includes/ the coin cells.

Aside from that, I agree with the general sentiment here. I do see AAA's as a reasonable alternative to AA's. Example AA kit: CMG Ultra-G led light, Princeton Tec PT40 4AA light, generic 2AA radio, Garmin eTrex 2AA GPS, etc. Similar AAA kit: Arc AAA, Princeton Tec Rage (4AAA), Countycomm 2AAA radio, Garmin Geko 2AAA GPS, etc.

The Geko is a shrunken down version of the eTrex as far as I can tell.

FWIW, during the east coast blackout a couple years ago, all flashlights, AA cells, and D cells were sold out from stores almost immediately. But AAA cells, C cells, 9V batteries, CR123A's, etc. were plentiful. So having some battery flexibility can be useful if you need to obtain batteries from your surroundings.

AA AA can you hear ne .....WHEN I WAS 600 MILES FROM THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
YOU CANNOT FIND CR-123 OR CR-2 EVERWHERE ELSE IN THE WOLD
HAS SOME AA BATTS ,,,,,CR-123 YOU MIND AS WELL BE SPEAKING ARAMAIC.....