I haven't seen any real advantage of Lithium over a good NiMH like Eneloop.

The advantage of Lithion-ion and Alkaline primaries have over NiMH batteries in voltage (1.5 vs 1.2) and capacity (3000 and 2700 vs 2000 mAh far AA). Conventional battery sizes over AA are not available as lithiums, and scarce in NiMH.

In regards to replacing the alkalines; AA to D cell adaptors are easy to find. But, for a long duration household light, they represent a huge loss of capacity. It drops from 12,000 mAh down to 2,000-3,000, and cuts run time from 50+ hours down to 10.

It seems some people above are confusing Lithium with Lithium-ion. I referenced Lithium (non-rechargeable).

I was referring to lithium primaries too. Several devices I have such as GPS, radios, cameras all run about the same time on Eneloops as they do on a lithium primary and the eneloops can be used again many times.

Runtimes vary by discharge rates -- for example, lithium primaries have a huge advantage over alkalines in high drain devices, but roughly the same performance in low drain devices. With that said, an Energizer Lithium AA is typically rated at 3000 mAh, where Eneloop AAs are typically rated at 2100 mAh.

For myself, I use lithium primaries in devices that are infrequently used, because of their extremely low self-discharge rate and I don't have to worry about leaks. I use Eneloops or 18650s in devices that are in constant or frequent use, where the cost savings matters to me and where maintenance charges aren't an issue. I do not use alkalines.

Here is a link to the Energizer Lithium AA datasheet and the Eneloop AA datasheet.

AA alkalines typically don't like discharge rates aboub 500-750 mA. For reference, I think this is what a AA incandescent Mini Mag pulls.

Going back to the original topic, I did get the batteries (Rayovac) out of the flashlight. But the flashlight itself is FUBAR'd. It's replacement will be an area light or lantern.