Thanks for posting, it is nice to have hands-on review on what actually works and for how long.

Originally Posted By: Blast
I'm surprised the batteries didn't leak and ruin your flashlight. I've had that happen so many times that I don't put batteries in my electronics until I absolutely need too.


My understanding is that storing alkaline batteries is a very much lottery thing. 5 years is probably not beyond their expiration date if they were fresh (newly bought and not stored for years and years in a store shelf somewhere). But leaks have occured with fresh batteries and with not so fresh. High humidity may also be a factor.

Also, I think mass production can make huge quantities with more consistent quality than just some years ago. Which may be a factor in that I saw pretty much leaking batteries in ANY old flashlight when I was a kid, but today it's been quite some years since last time I found a leaking battery.