bmel17
Newly Enlightened
Like the title says, what are the best rechargeable d cell batteries?
Best rechargeable d cell batteries?
- Thread starter bmel17
- Start date
ChrisGarrett
Flashlight Enthusiast
AccuPower, PowerEx or Tenergy? These days, at least.
Chris
Chris
LEDninja
Flashlight Enthusiast
Make sure you get the Low Self Discharge version. The LSD batteries range from 2,900 to 10,000 mAH. Non LSD can go up to 12,000 mAH but only when freshly charged.
In UK there's Vapex. They do 8000mAh LSD and 10,000mAh normal
Also on ebay and amazon I have seen one called "Extreme" 10000mAh but have not tried them or seen any reviews.
Another ebay one to look at is called Ultralast and is 9000mAh claimed.
From Germany the Ansmann brand do D cells, pricey though...
Another option is 3AA to D parallel adaptors available on ebay for $5.99 each. They're decent quality.
Also on ebay and amazon I have seen one called "Extreme" 10000mAh but have not tried them or seen any reviews.
Another ebay one to look at is called Ultralast and is 9000mAh claimed.
From Germany the Ansmann brand do D cells, pricey though...
Another option is 3AA to D parallel adaptors available on ebay for $5.99 each. They're decent quality.
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Gtamazing
Newly Enlightened
I've used Tenergy Centura Lsd in a few lights. They are pretty good.
bmel17
Newly Enlightened
any downside to the adapters?
I believe the Eneloops are Japan market only, at least I don't know where to get them.
the downside to the adapters is that they're expensive (the only place I know to get the 3 cell ones is Battery Junction, for $15 apiece) and 3x Eneloops is less capacity (6000 mAh) than a Tenergy Centura D-cell (8000 mAh and $17/2-pack at Amazon)
The adapters seem like a great idea, I just can't justify the cost. If they were say $5 apiece I'd be stocking up and getting rid of all my D cells just for convenience's sake.
I've seen a teardown posted of the Eneloop D's and they are apparently true batteries - they are just 3xAA cells in parallel in a D size shell, so there's really no advantage to them, excellent cells though they are.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?287461-Eneloop-C-amp-D-Cells-Exposed
Given the capacity of the Tenergy cells I have to assume that those are single purpose built D cells.
Whatever you do don't buy Energizer NiMH C or D cells. Total rip off, both are rated right on the shell at 2500 mAh.
the downside to the adapters is that they're expensive (the only place I know to get the 3 cell ones is Battery Junction, for $15 apiece) and 3x Eneloops is less capacity (6000 mAh) than a Tenergy Centura D-cell (8000 mAh and $17/2-pack at Amazon)
The adapters seem like a great idea, I just can't justify the cost. If they were say $5 apiece I'd be stocking up and getting rid of all my D cells just for convenience's sake.
I've seen a teardown posted of the Eneloop D's and they are apparently true batteries - they are just 3xAA cells in parallel in a D size shell, so there's really no advantage to them, excellent cells though they are.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?287461-Eneloop-C-amp-D-Cells-Exposed
Given the capacity of the Tenergy cells I have to assume that those are single purpose built D cells.
Whatever you do don't buy Energizer NiMH C or D cells. Total rip off, both are rated right on the shell at 2500 mAh.
bmel17
Newly Enlightened
only plus side to me is I wouldn't have to order a new charger. I have the i4 v2. it can't charge d cells anyway. I looked on eBay at the suggestion above and they are 5.99 shipped each. hmmm. then I could just order more AA eneloops
Dang, you are right. Wonder how sturdy the contacts are. At that price I want to order some now, but the only D cell device I have is a 4D Mag and I only have 11 loops that I'm not using ATM, and they're a mix of Gen2 and Gen3. Still, would be nice to "be prepared."
Has anyone bought the fleaBay 3xAA to D adapters, and are they reasonably usable? Don't have to be spectacular, I wouldn't be using them in a hotwire or anything, but I would like to have a few in my junk box just in case. Maybe I could use one in my old Simpson 260 and get rid of the alkaleak? (that worries me a little, and a Simpson is a fine instrument that deserves to be cared for. Just don't know if the voltage difference would cause calibration issues...)
Going at it from another angle, you can charge a C or D cell in your charger with an adapter, if the charger has enough electrical capacity. Available both on Amazon and the bay, search for C9000 D cell adapter.
Has anyone bought the fleaBay 3xAA to D adapters, and are they reasonably usable? Don't have to be spectacular, I wouldn't be using them in a hotwire or anything, but I would like to have a few in my junk box just in case. Maybe I could use one in my old Simpson 260 and get rid of the alkaleak? (that worries me a little, and a Simpson is a fine instrument that deserves to be cared for. Just don't know if the voltage difference would cause calibration issues...)
Going at it from another angle, you can charge a C or D cell in your charger with an adapter, if the charger has enough electrical capacity. Available both on Amazon and the bay, search for C9000 D cell adapter.
bmel17
Newly Enlightened
yeah I'm using them for a maglite I store in my jeep and an emergency radio I have laying around and don't want to risk leakage. I figure that's probably cheaper than new tenergy cells and a new charger
same eFlay seller world_electric_fan has 4xAAA to C adapters too, same price.
Really tempted...
That would pretty much duplicate the Japan market Eneloop C and D "cells" but allow you to charge the cells individually on a smart charger.
Anyone got their hands on them yet?
Really tempted...
That would pretty much duplicate the Japan market Eneloop C and D "cells" but allow you to charge the cells individually on a smart charger.
Anyone got their hands on them yet?
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bmel17
Newly Enlightened
I'm going to order 2 and test them out. will let you know
StorminMatt
Flashlight Enthusiast
Tenergy is probably the best value. They are reasonably priced at around $18.50 for two. And thus far, the quality of mine seem to be REALLY good. The Centuras have held up well for me. And although I haven't had my Premium C cells as long, they have been pretty good so far.
Please do, if they turn out to be acceptable quality I'm going to have to invest in some. I suppose I could order one or two but would rather place one order for all my foreseeable needs plus a couple extra; but then again I don't want to drop $50 or more if they're crap. Take and post pics; if anyone has I missed it (I didn't know they were out there until this thread) and you'd be doing us all a favor.
bmel17
Newly Enlightened
I'm diggin' the idea of the adapters now that I think about it... because they're parallel, you don't have to load them up necessarily. Let's say you need to power up a device, but only for a few minutes. you need 6x D cells to do it. But because you only need to power it for a few minutes you could do it with as few as 6 AAs... knowhutahmean?
my concern with the adapters would be primarily the gauge metal used for the contacts. If it's thick enough that it can handle a decent amount of current, I'm in. Once installed in a flashlight or device, they really shouldn't be rattling around that much.
my concern with the adapters would be primarily the gauge metal used for the contacts. If it's thick enough that it can handle a decent amount of current, I'm in. Once installed in a flashlight or device, they really shouldn't be rattling around that much.
bmel17
Newly Enlightened
Ordered :)
