Are AA-Battery lights dead or just dying? Can we let go of a 117 year old technology for good?

Are AA-Battery lights dead or just dying? Can we let go of a 117-year old technology for good?

[@cliffordmaynard6559]

I like my double AA battery flashlights.

[@alexdrockhound9497]

The issue with built in usb recharged batteries is once the battery needs to be charged, you can't use it for several hours. I much prefer being able to swap in a new battery while the dead battery charges. It also makes the item have a longer life overall, as the built in batteries cycle life isn't the products life.

[@ailivac]

there's no reason you can't have the best of both worlds - a removable cell that charges inside the device. most companies outside of the flashlight industry haven't discovered this yet though

[@furniksadventures9660]

welcome to the world of lithium batteries! the more popular 18650 is cheap, long lasting and can be bought in bulk to have spare batteries wherever you would like :) ilove my lumintop tool 3.0 and sofirn hs40 very much

[@tonyrulez69]

Or - just hear me out - have 2 batteries! Or more! My flashlight uses one 18650 battery, and I have 12 at home from a dead laptop battery. Turns out they are still great for a flashlight! And if I want to use my light and it died, I have 11 more to use.

[@alexdrockhound9497]

@@ailivac exactly the point i was making.

[@alexdrockhound9497]

@@furniksadventures9660 yep. Ive been using 18650 in everything possible since about 2012.

[@DiyRye978]

Being a wildland firefighter our world runs on AA batteries. Our radios take either 9 or 12 AA batteries in what we call a clamshell. Base camp stocks them by the thousands, so AA battery headlamps and flashlights are what I recommend to everyone going on wildfires.

[@virtualvirtual2362]

when the power goes out you can still find AA batteries, any store any part of the world has them, you can't make sure to have a power outlet anytime anywhere to recharge your flashlight, with AA go to a store and buy them good to go, maybe they are weaker but are kind of superior, that's why i like dual fuel flashlights

[@meanderinoranges]

On a related note, there are some stellar flashlights using the Li-ion 14500 cells, which are the same size as AAs. The Wurkkos TS10 is one that comes to mind. It's a fantastic little unit that outputs a solid four-digit lumen level.

[@alexdrockhound9497]

And some can even use both (dual fuel)

[@atomicsmith]

When the Texas freeze happened several years ago and the power was out for several days, my AA lights became the most useful. I discovered many of my 18650 lights couldn’t use each others batteries because there are so many proprietary batteries and chargers. The built-in-battery lights were useless, because if they ran out, it required a trip back to a charging point…rare because the power was out. I was thankful to have several AA lights that I could keep running very easily, and I even ended up leaving a few out to neighbors because I knew they could keep them running and could probably scavenge batteries at their own house. I still think there is quite a lot of life left in the lowly AA, especially with 14500s and self charging USBC.

[@alexdrockhound9497]

Long live the dual fuel AA alkali/14500 flashlight with quick swap batteries and built in usb c charger (user gets to pick how they wanna charge it)

[@TylerSnyder305]

I carry an AAA flashlight in my pocket everyday. I've carried rechargeable lights but am always a little more apprehensive about using them because when the battery dies I'm SOL while it's charging. When my AAA flashlight dies I just pop a new battery in it and am good to go. If the battery is removable and you can have a spare to swap in that's fine, but if the battery is built inand not removable you're SOL. Plus when that built in battery goes you have to toss the whole thing into a landfill instead of just the battery.

[@workahol]

Same, AAA flashlight in the pocket every day, Energizer ultra litihum AAA, and I just recycle them when the die.

[@Mandrag0ras]

Lithium batteries are undeniably superior to NiMH, but when manufacturers use non replaceable Li-ion batteries, that's another story. No sane manufacturer is gonna give the consumer a battery warranty of 2 years or more. Once the battery dies, you have to throw the whole thing away. That's simply a no go for me.

[@sda4jesus1]

I like your discussion on AA batteries. I'd like non-swappable battery flashlights a lot more if the companies that sell them offered to replace their worn out internal batteries for a nominal charge. That would revolutionize the industry, and really push AAs, etc, out of anything approaching common use.

[@DSArmageddon666]

I tend to avoid built-in batteries. 1) They eventually die and have to be replaced, and custom built-in batteries are sometimes impossible to replace. 2) I enjoy being able to "instantly recharge" by having another set of batteries. Now, I do have a few flashlights with built in batteries because they offer unique form factors (often very small). It's nice to have a true keychain flashlight. But I know that these will eventually die so I don't get expensive ones. If you have a long-storage flashlight (e.g. the backup light in my truck) store the batteries outside the flashlight. That will prevent parasitic drain.

[@remfj40]

I love the Olight I3T which is AAA. Use the 10440 and very happy. Your point on tech especially with the Maglite and C or D is well received.

[@andrewlacerenza667]

Off grid these is very important, unless you have a gas-powered generator

[@aussiehardwood6196]

AA lights have just got more betterer, nowdays you can employ rechargeable 14500 Li-ion cells with a bunch more constant current OR kong lasting old style NiMH OR your regular AA cells from any store. This makes them VERY versitile, with high output cells and creative drivers, buck drivers etc you can get incredible performance from a clever high quality AA. Amazing choice of emitters, color temp, reflector types, optics etc. So today this light is more relevant than ever IMO, especially for preppers or travelers that want options.

[@daifeichu]

My favourite headlamps are from Zebra Light. I have seven of their lights in three different battery configs. The 18650 for a lot of light and run time but I really like their AA headlamp. It's very light especially if you don't need a bunch of light. Cool to see your 4Seven 2xAA flashlight. I never bought that model but I have bought a few of their newer 2xAA for friends who are not into this sort of thing. In the past normal people didn't know about li-ion batteries so a Foursevens light in AA format is perfect for them since it's a quality light and AA's can be had anywhere so it's easy for them to keep it going. Where I now use AA's are two weather stations, two ZebraLights, meters of various sorts, a Dymo, remotes and that's about it. I guess AA's will still have life for another couple decades.

[@curtisi4403]

One of my favorite is a single AA.

[@tonyrulez69]

Don't forget that AA and built-in non-replacable batteries are not the only 2 options. There are replacable and rechargable batteries, like 18650 and others. If you are worried the battery might die, have one extra ready!

[@austinmckimmey8566]

I EDC an Olight i3T with rechargeable AAA. While doing electrical work this weekend. I ran out of batteries 2 times. I was able to toss some misc maybe used AAA in and get some more time out of the light. Huge advantage while I was out of the house. And don’t have time to charge the thing I need to use up. I do like have plenty of rechargeable lights, but they tend to be larger. It’s always a bummer when they a dead or dying when you really need them though.

[@DanR6793]

18650's have mostly replaced AA and AAA batteries for me. The fact that I don't have to plug the whole darn light in to charge the battery, which takes away the usability of the light is important to me. I just keep freshly charged cells around and can swap them out in less than a minute, and keep going. My Edc light, headlamps, and large flashlight can use all the same 18650's, or can run off CR123's (I like to keep these around as backups to my rechargeable 18650's)

[@Michael-t3b5b]

I have lots of AA & AAA battery flashlights they have their place. I use nimh or Lithium batteries only in these except for a few we use around the house frequently and it’s easier for my wife to get a new battery out of the storage case rather than her look for a rechargeable. Her favorite lights we have are two Fenix AAx2 light I bought 15 years ago and are very bright for their size and last quite a while

[@ParkerBinion]

I think the 14500/AA flashlights are fine for travel. A few of them are good for EDC. Like the Weltool T1 ProTac as a defensive light in conjunction with a keychain backup light.

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again, Doc Thank you for another Great Video 👍 I 'm not sure, if I am to get rid of it. Sure I have changed from a two stroke Trimmer to an electric one. And I will admit, I like it a lot better. As things improved and get proven. I am sure that I too will upgrade. Anyhow, 😊 Again thank you. 😀

[@garyk4017]

I use Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA and AAA batteries when I don't want leak damage from standard AA or AAA batteries (I've had bad luck with Duracells - they always seem to leak). The Ultimate Lithium batteries are expensive, but at least they don't ruin the device they are powering. They are ideal for items stored for a long time and only used occasionally, like an emergency flashlight (as opposed to a daily use flashlight). Quite a few modern flashlights can use 14500 lithium rechargeable batteries as well as normal AA batteries (or 10440 batteries in place of normal AAA batteries). It's good to have options.

[@sergrodin8655]

now lithium AA batteries have appeared (not accumulators), they have no disadvantages, except for a rather high price. The main advantage is that they do not discharge themselves for 10 years, and work for a very long time. For a flashlight, this is very important, usually when you urgently need a flashlight, it is either discharged or the batteries are damaged: at this moment, it is usually impossible to charge it, but it is more likely that it is also difficult in the dark) so, despite the price, buy yourself lithium batteries, put them in an emergency flashlight and be sure that it will work when needed. (I got this experience in Ukraine and was happy that I had several for blink cameras, the flashlight worked on these batteries as long as necessary and did not fail)

[@thatguy6054]

You can bring an old MagLite into the modern age by swapping out the Xenon bulb for an LED upgrade. The C and D cells have massively more capacity than AA's or similarly small form factor built-in batteries. You're still stuck with disposable batteries like alkaline, but if you need a light that stays on for many, many hours straight they remain a viable option.

[@SteelheadTed]

When hunting or hiking in the backcountry headlights with batteries that can be removed and replaced with something fresh is necessary. That’s at least one use case where the batteries must be able to come out.

[@beachthor1]

I like lights with D batteries, the batteries double as self defense tools if you throw them.

[@lf2334]

To me the perfect torch has dual fuel if you will. A rechargeable battery as well as a AAA battery slot. I just use the rechargeable battery first and the AAA only if necessary. I even keep a couple of AAA batteries in my car for extras. The Rovyvon E1 is such an amazing little torch.

[@3rd-Eden]

It's simple, the battery is the weakest link in your flashlight. With no option of replacing it, it means that your flashlight eventually becomes a dead weight. AA based flashlights don't have that shortcoming, you can replace the batteries, bring more batteries if you want a longer duration. I was my EDC to last, and be repairable - by me. If it's all about ease of use, there are AA sized USB rechargable batteries. So you can have the best of both worlds.

[@DamionJR4923]

I like not having to wait 5 hours for my light to start working again. I’m generally not a fan of internal non replaceable batteries.

[@andrewscott8892]

I love coast because they are dual power, rechargeable with usb c or "regular" batteries.

[@lowcashranch1412]

I still feel more comfortable having a AA flashlight with a rechargeable battery in it. That way, I still have the recharge option and if I am in a situation where I do not have access to power, you can buy AA batteries anywhere and get back in the game.

[@jimmybrad156]

Some torches will take 1x 18650 or 3x AAA's using an adapter so it's about the same size (and voltage) as an 18650. Best to make sure it has a latching switch instead of one that has parasitic drain waiting for you to press its button.

[@olbaid84]

I have a couple of old ZebraLights that take AA/14500s, my go-to for EDC/camping...14500s in them, with some Energizer Ultimate Lithiums as backup. Haven't had to use them though. Bit of a shame their newer lines don't support 14500s. (Looking up the specs, looks like they're in the 250-300 lumens range on high, which is plenty for most usage, and still out performs what my friends carry)

[@jolieriskin4446]

I've started switching to lithium-ion AA's with built in chargers... you just plug in a usb-micro to the battery itself... no chargers/special cables etc... the ones i've been using are like powenrgy or something and work great.

[@iangregoryhome]

I always have an AA powered torch(flashlight) as a back up to my rechargeable but whilst aboard it's my first choice.

[@williamkious5349]

Those old Mags made a good club...

[@ToroMoto]

I routinely go out of my way to buy flashlights that can take AA, 18650, or CR123 form factors

[@philchristmas4071]

I still like to have a few AA flashlights around.

[@egbluesuede1220]

I don't know where they are all going, but we keep a supply of batteries in the laundry room and I'm constantly refilling the AAs. Specifically for flashlights though, I like the performance of the rechargeable lights, but I am also diligent about keeping them topped off. Other members of my family never think about it, and wait until things are dead before charging. I've got a few duel fuel lights now that when the rechargeable is dead, there is a back up AA to keep going or replace the rechargeable with AAs with a lower performance. Best of both worlds.

[@mhsvz6735]

Lumintop Tool AA version 3 with 14500 lithium ion battery puts out 900 lumens. 14500 lithium ion battery is same size as AA battery. This is a small compact flashlight with high output.

[@NaturalSynthetic777]

18650s arent found in most stores right?

[@jamisonlm3]

I love 1 and 2 cell AA lights. I have a bunch of duracell's japanese LSD Ni-MH from a decade ago that are still going strong. I do think as technology has changed, they're being left behind, but I'm not giving up mine. One thing I've wondered is if Ni-MH can be made in different sizes like lithium can? Can they be made in flatter and rectangular? I know there are 18650 , C and D size Ni-MH on the market. I guess the greater question is why are batteries made in century old form factors. BTW, one thing you didn't touch on is the safety aspect of lithium batteries.

[@redkey6538]

Have you experienced Duracell battery leakage on most all of there batteries when left in a device of some sort? What batteries are less likely to do that?

[@alexdrockhound9497]

Lithium AA and AAA batteries are much better sealed, but they cost both arms and both legs :( But another benefit to the lithium ones is they have more capacity and work better in the cold, have a higher discharge rate potential, and can be stored for longer.

[@danieleminicucci8159]

I’ll never buy another Duracell battery. (Leakage).

[@alexdrockhound9497]

pretty sure kirkland is duracel. I once had some kirkland AAA batteries that half of them leaked while still in the box in less than a year of sitting in a drawer in my office.

[@jimmybrad156]

nimh's very rarely leak, and even if they do, they have a very small amount of electrolyte to leak out in the first place.

[@twatmunro]

I rarely use AA batteries these days as well, and yet I still have an enormous box full of the damn things waiting to go to be recycled.

[@michaellindsay8934]

I like my rechargeable flashlights. I need batteries for my TV remote, walkie talkies, head lamps for under the car extra thanks Doc

[@imgadgetmanjim]

I keep some aa flashlight around in case of power outages. I keel aa nimh for them mostly. I have a couple lanterns that run on d batteries for a long time. My first led flashlight was about 15 lumens with ugly green color. I keep nimh and lithium batteries in anything I am afraid will end up being ruined by leaking alkaline batteries. They are definitely better in the cold too.

[@randysmith9636]

Most all of my flashlights run on AA. A couple on 123s, couple D and one C powered. I have started using Costco batteries (made by Duracell) especially when they are on sell. I have two of the battery caddies loaded plus some extras.

[@jimmybrad156]

ikea batteries and charger are good.

[@sammiches6859]

I wish more lights were AA, but also rechargeable. Proprietary batteries aren't a good thing.

[@CrowManyClouds]

A Tekna AAx2 replace my MiniMag as my EDC . . . we're old Doc!

[@davevick1775]

Double-A, schmubble-A... I'll live and die with my CR123-powered SureFire flashlights. Lithium FTW!

[@jaredgorski7961]

Unless you have the money to pay a subscription to unlock your car, I suggest investing in older tech.

[@OverlandOrange]

Nice Rolie

[@the-mush]

definitively prefer some light with relatively standard removable lithium batteries and usb charging port, something like a couple of 18650 for example.

[@VeniVidiVid]

I find myself in the same situation. Fewer and fewer AA items, and the flashlight I carry with me daily is a proprietary rechargeable. Plug it in at night, and it’s always ready to go the next day.

[@smeegle]

i enjoy the form factor and convenience of 14500/nimh dual voltage flashlights that i can throw an alkaline in if i'm caught with a flat battery away from home

[@TheMetaldudeX]

I like 4650 lithium lights that also run on AA

[@darinjenkins7954]

Im not paying 30-100 for a flashlight with a non replaceable battery.. i don't care what the battery is but when it shits the bed its ud useless

[@randomescu]

Forced to keep just one flashlight, id keep the Fenix HP16R, with custom battery and 4xAA. Or maybe Lumintop GTA, mounted on a gun! Im dreaming, im from Romania... AA are still in every shelf in the world and last alot more then AAA. But in ordinary circumstances id go with 18650,i have alot of them and even 21700, regular or Olight.

[@christopherbryant3857]

I keep an AAA flashlight on me all the time so I can swap the battery whenever needed. I have the same flashlight in a rechargeable form, but having to stop and recharge it in the middle of a project when I need it sent me back to the AAA flashlight. I just keep rechargeable AAA batteries nearby to swap if I have to.

[@workahol]

I very purposefully will not buy a flashlight if it doesn't take AA or AAA batteries, so they're not dying in my house!

[@andrew_moon]

No reason not to use a 14500 cell, same dimension, better in every single way.

[@ericlaffoon1779]

The replaceable battery is dead... long live the replaceable battery. I also just ordered the Ostation(s). My issue has never been the form factor. I think AA/14500 offers maybe the absolute best form factor for a flashlight, but alkaline is a self-destructive garbage chemistry for a dying age. I hope that the owners of the shelves of Dollar General and gas stations everywhere replace them with lithium units and that they become more affordable. Non-replacable batteries are a no go for me. 100%.

[@robbabcock_]

I don't think rechargeables are viable for some applications. One is, as you point out, a light left in a vehicle. I have one in my console that uses a pair of CR123a batteries and it's been in my console since I bought the car in 2021 and it rode in my previous car for three years before that. We're talking the same batteries! It's just for emergencies so I don't use it much but it has saved my bacon when I did need one. WMLs for firearms is another area that primaries are still better. Yeah, I have some Cloud Defensive lights that use 18650s and the lights are great but I'm not sure you can say those are anything but hobbyist batteries. Another big thing we need primaries for is optics, particularly red dot sights. I'm not aware of any serious RDS that has an onboard battery. And would you pay $900 for an Aimpoint that you had to discard when the battery dies? I used to use the same cell for phone for three, four, even five years back when you could just swap batteries. Now I rarely get a year and a half, sometimes even less as I work in a hot environment. I dunno, AAs would be tough to live without for me, AAAs even harder.

[@ptstouring49]

I have some flashlights with AAA, not AA, and I have a maglite with 6 D cells which is a club. 😂. I have rechargeable flashlights, but I know they are time limited in lifespan, like most things these days. 😢

[@alexdrockhound9497]

Recently saw a flashlight on amazon advertised that took AAAA (yes 4a) batteries.

[@CrowManyClouds]

@@alexdrockhound9497 Streamlight (and I swear I remember Maglite) have had AAAAx2s for decades.

[@patrickcallahan2210]

If I'm buying something that I expect to only use for a few years (cell phone, laptop, etc) I have no problem with built in batteries (especially since it is going to be used regularly). If I want something that I plan to keep around for 5-10 years or longer (flashlights, emergency GPS, weather radios, tools, etc) I want something built on a standard that is easy to change (18650, AA, AAA) and if it is something I'm keeping it only gets the rechargable or lithium batteries becuse they seem to not corrode. Now that AA, AAA, and 18860 are so ubiquitus I'm sure that as new tech comes along I can cycle it in (like how you can get Type C rechagable AA batteries based on lithium).

[@drengskap]

If you're certain that you'll always have a live USB socket handy, and the correct charging lead with you, and that there won't be a power cut. then there's no need for batteries.

[@Kdavis795]

As far as a flashlight goes I will not buy anything that's not rechargeable I'm a mechanic and I would go through a pack of batteries a month My little sreamlight USB has paid for itself by not requiring batteries

[@normaljim738]

Swappable protected good-quality 18650 batteries is a way to go.

[@carnold.knowledge]

Malkoff ($$$) or Sofirn ($). Replaceable Li-ion batteries (18650, 16650, 16340, even LiFePO4 RCR123 3.0V!). You're welcome.

[@018CCHC]

Cannot stand CR123s. Expensive and not available everywhere. AA as long as it still exists will be in my EDC. Non replaceable unproven so far.