A Primary Lithium cell is NOT rechargable. It is used in place of a Alkaline cell. Disposable. The 3.7 volt rechargeable lithium cells we use are known as secondary lithium cells
I have used these for years in things that sit un-used for long periods or operate outside in cold or hot weather. My experience has been excellent. No leaks and always ready. I have an old maglite AA that has been sitting since I joined BLF in 2015 as a "control". It still lights and the cells are clean and dry when I just removed them to look at.
You can’t get cheap for what you are asking, unless you are willing to chance having the cell leak and ruin the device by using a generic AA alkaline. (wasn’t sure if you understood primary / secondary)
I doubt you’ll meet anyone here who uses or would recommend carbon-zinc cells.
They’re cheap, weak, and short-lived bcause the chemistry dissolves the zinc can from the inside.
Wikipedia’s article on alkaline cells explains why they leak. I had to look it up.
Primary lithium AA and CR123 cells are well worth the cost, expecially if your cost comparison includes the likely cost of repairing or replacing a flashlight damaged by a leaky zarbon-zinc or alkaline cell every year or so.
None of us came here knowing all that. Remember people answering questions are thinking to inform not just the person who asked the question but anyone else out there who searches for the same question and answers, sometimes months or years later, so people may seem to be giving simple and obvious information in responses. It’s meant to help.
I missed that but arguably NiMH is still the best answer as leaks from alkaline/carbon batteries often destroys the device they are installed in.
I have NiMH in my car for over 5 years that sees –30ºC to +60ºC (–22F to 140F). Still doing great, i recharge them once a year during which time they have not even drained much unless i used the light (which i tend not to).
No. The HD part is marketing hype. Carbon zinc are junk.
Yes, some people use the term alkaleaks, because alkalines sometimes do.
Over many decades I have had many leaking alkalines. Most often in items that were not used often. Many times found a non-working light after it had sat in a drawer or some other storage for a time. Battery operated Xmas deco lights are bad for leaving alkies in one year to the next
Well, I suggest the experiment —- buy three sub-$2 cheapie light, load with the three kinds of cheap cells you asked about, put them in your car’s glove compartment, and check back in a couple of years. I’d guess the answer to your poll will turn out to be “None of the above”