This thread keeps getting better and better. I was also pretty impressed with the Sunbeam alkalines. Inexpensive compared to the big brands and the run times were very comparable. My hope is that they are consistent from batch to batch, as much as can be expected.
I changed the name of the thread to better reflect how it has progressed.
You might add "Alkaline" to the title though.
-Garry
What do you mean? You don't understand the graph? Or you can't see them?
-Garry
Done 
The graphs are so small I can’t read them.
Jerry
1 Thank
How about going directly to my PhotoBucket gallery and viewing them there (you can enlarge them there too)?
-Garry
Thanks, that is better.
Jerry
Nice tests & results. I been doing similar tests with different types and sizes of cells in a lot of lanterns & lights in different modes.
Has anyone determined what is the best bang for the buck in the Alkaline batteries? I have not put pencil and calculator to the paper, but it appears that the Sunbeam is about the best considering the cost of $0.25 ea. I still have trouble separating the colors in the charts, and I cannot tell how the Maxell performed. The run about $0.333 EA if bought in bulk on ebay. While the Panasonic appears to be tops, the cost of close to a buck ea makes them not the best buy, I think.
Jerry
The Maxells run $13.97 for a 48 pack on Amazon, which is $0.29ea. The Panasonic's run 3 for $1 at the dollar store IF you can find the "2+1free" packages (which I frequently do), so that's $0.33ea. The Harbor Freights at $4.99 (w/coupon) for 24 are a good buy if you don't need high performance ($0.21ea). The Rayovac's are a very good alternative to Duracells, but I am not sure what a bulk pack is running to figure the cost - cheaper than Duracell anyway.
One conclusion is to avoid Energizers altogether! If they all perform like the one I tested, then they are not worth the extra expense! Another conclusion, don't be afraid of the Dollar Store Sunbeams (if not needing high performance). Amazon sells "Panasonic Platinums" at $11.99 for 24 ($0.50ea) but I have no idea how good they are and don't plan to buy and test them.
-Garry
I don’t buy very many primaries anymore, but when I do it’s Energizer Lithiums for the flashlights in my car, or Rayovacs for Tv remotes, etc. The rayovacs I get are at a local Farm and Fleet store. They’re usually $4.98 for a 24 pack. Another good place to get cheap cells is woot.com. They regularly have sales on huge quantities of batteries, usually Sony. One time it worked out to about $0.10 each.
Woot.com shows Maxell LR6 AA Alkaline Battery - 48 Pack Box 723443 for $9.99 + free shipping. that is 21 cents ea. I could not be sure I was reading the charts correctly, but did the Maxell show about as well as the Panasonic, Gary? What were the three best in your tests?
Thanks,
Jerry
The maxell has about the same capacity as the Panasonic, but with more voltage sag. It's the next best cell to the Panasonic. Top 3 of the ones I've tested thus far in decreasing order are:
1) Duracell
2) Rayovac
3) Energizer Max
The Energizer I rule out simply due to its higher cost for the mediocre performance. The Panasonic has higher voltage than the Energizer, but less capacity. It's still a good alternative, so you might swap #3 to be the Panasonic.
-Garry
Thanks, Gary. That is helpful.
For whatever reason the AAA Duracells I bought recently have not lived up to their reputation, but the AA Duracells have. But at the price I am liking the cheaper cells like the Sunbeam.
I had thought that your graph showed the Maxell close to the Panasonic.
Jerry
Anyone tried the new Rayovac fusion batteries? Are they basically Duracell’s Quantum? (for that matter, anyone tried the Duracell Quantum?)…
This thread is amazing. What I take away the most is that the variance between Alkaline batteries is little. In most cases the more expensive batteries win, naturally, but the cheap batteries that come in at a fraction of the cost seemed to hold their own, come close or in some cases beat the expensive ones. I think at this point cheap Alkalines get you the best Cost per mAH. Sure you can spend 4x more and get 15% more capacity (maybe) but what a waste.
I’ll note that as of July 2016, the Harbor Freight Thunderbolt Alkaline batteries are $7.99 for 24 AA’s (on harbor freight’s website), which works out to $0.34 per battery. There’s probably also tax and shipping needed. I couldn’t find those batteries on Amazon and there is no Harbor Freight local to me.
But the Sunbeam Alkalines AA’s can still be picked up for $0.25 per battery at the local dollar store (I just bought 4 packs). Additionally, I found on Amazon a 48 pack of Sunbeam Alkalines for $10.58 (Amazon Prime, free 2 day shipping) which works out to $0.22 per battery. That’s a very good deal in my opinion.
The Maxell 48 pack of AA’s are $15.98 on Amazon which works out to $0.33 per battery. Comparable to the Harbor Freight Thunderbolt’s.
Honestly I think due to the availability of Sunbeam’s, being able to pick them up cheap online or at your local dollar store, they’re the best all around deal.
There is also Amazon’s Basic AA. Aug 01, 2016: AA $13.49/48 ct. $10.99/36 ct. $6.99/20 ct. You’ll also find Sunbeam at Big Lots stores if you have them near you. Along with various brands AA (Duracell, Panasonic, etc.) re-packaged in Big Lot’s retail outer clam shell; actual individual batteries are still marked per original manufacturer; at a lower price than big box stores.
Like these:
Yep, that’s where I got mine. I’ve have to test out the alkaline version at some point. Still stock up on disposable batteries but since I started this post I’ve really been stocking up on rechargeable batteries like Eneloop and such. Still good to have some inexpensive disposables on hand though.
If your looking for alkalines, if there’s a dollar general around you 20 aa is 5.50 you shouldn’t lay more then $25 for 100. I stock up on ac delco aa 100 for 25, I got 180aaa for 35.
On amazon, chrome batteries are a good alkaline, you can get basics bit they are cheaper ones. Every once in awhile the Duracell pro cells go on sale for 24batteries/$6 online.
Best buy every few months runs clearance on their lithium energizer advanced for $1/battery. But if you sign ul for amazon subscribe and save 8 advanced lithium will cost you like $12 a month even cheaper if you go with advanced lithium. I just keep them coming and stock pile for hurricanes and such. Can power my lanterns and aa lights for weeks. Not to mention the 30 or so nihm I have.