Let's talk batteries

[hippietim]

I've got a PC-1, a couple guitars with EMGs, and a wireless system. I'm not particularly good about always unplugging/turning things off. That ain't gonna change. I'm not organized enough to keep rechargables charged or even find the fucking charger half the time. That ain't gonna change either. If you have kids and/or any sort of home theater/cable box/DVD player etc, you go through AA batteries like toilet paper.

I've checked around a few places on the web and if I get 60-70 at a time I can get Duracell/Energizer 9-volts for about a buck. And Duracell/Energizer AA batteries are just about 30 cents when you buy 128 at a time.

There are some cheaper brands though. Does it actually matter? Is there a real difference between a Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic Industrial, Procell, etc.? There's a "GP Greencell" that's 50 cents for a 9-volt - are the others a scam or are the GP Greencell batteries gonna suck?

[thetroy]

There are some big differences in batteries. It's 4 AM so I can't really explain it all that well, but look around online for some info I bet you can find more than you care to read.

Bottom line is - the cheap ones might be just as good you would have to try them to really know for sure

[Newc]

Someone posted here not too long ago (last month?) that they work for a battery distributor or somesuch (jgcable?) and that all Duracell/Energizer/Ray-O-Crack/Neveready are made on the same production line.

Of course that doesn't mean they're the same battery, just that they're all made in People's Battery Factory #3

[Rich#6]

There is a lot of generic batteries that work just as good as the 2 big brands. You just need to buy the ones that are ultra or super. The low end ones are crap. Walgreens, Costco, and Ray o Vac are good generics. but here is the problem- if you don't unplug guitars and pedals no matter what battery you buy they are all gone to die before you play again.

[eddie_van_earache]

from a reliability stand point, militay wise, duracel seems to be it. consistant performance, most energy density per volume etc. the old kodak batteries were amazing.

[wilkinsi]

you're just paying for a name (brand) really.

[Shawn Lutz]

Tim I hear you on the batteries and kids. My wife buys the AA, AAA & 9 volt duracells in bulk from wal-mart

I pretty much only use 9 volt duracells as they seem to last longer than energizers but I have no scientific data to back that up

[hippietim]

but here is the problem- if you don't unplug guitars and pedals no matter what battery you buy they are all gone to die before you play again.

thank you captain obvious

actually i left my pc-1 sustainer on for like a half a day - it was pretty funny cuz i came back in the room and hear this crazy humming - the strings were just rattling for hours

[hippietim]

i think i'm gonna get a 64-pack of duracell 9-volts and a 128 pack of the AA's - that should get us through March

[St.James]

Nah, Tim go for the Energizers... I have used everything from Heavy Duty to Energizer and Energizer has always come out on top for me.

Duracell has been total crap in all of my wireless systems.

I did get a Panasonic battery with a pedal one time and that fucker seemed to last forever! You don't find those all willy nilly though.

So Energizer is the way to go for EMG's and wireless systems.

[OnlineStageGear]

Duracell's are the best. They have had tons of independent tests and Duracells will always come out on top with Energizer a close second. Panasonic batteries shouldn't even be on the market. Especially the red ones they sell at the Dollar Store. They wouldn't last 5 minutes in a remote control.

[yard dawg]

My local wal mart has a 9v battery that says heavy duty on it and it last just as long in my wireless unit as the duracells did and they were 92 cents a pair...My wireless crapped out on me so now I will be checking to see if they are good in pedals.

[ABSOLUT CHARVEL]

Duracell's are the best. They have had tons of independent tests and Duracells will always come out on top with Energizer a close second. Panasonic batteries shouldn't even be on the market. Especially the red ones they sell at the Dollar Store. They wouldn't last 5 minutes in a remote control.

adding to the Duracell suggestion, try the Ultra Duracell. i have a old Digi camera that just burns through the AA's. I picked up the Ultra's and was able to take dozens picks with out powerloss.

looks like there are newer ones out now that look promising

http://www.duracell.com/products/imaging/home.html

[Cleveland Metal]

I have been using Walgreens Ultra Alkaline Supercells for some time and seem to do well with them.

you get 8 for $11.99 and they're on sale a lot for $9.99, so not badly priced (unlike most other Walgreen stuff). I used to use energizers and I'm not sure they are much different. At least I can't say I notice much difference if any.

Anyone know much about them? They're made in Malaysia I notice.

[CharvelRocker]

My dad gets Energizer Industrials free from work, and they are by far the best I have used. However I think Everyreadys are very good for the price as well, and I always keep a few on hand. You can get a pack of 2 for like a $1.