Batteries

[digger34]

Hey, Would like to have some info. on the type of batteries you guys use for your metal detector. Thank You and HH!!

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Eveready alkaline.

[Jason in Enid]

Rechargeables only unless it's an emergency. I just moved from the factory pack to the RNB pack for my E-Trac and I LOVE that battery! 30 hours on a charge!

[TNGUNS]

Duracell or Energizers usually. I buy the large packs at Wally World. Did buy some store brands in 9v and a couple of times could tell where they were just starting to leak. Not worth the risk for me. The T2 lasts 40 hours on a set so they say with only 4 AA's which is pretty incredible. I change them well before they are showing half down, but just a silly mindset thing. New batteries = hotter ........ when in reality you can't run the T2 at max anyway, so I doubt new batteries would have any effect on performance.

[team sidewinder]

I use AA non-rechargeable Energizer Lithiums. I know they are more expensive but they last 3X longer in my detector so are worth it to me. Also they are less effected by the cold temps I have in my area. I use Lithiums in my GPS also again for the same reasons.

[Ronzie]

Panasonic industrial alkaline 9 volt on my Outlaw. First battery lasted 72 hours of hunting. Longest battery life I've used ever.

[doc-d]

Just purchased some re-chargable batteries to use......

[Jason in Enid]

New batteries = hotter ........ when in reality you can't run the T2 at max anyway, so I doubt new batteries would have any effect on performance.

This is still a common misconception, but hasn't been true since probably the early 70's. Detectors (and almost all electronics) have voltage limiting circuits. The batteries may start with 12 volts, but the detector is using only 8.3. So it continues using 8.3 volts until the batteries drop below that, then the detector shuts off because there isn't enough voltage to operate. Your detector battery meter is basically showing you the scale of usable life, not the actual battery power.

[DeepseekerADS]

I did get desperate one time, used some Dollar General batteries. They lasted about 1/4 of the time quality batteries last, but they did work in a pinch and were cheap!

[luvsdux]

This is just my opinion, but unless a given detector is pretty hard on batteries most of us that don't get out as much as we'd like, will do just fine with good, name brand alkalines. I wish that I were getting out enough that battery life is an issue. That said, any of us that spend much time coin shooting aren't trying very hard if we have to buy batteries out of our regular budgets. I'm not knocking those that prefer rechargables as I can see they offer advantages for heavy users, but for many of us I don't see batteries as a major issue. My two bits.
luvsdux

[Frankn]

I use an XLT (AA) for general hunting and a hays 2 Box (9V) to cache hunt plus a surfmaster PI (AA) for beach. So I always use duracell coppertops , both AA & 9V. I buy them at BJ's. The AA come in a 40 pack. Frank...

[TNGUNS]

This is still a common misconception, but hasn't been true since probably the early 70's. Detectors (and almost all electronics) have voltage limiting circuits. The batteries may start with 12 volts, but the detector is using only 8.3. So it continues using 8.3 volts until the batteries drop below that, then the detector shuts off because there isn't enough voltage to operate. Your detector battery meter is basically showing you the scale of usable life, not the actual battery power.

Jason, terrible thing is that I know this. ha ha. I think another factor is that the battery indicators usually aren't very accurate. Most seem to hold very high and after they show any decrease have very little life left. I will say the T2 dropped one bar after maybe 10 or 12 hours and held there seems like forever so I changed after the next one. Not had the detector all that long but it seems that it is going to allow incredibly long battery life. The "WHEN IN DOUBT SWITCHE EM OUT" mentality.

[gerryk]

I use energizer rechargeable a in my detector, pinpointer, headphones and wireless transmitter. The batteries in the headphone have lasted twice as long as the manufacturer says regular batteries should last.
Rechargeable a are the only way to go for me, otherwise my battery stash would end up used by the kids as happened in the past.

[LifeNRA]

Home Depot has the best price on Energizers AA batteries. You can get a 36 pack for a few dollars more than walmart's 16 pack! I think I paid $14 for 36 where walmart was $11 something for 16. Also, be careful what batteries you use in a Pro Pointer. Some are slightly smaller in length and will not make good contact. Unless you add a thicker piece inside the cap.

[hvacker]

My information is to avoid batteries that are labeled Heavy Duty or Extra HD. as they are lead/acid and when they leak will destroy most of what they contact. Many won't say on the label that they are lead/acid only Heavy Duty.
I have seen some with names most trust leak so I made the rounds removing them from all kinds of stuff form the thermostat to the exerciser bike.