Best AA batteries 2016?

[Moondog55]

I'm committed to AA for this season and I'm wondering if there is any major change in what is considered best value in AA cells at the moment.
I won't have the opportunity to recharge this year unless something major happens and I don't want to pay mountain prices for new cells if it at all avoidable

I had a pretty good run with the Varta batteries from Bunnings but not much with the ALDI branded cells
Will be used in the BD Icon headlamp and the LED fairy lights in the big tent so I need quite a few and best energy density without going to Lithium

[undercling-mike]

Have you been using alkaline cells previously? Alkalines perform poorly in the cold compared to Lithium and good NiMH. I'd probably want lithiums or good NiMH in the headlamp but cheap alkalines might be good in a (heated) tent.

How many cells do you expect to go through?

Pretty good prices on lithium cells on ebay e.g. $28 for 8 cells delivered http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Kogan-AA ... Sw5VFWQVbC

[Moondog55]

Actually $35- for 10 isn't bad and I agree that Lithiums in the good headlamp is a better idea
I'll probably go thru a couple of dozen AA over the ski season

[undercling-mike]

And 20% off to make them $28 for 10 with the code CLICK20. Or these ones even a little cheaper if you can handle them shipping from Singapore http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/16-pcs-1-5v- ... SwwE5WXc0i

I'd say these off brand lithium AAs won't be quite as good as the Energizer Ultimate Lithiums but still retain the general characteristics of the lithium chemistry as in good low temperature performance, good shelf life and better high drain performance than alkalines.

[roysta]

Frankly I don't even think twice when it comes to AA and AAA's.
Energizer Lithium Ultimate, the best.
Yes, more expensive I know, but, they last.