Rechargable Batteries

[Joe081484]

I won a GolfLogix GPS unit over the weekend. I was reading the instructions that came with it and they say it takes 2 AA batteries and they last about 3 rounds. Sounds like I'll be going through alot of batteries at that rate so I wanted to see what people recommend for recharable batteries and the pros and cons of using them.

 

It seems they would be cheaper in the long run but they don't hold as much power as a regular AA. Do they last long enough for 18 holes or will I need to swap them out during a round?

 

What brands do people recommend?

 

It seems that these Sanyo Enloops seem to be the best out there but in some of the reviews it seems that they might not be well suited for usage in devices that aren't high drain devices like gps units.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-Eneloop-Pre-Ch...7542&sr=8-5

 

Thanks for any input.

[dcg1952]

I bought a GolfLogix a few weeks ago. I got about 4 1/2 rounds out of 1 set of batteries. I just keep some spares in a small plastic bag in my golf bag. I have never been a fan of rechargable batteries as they don't seem to hold a charge after a while.

BTW---I absolutely love the unit

[PingG10]

You will save money over time with rechargeables-if you golf a fair amount. I golf at least 54 holes a week and use energizer rechargable Nimhs in my GPSCaddie-usually the batteries are good for 36 holes sometimes 54. The Nimh rechargeables will work just fine however they will discharge over time. I usually take a spare set with me when I golf and leave the rest on charge.

[Joe081484]

Yea I was hoping that I could save some money with the rechargables, my father and I actually both won a unit and we both golf faily often so I could see us going through a ton of batteries combined so I thought this might be a better solution. I think I need to do some more research into what the best rechargable batteries are for devices with a high power usage.

 

Only played one round with the golf logix, nice unit so far, the distance of the last shot is my favorite feature so far, should really help me dial in the distances for my wedges.

[Rickochet]

One of my other hobbies is electric remote controlled airplanes. I have learned a lot about rechargeable batteries in the last few years.

 

For units that untilize something like a AA size battery there is a new generation of rechargeable batteries. Nickel Metal Hydrid (NIMH) batteries were a great improvement over old Nickel Cadmium batts. The problem with the original NiMh batts were that they would self discharge on the shelf. There is a new generation NIMH batt that will stay charged in storage up to 85% after a year. These are marketed under a bunch of different brands but the key phrase is "precharged" such as the Eneloops in the OP's link. I have some AA "Precharged" I bought at Radio Shack and use them in some transmitters for my aircraft and they perform very well. I now have a bunch of them and use them for all battery things I use in the house.

 

Also it is true that these types of batteries are not suitable for a high drain application. But neither are AA alkalines. I cannot imagine any GPS unit being considered as a "high drain" application. High drain is normally associated with something like an electric motor that will draw much higher amps than something like a GPS.

 

Also make sure that you get a charger compatible with the battery.

 

Rick

[sandwedge59]

I own a Sky Caddie SG3 and ive been using Duracell AA rechargables , i can usually get 36 holes from a single charge but i choose to change them daily , they work really well and i cant say i have any issues with them holding a charge or their normal functions while using them , i believe i used regular batteries the first time i used the sky caddie but they died quickly and have been using rechargables ever since

[golfboyblues]

I have the Golflogix GPS and bought their rechargable battery pack. I only get one round and about four holes out of the rechargable batteries.

 

Going to buy some AAs at Big Lots - 48 for $7.95. I get 4 rounds out of regular AA batteries.

 

Very happy with the GPS, very disappointed with the battery pack.

[WishICouldPlayMoreOften]

Sanyo Eneloops have a good reputation. Newer NiMH are better at holding charges, and most will last anywhere from 500-1000 charge cycles. Yes, there is some loss of efficiency over time, but that's much better than constantly buying regular batteries. I use rechargeables in all my small electronics except for cameras which don't slowly draw power so much as take out chunks with each flash.

 

The only downside to rechargeables is the recharging when not used regularly, but if you play as often as you do it'll just become a part of your routine.