[solar1]

Hello folks, Is it just me, or are good deals on c and d cell batteries a thing of the past? I'm slowly starting to use the newer rechargables, but here I'm refering to alkaline type. I've been looking at the local store ads, and of course, online. Even in bulk, i can't seem to find good deals on these size cells. Plenty of great deals on AA or even AAA.
Almost everywhere I look, eveyplace seems close in price, about $1 each.

Can anyone share their great place for these batteries?

 

[papajoscochise]

This could be an option for you, even though it gets mixed reviews. Been thinking of one myself as those C+D batts are too damn pricey. Bout the best price I've seen on multi-packs was @ BJs or Sams Club.

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/universal-battery-charger.aspx?a=596050

 

[SouthernSassy]

Plain old C and D batteries, usually Sunbeam or Panasonic, are at the Dollar Tree. Price is usually 2/$1 or 4/$1. I use these in my battery lanterns, fans, etc. They don't last forever, but they do the job.

 

[solar1]

Thanks papa, I haven't checked Sams Club because I don't have a membership, although I have been considering one. Are the sams club batteries house brand or name brand? Also, What is BJ's? (please, no jokes!

I looked at the link you provided...from my experience, those types of battery chargers that claim you can recharge alkaline or carbon zinc batteries are somewhat misleading. Although they can "sort of" recharge, they don't do much more than a little push. nothing of real value to depend on. As far as I know, alkalines and carbon zinc are not designed for recharge...something with the chemistry i guess. If others can correct me please do share.

 

[goose3]

With the advent of LED flashlights and lanterns, the need for higher capacity C and D cells has diminished. I think this is what you're seeing in the market for those cells.

I don't have much which requires those batteries--an LED table lantern, and a larger multi-band radio are all I have which require them.

This is not a direct answer to your question, but you can buy C- and D-sized plastic sleeves in which you can put a AAA battery and use it in a C/D application. The amount of power isn't as great, but could work in a pinch.

 

[solar1]

Regarding the sunbeam and panasonics, yes i have bought some and they are midlle of the road quality. can be used in a pinch. But even those are not priced that low at my local dollar stores. I'm looking for great deals on the bigger name batteries, like everyready, duracell, etc.

The online batteries discount outfits are not too bad on price but the shipping costs kills the deal.

 

[solar1]

Hi goose, yes that is true, not many item use that size anymore. I do still have a few items powered by those that round out my many prep options.
I also have too many maglights (i converted a couple to LED) that use the c and d cells, so i'd like to keep those operational....those might be good candidates for the adaptor sleeves. Good idea.

 

[Bud]

Thanks papa, I haven't checked Sams Club because I don't have a membership, although I have been considering one. Are the sams club batteries house brand or name brand? Also, What is BJ's? (please, no jokes!

I looked at the link you provided...from my experience, those types of battery chargers that claim you can recharge alkaline or carbon zinc batteries are somewhat misleading. Although they can "sort of" recharge, they don't do much more than a little push. nothing of real value to depend on. As far as I know, alkalines and carbon zinc are not designed for recharge...something with the chemistry i guess. If others can correct me please do share.

The "Members Mark" batteries at Sam's Club are Energizer batteries. They are identical to the originals but cost almost half as much.

With the current craze in LED technology (I am a flashlight slut) the lights available for AA and AAA are equel and sometimes far surpass the "C" and "" cell performance flashlights not to mention the huge reduction in size and weight for flashlights.

Buying several quality rechargeable battery sets and a good solar charger would probably be the best prepper action.

 

[solar1]

hey Bud, I agree, and I too, am a collector of flashlights since i was a kid.
In fact, as a kid, my one and only time stealing something was a early nicad rechargable from Sears. (Got caught of course and learned my lesson well.) That said, I find it hard to let the flashlights ( or most anything else!) go to the wayside. Thats why I converted a couple of the D cell maglights to led.

With holiday time sales I actually found led maglights cheaper that buying the retro fit led conversions. With batteries yet!
I'm probably going to get a sams club membership, so i will check out thier prices. thanks

 

[jeffcooper]

I have all eneloops, and I use them.
I've found that the sleeves to covert to C cell just dont work very well. They dont put out the same light, if used in a light, and they last a very, very short period of time. Hope they come out with some C and D cell batteries eventually :upsidedown:

peace

 

[solar1]

Yes, the drawdack to using nickel metal hydrides in incandescent flashlights is the lower cell voltage of 1.2 volts. that little bit of difference with an incandescent lamp does make a noticably lower output in brightness. With LED lights, not so much.
And of course, when using the sleeves, we have less milliamp hours of capacity, so much less run time.

 

[MikeK]

I've converted to rechargeables almost 100%. It's just so much more sustainable.

As for good deals, Costco is probably the best. Their prices are good and their Signature Series batteries gather good reviews for power and long life. A lot of the low cost batteries don't have as much power, which doesn't make them a good deal even though their sticker price is lower.

 

[papajoscochise]

Thanks papa, I haven't checked Sams Club because I don't have a membership, although I have been considering one. Are the sams club batteries house brand or name brand? Also, What is BJ's? (please, no jokes!

I looked at the link you provided...from my experience, those types of battery chargers that claim you can recharge alkaline or carbon zinc batteries are somewhat misleading. Although they can "sort of" recharge, they don't do much more than a little push. nothing of real value to depend on. As far as I know, alkalines and carbon zinc are not designed for recharge...something with the chemistry i guess. If others can correct me please do share.

Yes, at Sams and BJs I only buy Duracell. Have had better luck with them than Eveready. "BJs" is a wholesale club in the East just like Sams. In fact it has grown around here while Sams has diminished somewhat (as far as what they carry and the quality).

And kind of what I thought about that charger unit....would be nice though rather than just tossing all those batts. Will have to bite the bullit and buy the rechargables I guess.

 

[jgos929]

I cant remember the last time I used a C or D battery.

 

[safebustr]

Lowe's stores in our area have a brand of battery "Utilitech" that is a good buy for the $$$
not sure of the price for the c or d sizes but a 100 pack of aaa or aa cost $19.99.
I have been pleased with the cost/value ratio of them.

 

[67 CJ5]

I did a Lantern Test in the past month +/- and to get an average run time I bought a Brick of 20 Varta D Cell Batteries from Amazon and they well exceeded The figures that Coleman state for this Lantern, I was that inpressed I bought another Brick of them so I have enough to run the Lantern for around 2400 hours,

Hope that helps.