Hmmmm ...... real world experience? I guess I`ve personally used a variety of AA and AAA format batteries in Alcaline, NiCad, NiMh, and the latest slow discharge rechargables. Currently have 3 smart chargers from MAHA, a couple standard chargers from Sony and a few from Energizer.

I`ll agree with most of whats already been posted. If you`re using these on a regular basis - as in every couple days - it really doesn`t matter what kind of rechargable you use. You`ll be draining them faster then they could possibly lose any significant amount of charge.

Personally I stopped using Alcalines altogether simply because I`ve never had a rechargable leak and have had poor experiences with too many Alcalines. Batteries are cheap - some equipment isn`t.

Intelligent chargers let you select a charge/discharge rate for each individual cell according to cell format as well as charging each cell individually. They also cost about $100. A regular charger charges batteries in pairs and kicks off when the firts one is full. Which is fine as long as they were both discharged to the same point. And if you use them in pairs and charge them in pairs, there really shouldn`t be an issue.

But suggest you avoid `rapid chargers`. Anything that charges an AA cell in one hour generates excessive heat and really kills the expected life of a battery. 1,000ma is a good rate for an AA and that translates to between 2 and 3 hours for an AA cell.

I usually carry an extra set of batteries with me but I`m running quartz headlights and neon rear flashers. If you`re using LEDs you shouldn`t need them - just figure out the optimal time frame to put in fresh batteries. You can recharge those at any point - they don`t have to be completely drained.

You will notice that the voltage output from rechargables is more stable than Alcalines so the light won`t dim as the batteries drain. Thats actually a big plus!