White's XL Pro battery question

[white's boy]

I was just wondering when you XL Pro users change your alkaline batteries. The manual says to replace them when the battery check reads 50. Yesterday, I took the XL Pro to a park when the batteries tested at 70. After about 1/2 hour, the detector suddenly became unstable so I did a batt check and they read ~30 so I left. When I got home, I turned it back on and checked the batteries and they tested at just below 70 again so I assume that if I had started detecting again that they would have checked at ~30 within a few minutes- is this most likely true? If so, I'll begin replacing them when the batt check is near 70. If not, I'm open to any suggestions you all might provide. Thanks in advance, -Rob

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Hi Rob ...... welcome to the forum.

Can't answer your question because I do not normally use alkaline batteries. I detect a lot and have saved quite a bit of money using NiMH batteries. And, I carry a spare battery pack with charged NiMH cells as my backup.

BTW, I like your handle (white's boy) and you chose a great detector (XL Pro).

HH Bob

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

after a few minutes, check them again after they have been under load. Alkaline batteries have a long shelf life and as such, I always carry an extra set with me. I change the batteries when they read 60 on the meter, not when they read 50 as per the owner's manual. I just do this as a precaution, just a personal thing. Alkaline batteries have a tendency of going full blast, then towards the end of their useful, they will rapidly loose their power.

The batteries will last longer when you use headphones.

If you do lots of metal detecting, you might consider buying some rechargeable batteries...may say some you money in the long run. Please have a great day! Kelley (Texas)

 

[Fred/in Fla.]

Even though I check my batts. when I start, I always bring more with me. Seldom do you have the time or the inclination to go get more after you are there and hunting. Although Whites doesn't incourage this, I use rechargable AA's, and keep a couple sets charged with me at all times. You may not get as much hunting time with them but with 2 or 3 sets with you, who cares! I have been useing mine for 2.5yrs now and still haven't had to replace any of them. I use the 'Panasonic,2300mhr-rechargables" with their fast charger. I have two so I can do a set at a time in aprox. 4hr's. Try it, Whitesboy, It'll save you some aggravation.

 

[white's boy]

I appreciate the input from you folks on my question, have a great day. -Rob