Here's some basic battery information.
Depending upon the application, different battery types will perform more or less efficiently.
Here are some examples: for long-term, steady power drain, such as experienced in a netbook or laptop computer, a lithium rechargeable is better. They can be recharged at any point in their cycle without developing a "memory." They will effectively maintain their stated voltage over the entire discharge period and drop rather suddenly at the end.
NiCad batteries are also okay for this type of application, but if they are recharged before they are fully discharged, their useful life will shorten to the new set-point. Like the lithium cousins, they tend to maintain their design voltage right up to the point when they drop off the edge.
Traditional batteries (the kind we grew up with) achieve their rated output when you first use them, but drop off slowly over time until thy no longer have the necessary voltage to do whatever it is you want them to do. They will generally last up to 70% as long as ordinary alkaline batteries.
Alkaline batteries act like traditional batteries, but will generally last about 30% longer. They also tend to better maintain voltage during long periods of storage. I think DuraCell has something like a 5-year power storage guarantee.
Like many of the products we tend to rely on, batteries are generally worth what you pay for them. Cheap batteries will not usually last as long as their more expensive cousins whether they be traditional or alkaline. DuraCell is among the better brands. EverReady alkaline are also pretty good and they come with a guarantee that they will replace anything harmed by their batteries. I have witnessed this when a friend retrieved a battery-operated television from a dumpster. The EverReady batteries had leaked and destroyed the guts of the thing. Friend sent it to EverReady and they replaced the TV with a cautionary note that batteries should not be left in place when the TV is stored for long periods of time.
Both traditional and alkaline batteries will eventually leak, so make certain you check and replace as needed. Going through your supply of lanterns, torches, or flashlights on a regular basis--say every two months or so--should ensure you have light when you need it.
As to the best for a quality flashlight application, i concur with what has been noted by others above, and generally purchase DuraCell, although I try to get them with a coupon and usually buy them at COSTCO because they are better priced than most other places.
For cheap, give away flashlights--such as those given away free at Harbor Freight Tools--I will generally use a less expensive alkaline. You can get decent flashlight batteries at Auto Zone at an unusually low price. They do not last as long as Duracell, but I generally break or lose the cheap flashlights before the batteries go dead.
It really comes down to a cost versus use equation. If you can get quality, traditional batteries for less than 70% of what you'd pay for a good quality alkaline, it's not a bed economic bet. If the numbers don't work out, pass on the purchase.
My Mag Lights always get DuraCells as do the tactical flashlights I have stashed around. I am satisfied with their quality for their cost.
Maybe this helps you with the decision-making process.
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