Etrac battery?

[Tired Rooster]

I just received my new Etrac a few days ago and haven't had the time off work to take it out yet. I am wanting to go ahead and get a second battery for it for it though. I have a couple of questions.........One... I have read many past posts about the RNB lithium ion battery. Everyone seems to say how awesome it is, but the Etrac owners manual says to NOT use a lithium ion battery. It will void the warranty.....? Two.....if I were to get the Minelab battery, I'm assuming the 1800 would be the better choice over the 1600 due to battery life? And three....approximately what kind of operating time can be expected from the 1600 and 1800 Minelab batteries? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BH_Landstar_]

Get the RnB battery, you will not be disappointed.

 

[mascard1]

Only way to go RNB......they run forever!......I have two carry one..just in case...but have never had to use it!

 

[Altamaha]

Only way to go RNB......they run forever!......I have two carry one..just in case...but have never had to use it!

I agree, The RNB just runs & runs. Takes less than two hours to fully charge and mine runs about 15 - 17 hours before dropping the first bar, awesome!

 

[ChicagoJohn]

I use RNB battery and I know its not cheap but I love it! I always recharge it be full before go out to hunt! I use it one year now and so far I don't buy other battery!

 

[sprchng]

If you still have the Minelab AA holder it's more of an economics decision than anythng else.
I backed into a RNB and it definitely lives up to it's billing. However , for $70 to $90 less you can get essentially the same Li hybrid performance with 8 of these and a charger and you can use them in other items that use AAs--like your Xterra http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eneloop

 

[Nuke em]

I have 2 RNB batteries and they are a nuclear power station , at least 30 hours or more on a charge of 2 hours.
Never using a disposable pack again.

 

[shawnIN]

Been using a RNB since this past spring. I charge it every few hunts. It still has not came off of full yet. I still have a hard time believing it last as long as it does. Probably the best investment I have made for the Etrac yet.

 

[roadapple]

Its funny that when ever anyone questions about needing a battery for the E Trac the truth comes out for the only one that is AMAZING the RNB battery! Facts are facts.... the best there is. You won't be disapointed at all.

 

[Nuke em]

That's because the RNB last 35+ max hours , Minelab rechargeable is way under half that and comparing charge times of 2 hours for RNB to Minelab pack of near on a life time !!

 

[Tired Rooster]

Thanks for all the input guys!!! All the testimonials speak for themselves. No doubt a superior battery over the others. But I just can't see risking a possible warranty issue if something were to go wrong. At $1,500 the Etrac is quite a pricey piece of electronics to use a type battery that Minelab says NOT to use........or they may void the warranty should an issue arise. Just a chance you take I guess. Maybe I'll get an RNB after the warranty expires........

 

[Nuke em]

No chance of a warranty issue other wise the batteries would be classed as illegal on this site . It works perfect like 8 AA Duracels but they just last forever . Get one , I have two so I know I will never run out of juice . If it was a risk I would not have bought it.
Richard

 

[nge]

I also have two RnB battery packs. The Bunny at the store is getting awful lonely My Minelab pack (rechargeable one) takes 18 hours for full charge, then when I get to where I'm going it loses one bar within the first 1/2 hour, full drain down in 6 hours. Since I've had my RnB packs (only charged each for 1 hour) I've been getting 40 -50 hours hunting time no problemo. I take my other RnB for a friend that almost always has dead batteries when we get to a long distance hunt site. I told him to either buy himself an RnB pack or I would rent mine to him. I used to spend over 100.00 per year for the Bunny Batteries. I use them in my Explorer XS II also.......nge

 

[RickyPaul]

I think people want the battery with maximum time storage and back up. I have also two batteries and both have great timing.