Now - rechargeable batteries! How quality is Quality? I have some Energizer thingies that seem fine for other high-power items like digital cameras. I'll give them a go and see what happens. Otherwise - are there better ones or does brand not matter? Is it all about the mAhs (whatever they are)?
I have seen people on here recommending things from 7DayShop but I have had nothing but rubbish from them so I don't think I'll go back.
NiMHs seems to be one of those unusual cases where you do not necessarily get what you pay for. So I would say don't be gulled by high-profile brand names or high price tags. Do go for the highest mAh labelling you can find, because although these labels aren't very realistic (typically 300-400 higher than real-world test results), there does seem to be a correlation (just about) and so the higher the better.
The main problem, with any 4-cell device (such as the Hope light) is that in any blister pack of 4 that you buy, the odds are that one cell will be a bit (or even a lot) 'weak'. With a 3-cell light, its easy - after a while you can identify the weakest cell and throw it away. With a 4-cell light, IMO the best strategy is to buy 2 cheap (say sub-£6) 4-cell packs and identify the best 4 cells out of the 8, throwing the rest away or using them in your TV remote. I think this is better than spending £12+ on one 4-pack.
Regarding the 'hybrid' types - this is a simple choice based on your expected usage - if you expect to recharge your cells more than once a week (as I suggest you would, commuting with a Hope), use the higher-capacity non-hybrid type - if your usage will be lighter than that (eg, in a back light maybe), then the hybrid type is the better choice.
(I would add that the hybrid capacities, though lower, seem to be more 'honest' than the non-hybrid types.)
Of course as mentioned elsewhere it's all about the charging regime. You need to be organised, and just a little bit anal, to get the best out of any NiMHs. They do thrive on exercise - have fewer sets of cells 'on the go' - eg alternate between two sets - rather than more - it's worse than pointless to have a drawer-full of cells that only get an outing once every 2 months.
