Go to Costco for the NiMh AA's.
I got an 8 pack of Sanyo 2300Mah for $18 and a 4 pack with charger for $22

I have tried the rechargable AAs and have found that when they start to lose thier charge it is a fast drop off, faster than alkalines. Also after about a year they wont hold thier charge any more, I have since gone to alkaline AAs and I get the brick of AAs at costco. its like $12 for 48 batteries

yeah normal rechargable AAs are pathetic, pick some some nickle based ones at least.

i just bit the bullet and bought that lipo pack-worst caste sscenario is i have to reassemble it.