Finally bought a charger that can refresh batteries.
I got a maha MHC800S 8 cell.
So far it took about 12 hrs. to refresh and charge five glyphs.
They seem as strong as they were a year ago.
.
I've got the MAHA MH-C9000 and these are incredible chargers. The "Factory Condition" gives a factory "forming charge" and really sets up and recovers batteries. The "Refresh Charge" is also great once in a while (forming takes 3 days or so and refresh takes overnight for sure). They give you an evaluation of the batterie's current condition in mah current capacity.
I have noted that while the Glyph batteries are far superier to the original MF batteries - that MF isn't totally consistent. The last two sets I ordered had one report 15-20% more capacity. Still great - but I was expectin all in the same lot to report the same.
That said - you really can't just say "Eneloops are great" which they are - but there are different battery chemistries. Think "LSD" (heh) Low Self Discharge and normal. The non LSD will lose their charge in a week - but they can also give the highest current delivery (which the MFLB gives).
The main complaint about the older batteries was losing charge. When in fact they due to chemistry weren't designed to stay charged.
THe problem with LSD or anything that says low self discharge (Eneloop will have both models so will Maha, Powerx etc). The LSD which can not self-discharge (i.e. leak internally) also cannot deliver as much current. And the MFLB is essentially a dead short wanting 10 amps or more - which is an extremely tough load for any battery.
MFLB's compromise when producing GLYPH is a hybrid chemistry - so it wouldn't self-discharge in a week - but it would still retain a lot of power delivery. And new models came with higher capacity/delivery.
I would also point out the addage that "Batteries don't die - they're murdered" and that goes with these. If that battery is pretty much out - and you're pushing it for the last toke - you're murdering it. I don't care the brand. Each time you take it to zero or nearly so you're damaging it and significantly wrecking it's future life. So when it's getting weak - then switch to another one.
I'd also note that 1 hour (or fast even if 2) chargers are hard on batteries. But still better than running them to zero. MFLB ships fast as users want fast turnaround. But it's not helping your battery.
I can't give you other battery recommendations - but I'd say other than Glyph - top of the line, non LSD, batteries from Maha, Eneloop, etc, would be at the top of my list. But google around and see what is workign and as importantlyl NOT working for people. And consdier the Maha HC-9000 as it can bring batteries back from the dead and also restore them as well as let you know how they're doing.
As a final tip - one way to tell in a store is if it says "pre-charged" then it is LSD Low Self Discharge - otherwise there's no way it could be on the shelf with any appeciable charge.
On the "My MFLB is getting weak" ? well, there's nothing to get weak on MFLB unless your screen is coming loose. It's yoru battereis (or maybe even just one of your batteries). Or if it's been a while - your expectations.
Now for the PA? to me it's a mixed bag. It works GREAT but I hate getting it out as it's like this uncouth leash on my MFLB. I sold it to a friend (the PA) and he uses it bedside where it's always ready. But I'm sure mixed. I understand the problem though - it's the need for 10+ Amps of current and that NEEDS big wires - so it's hard to do the last half without big wire. The MFLB is just that perfect marriage of performance enabled by current NiMH AA batteries that it's hard for non chemical solutions (heh) to compete elegantly. Perfect Synergy NiMH and MFLB.
About the Escape Pod. I really like mine. Walnut grinder fits in. Easy to pour into MFLB. I do wish it had a glyph on one end - or differentiating glyphs on each end - so you know which end is which as I'm sometimes load each differently.
I don't pocket carry that. Not sure if it'd work for me and my pockets. Most of the time whichever "kit" (mflb, lotus, VapCap, Woody, VapMa) is in a portable small case with accoutrements.
I would suggest strongly looking at the Delta Box. I have a very dark consistent Walnut one and it is stunning. It will NOT come open by itself. I only holds half as much as Escape Pod. But it is such a delight (esp for those into wood). That said you WILL gather some attention with it because it is so distinguished and different. Not so sure it's a "public area piece" s much as a private piece (even if out and about). The mini MFLB grinders also fit in nicely.
So do look at the Delta Box. You'll be showing it off for quite a while but it's worth it.
I otherwise have to say I'm dissapointed with the Connoisseurs Club. I was an early member and enjoyed all the special and early access to merchandise. Like the Delta Box before it came out, Walnut Monacle MFLB box, UFO, and other items. Now it's a backwater with the only advantage to being able to buy non kits for the boxes. Everything else is on the regular site. Nothing at all special for Connoisseurs.
I suppose that's volume + competition as they said they wouldn't make me a Leopardwood Monacle box as if it's not off the line they aren't doing it. That start conrast to George Brewia (Dynavap Vapcap) who will (still - let's see) make what you want.
Anyway - check out the Delta Box. Very stylish. Not sure which of those two I'll get a 2nd unit of next..