When do you replace your tranceiver batteries?

Just wondering how low people let their batteries get before they deem them unsafe?  Along the same lines, does everyone use alkaline cells or are there better options?  And, assuming that batteries are replaced long before they are close to being dead, what do you do with the not new but not dead batteries?  I suppose being on the internet I could do some research but I suspect I'm not the first person to think about these issues.

Rule of thumb is at or below 90%. Definately new batts before a multi day trip.

Personally, I pull mine out during the summer to reduce the chance of a leaking battery, and install new ones in Nov/Dec.  

During avy season I try not to let mine get below about 70%.  


Manufacturers all say to use alkaline cells, even though other types (lithium specifically) perform better in colder temps.  

Most of the time it's on your chest, and your body heat keeps things nice and toasty, so alkaline batteries degraded performance in cold temps is non issue.  70% and under batteries end up in the TV remote, or LED flashlight.

guess im a lil more risk tolerant but for me its @ 70% on my DSP.

80% for me.
New batteries for multi-day trips.
Spares in pack ALWAYS.

I'm curious why you guys are changing the batteries at 70-90%. Ortovox says to change them when level reaches 10% and even then they say you have some reserve. Ortovox does say to use new batteries at the start of the season. I do carry fresh batteries in my pack. It just seems a little reactionary to change them out with so little use, for some beacons that would be every two to three tours.