You can go lipo - pricey, but it will not burn through a charge as quickly using this -

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ducts_id/13502

There are others with more capacity that are more expensive.

If you stay with AAs, get some quality ones - I use AAs in non RC electronics and use these -

http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/-...94gvlt2a22mmj4

I run a 3PKS and 3PJS and use lipo in both.