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(More customer reviews)When I first saw the product description of Rayovac Platinum LSD NiMH AA, my immediate reaction was: "Oh no! Not ANOTHER new wrapper for the same old Rayovac Hybrid!". After all, that's exactly what Rayovac did last year for the so-called Rayovac 4.0 cells. But after examining this package more carefully, it turns out to be not the case.
First encouraging sign: unlike the case with 'Rayovac 4.0' cells, those 'Platinum' LSD cells actually have their capacity number printed on each cell (2100mAh for AA, 800mAh for AAA).
I measured those Rayovac Platinum AA cells upon arrival using my La Crosse BC-900, and they contain about 87% of their rated capacity. After two discharge/recharge cycles, their average capacity reached 2095mAh. This performance is very consistent with that of the old Rayovac Hybrid AA cells. However, by comparing the shapes of their (+) and (-) terminals, I can tell that the 'Platinum' cells are indeed different from 'Rayovac Hybrid' and 'Rayovac 4.0' cells. (Check out my Customer Image and judge for yourself)
Rayovac claims that the Platinum's charge retention rate is same as previous generation Rayovac LSD cells: 80% after 6 months, 60% after 12 months. In contrast, Sanyo claims the eneloop can retain 85% charge after 12 months. My own testing has shown that this claim is accurate.
One disturbing sign is that: Rayovac states that the lifespan of new Platinum cell is only '275 cycles', while previously it was '500 cycles' for the old Rayovac Hybrid.
In summary, the new Rayovac 'Platinum' LSD cell is not any better than the old 'Hybrid', yet it may suffer from shorter lifespan. As of this moment, it is being sold at a much higher price than Rayovac Hybrid and Sanyo eneloop, so it is just not a good value.
[Update on Oct 16, 2010]
Long-term self-discharge test: after 3 months sitting on the shelf, a pair of Rayovac Platinum AA cells retained 83% of original capacity. This is slightly worse than the rate for old Rayovac Hybrid, whcih typically can retain 85% after 5 months.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Rayovac Platinum Low Self Discharge NiMH AA Size Batteries, 4 Pack
Rayovac NiMH rechargeable batteries offer the perfect solution to powering your high drain digital devices. Rayovac Platinum Rechargeable batteries provide long-lasting performance - they'll stay charged two to three times longer than standard NiMH rechargeable batteries. You can take 400 photos per charge with AA Platinum Rechargeables (16 times more than competitors' lithium batteries). That's less waste, more power... and more value. Get a great value and keep disposable batteries out of the landfills. Save hundreds of dollars when you use rechargeable batteries versus alkaline. Rayovac is a trusted brand of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a top manufacturer of consumer batteries in the United States and Latin America. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. is a global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn & garden and home pest control products, personal insect repellents and portable lighting.
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