Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The four AA cells in this package (GP Recyko Value Charger with 4 AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries) are very good. They are the low-self-discharge type similar to other better-known brands such as SANYO eneloop and Rayovac Hybrid. In fact, I noticed that those GP ReCyko cells are identical to the Kodak Pre-Charge cells I have tested more than three years ago. That means they already have a proven track record to me.
The average capacity of GP ReCyko cells is measured to be 2230mAh (using my La Crosse BC-900 charger). This is higher than the rated capacity of 'Typ. 2050mAh', and also higher than the capacities of other name-brand LSD cells.
Based on my long-term storage test with Kodak Pre-Charged cells, I expect the self-discharge rate of those GP cells to be as good as that of Sanyo eneloop - at least up to the 6-month mark.
On the down-side, those GP cells are slightly thicker than other LSD cells. So they won't fit in some appliances with extremely tight battery compartments, such as my Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse.
The 'Value Charger' (GPAR01) included in this package is extremely primitive. It has no charge termination circuits at all, not even a timer. After a pair of cells is inserted, the charger simply charges them at a fixed current (220mA for AA, 100mA for AAA) FOREVER! It is up to you the user to estimate how much charge time is required, and remove the cells after a certain number of hours. For example, to recharge a pair of completely exhausted 2200mAh cells at 220mA would take about 11 hours (2200mAh/220mA = 10h, add 10% for good measure). If you forgot and left those cells in the charger for too long, they will be over-charged. Granted that the charging current is relatively low (220/2200 = 0.1C), so it will not cause any immediate damage. But in the long run, over-charge is bad for battery's lifespan.
The Value Charge also forces you to charge in pairs. That is, it cannot handle 1 or 3 cells. This is very inconvenient if you have appliances that require odd number of cells.
My recommendation is to buy plenty of those GP ReCyko cells, because they can be found at much lower cost than eneloop (for example, consider this package: GP Recyko Battery Value Pack). Then get a smart charger that can handle individual cells, such as the Sanyo MDR02 or Sony BCG34HRE. That way, you can both save money and prolong your batteries' lifespan.
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GP Recyko Charger Includes 4 AA 2100 NiMH RECYKO batteries.
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