8/11/2011

Rayovac Everyday-Use Low Self Discharge NiMH AA Size Batteries, 8 Pack Review

Rayovac Everyday-Use Low Self Discharge NiMH AA Size Batteries, 8 Pack
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Talk about a confusion campaign! Currently, you can find not one, not two, but FOUR different series of low-self-discharge ('Pre-Charged') rechargeable cells from Rayovac:
- The original 'Rayovac Hybrid' (LD715),
- The 'Rayovac 4.0' (RF715-4C) with ambiguously titled 'Lithium Technology',
- The Rayovac LSD NiMH OPP AA (LD715-8OP), and
- The newest 'Rayovac Platinum' LSD Series (PL715-4).
The 'OPP' (Opening Price Product) series offered here is typically priced lower than others. But its rated capacity is very low at just 1400mAh. By the way, you'll not find this capacity number printed on the battery or on its package, not even from the official Rayovac consumer web site. I have to go to 'Rayovac Industrial dot com' to dig up this information.
The packaging is another example of deceptive advertisement. It says: "Takes up to 8x MORE DIGITAL PHOTOS!" in bold red letters. But then the fine prints says: "vs. Energizer Ultimate Lithium when recharged 25 time". So if you do the math, it is actually saying that those NiMH cells can only take 1/3 the number of photos per charge, when compared to Ultimate Lithium.
I have tested four of those 'OP' AA cells, using my old La Crosse BC-900 charger/analyzer. The measured average capacity is slightly higher at around 1500mAh. But note that all other Rayovac LSD series are rated (and measured) at 2100mAh.
The self-discharge rate of those 'OP' AA cells is quite good. After three months sitting on the shelf, the average remaining charge is about 87%. This is in line with the self-discharge rate of Rayovac Hybrid and Sanyo Eneloop.
[Bottom line]
You may pay slightly less for those 'OP' LSD cells, but the capacity you get is also 1/3 less. Worse yet, this capacity number is not marked on each cell. So if you ever mix it together with other LSD cells, it will drag down the capacity of the whole set. Avoid this product if possible. Consider other low-cost alternatives such as the GP Recyko Pre-Charged AA instead.
[Aside]
I can only think of one application where the lower capacity of 'OP' cell is an advantage. You can pair this 1.25V NiMH cell with a 1.65V NiZn cell, to get almost exactly 3.0V out of two rechargeable cells. It is important to select two cells with the same charge capacity (1500mAh), to make sure they run down at the same rate. The down-side is that you need two different chargers to recharge your batteries.


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Rayovac rechargeable batteries are pre-charged and ready to power! You'll want to use Rayovac rechargebale batteries in digital cameras, handheld games, portable media players, and other high-drain devices. These batteries can be charged and reused to up 500 times, reducing waste and saving you money. Save hundreds of dollars when you use rechargeable batteries versus alkaline. Get a great value and keep disposable batteries out of the landfills. 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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