Rayovac Rechargeable NiMH Batteries, AA-size, 8-count Carded Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)The latest family of Rayovac rechargeable NiMH batteries are all missing one thing: the capacity rating. Previously, you can see the charge capacity (such as '2500mAh') marked on every package and also on each cell. But newer Rayovac rechargeable NiMH cells are just grouped into three classes ('Everyday-Use', 'High-Energy' and 'Hybrid'), with vague claims such as 'Up to 275 photos' printed on their packages.
Of course, those claims make very little sense to us, because Rayovac never tell us which camera was used, and under what test conditions were those photos taken.
After a lot of searching, I was able to find the spec sheet for those cells from rayovacindustrial dot com:
- NM715-4OP 'Everyday-Use' AA, 'Up to 275 photos': capacity=1400mAh
- NM715-4B 'High-Energy' AA, 'Up to 375 photos': capacity=1900mAh
- LD715-4A 'Hybrid' AA, 'Up to 400 photos': capacity=2100mAh
The item offered here is the NM715-8OP (the 'OP' stands for 'Opening Product'). It has the LOWEST capacity amoung all Rayovac NiMH batteries. I have tested some in my La Crosse BC-900 Battery Charger, and the average capacity is actually higher than spec at 1500mAh. But this number is still very low by today's standard for NiMH AA cells. So although the price looks attractive, this is just not a good value.
As of this writing, this 8-pack (NM715-8OP) is actually priced higher than two 4-pack (NM715-4OP). Furthermore, the Rayovac 4.0 AA 4-PACK is available at even lower cost. Those are low-self-discharge cells with higher capacity of 2100mAh. So it is a no-brainer which package you should buy.
[Update on July 16, 2010]
I recently discovered a hidden benefit of those Rayovac 'Opening Product' AA cells: they are exactly the same size as alkaline AA cells, while other NiMH cells with capacity 2000mAh or over are all slightly thicker. So for some appliances with extremely tight battery compartment (such as the Rayovac Sportsman Xtreme 1W LED Flashlight), those are the only rechargeable cells I can use.
[Update Sep 4, 2010]
As if the offerings above is not confusing enough, Rayovac has now discontinued the 'Hybrid' series, and replaced it with another two types:
- LD715-4OP 'Pre-Charged': capacity=1400mAh
- PL715-4 'Platinum Pre-Charged': capacity=2100mAh

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Rayovac Rechargeable NiMH Batteries, D Size, 2-Count Packages (Pack of 3) Review

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(More customer reviews)Don't let the hefty size of these Rayovac Rechargeable NiMH Batteries fool you. Each one of the so-called 'D-cell' is simply an AA-cell wrapped inside a larger plastic shell. The capacity is only 2200mAh, which is typical for a NiMH AA cell. So when you use those rechargeable D-cells in your appliances, expect to get only one-quarter of the run time compared to when using alkaline D-cells.
On the positive side, the weight of this rechargeable D-cell (around 2 oz. each) is much less than that of an alkaline D-cell (5 oz). More importantly, using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable will save you money in the long run. So they are still worth considering - as long as you are willing to recharge them frequently.
If longer run time is important, you should look for real D-size rechargeable batteries with much greater capacity, such as the CTA D Size 12000 mAh NiMH. Unfortunately, they are also a lot more expensive than those Rayovac D-cells.
Don't forget you also need a charger that can accept D-cells. The model I recommend is the Rayovac Universal Battery Charger, which can recharge AA/AAA/C/D and 9V batteries. Another valid approach is to get the Sanyo Eneloop Power Pack, which includes 8 AA cells and 4 each of C- and D-shell adapters. That way, you can use the same AA rechargeable cells in appliances that require larger batteries.


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8-Pack Long-Lasting 2200mAh HYBRID AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries w/ Latest Hybrid Technology Review

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(More customer reviews)These were great for the first six months, but then started to degrade significantly after that. I use the top-of-line slow recharger from MAHA, and even with attempts to revive them two of four wouldn't hold a charge and my camera wouldn't even turn on with the batteries fresh from the charger.
The weight of these batteries gives you some sense that these could be subpar made - when I compare the weight of these batteries in-hand with those from another manufacturer I noticed these have half the weight of other AAs. I recommend the Green hybrid series from Sony or regular NiMH batteries from from Panasonic or Sony (orange series) that have

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Eveready Heavy Duty 1235BP-2 C Batteries (2-Pack) Review

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(More customer reviews)At the time of this review, these are the best deal on Amazon for AAA batteries (unless you buy the 100-pack of another brand). I did the math and figured out that each battery costs 44.5 cents (USD). They are "heavy duty" and last as long if not longer than any other AAA battery. And with a pack of 4 being on sale here, you can decide how many packs you want to equal how many total batteries you want--that is, instead of being forced to buy a pack of 20 or 28 or even 100 batteries in order to get a good deal.

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Rayovac I-C3 15 Minute Rechargeable Batteries, AA , 4 batteries Review

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(More customer reviews)I read about Rayovac's patent on the I-C3 technology before this product came to market and naturally I was skeptical. A few months after it came to market I decided to try it out.
For over 6 months I've been using these batteries in our toothbrushes, cameras, electric screwdriver, remote controls, two-way radios, CD players, anything that uses AA or AAA. The product exceeds my greatest expectations.
Disregard the high cost comments. This should be viewed as an investment. I can get the batteries locally for about $3.45 each. Figuring 25 cents for an alkaline battery you recover the cost after 14 recharges. 120 recharges and you've paid for the charger.
My family loves this thing. It completely changes your view of battery operated appliances. Not one of these batteries has gone bad. I have a pocket radio that I use constantly. One charge lasts over a week. The batteries do not die suddenly. When in doubt I can top off the battery in less than 15 minutes.
We are never out of batteries and we have an entirely new mindset now that it doesn't cost anything to discharge a battery. At the same time we aren't throwing batteries in the trash can.
It is our view that a battery that costs 25 cents plus shipping and handling per use is far more expensive than one that costs 15 minutes.

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Rayovac - Battery 4 x AAA NiMH 790 mAh Review

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(More customer reviews)It's great they charge in 15 minutes but for the money the Rayovac hybrid batteries are a better deal to me. These batteries leak down rather quick as do most rechargeable batteries. The only exceptions I know of are the Rayovac and Sony Eneloop hybrid batteries. They maintain 80% of their charge over 6 months. I've never had to recharge one of they hybrids because it was sitting in a drawer when I needed it unlike these. I almost always have to recharge these when I need them. I pop them in my battery tester and they almost always show low after a week or so. I find it annoying I have to charge them to use them. I think I'll buy the hybrids from now on.

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Rayovac Platinum Low Self Discharge NiMH AA Size Batteries, 4 Pack Review

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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.

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Rayovac 4.0 Rechargeable AA 4-Count (Pack of 2) Review

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(More customer reviews)The product description of Rayovac 4.0 AA cells appears to be intentionally deceptive. It says "Rechargeable Battery with Lithium Technology", but did not mention anything about the battery chemistry, voltage, and capacity. On the front of the package it says "Compare to ADVANCED LITHIUM", and "Ready to use like LITHIUM". All these seem to give the impression that "Rayovac 4.0" is similar to the Energizer L91BP Lithium AA Battery, which has a higher operating voltage (1.6V) and larger capacity (3000mAh) compared to normal NiMH AA cells.
Upon closer examination, however, you'll see the fine print of "NiMH 1.2V" on each cell. Suspiciously, its capacity (mAh) is still not specified. So despite of all the hype, this is still a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, perhaps with a trace amount of Lithium added to justify the claim of "Lithium Technology".
I tested four Rayovac 4.0 AA cells using my La Crosse BC-900. Right out of the package, they hold an average charge of 1485mAh, or about 70% of full capacity. After two more charge/discharge cycles, their avarege capacity improved to 2080mAh. This performance is nearly identical to that of Rayovac Hybrid AA Batteries, which I have tested many times before. Further examination also revealed that the (+) and (-) terminals of "Rayovac 4.0" are exactly the same shape as "Rayovac Hybrid". Therefore I'm convinced that those two series are in fact the same cell under different wrappers.
I really dislike the shiny wrapper of "Rayovac 4.0" cell. It makes the cell look too much like the Energizer Lithium AA cell, and it doesn't even mention "Rechargeable" on the wrapper. I can only imagine how many of those rechargeable cells were thrown out after first use, because people confused them with desposable cells.
On the other hand, the price for 8 of those "Rayovac 4.0" AA cells is less than half that of Sanyo Eneloop 8 Pack AA (as of this writing). This makes them an amazing value. It is much better to buy those, instead of trying your luck with other so-called "Ready-to-Use" rechargeable batteries from less reputable brands.
[Update on Feb 25, 2010]
Data on long-term self-discharge rate: I have tested four each of Rayovac 4.0 AA and AAA cells, after 100 days of storage at approximately 19 degree C. The average charge retained in both sets were exactly 86% of original. This is consistent with the self-discharge characteristics of Sanyo eneloop and Rayovac Hybrid.

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Rayovac ALAA-24 UltraPRO Alkaline AA Batteries, 24-Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)Old Review: These bateries seem to be seconds or rejects from the manufaturer.
I purchased two 12-packs of these "D" cell batteries. When I received them I opened both sealed packages and found at least half of the batteries in each pack were dented on the sides near the tops or bottoms and others were scratched. They all have expiration dates of DEC 2017, measured above 1.6 volts and don't seem to be leaking, so they might be just fine. I reported the problem to Amazon so maybe you won't have the same experience.
New Review: I decided to buy some more of these batteries, and this time they were perfect. Even the ones I received before, which were physically damaged on the outside, have worked very well and lasted a long time. I changed the rating from 3 to 5 stars.

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Rayovac Ultra Pro Batteries. Whether you need shrink packaging (great for contract or bid business) or contractor packaging to help organize and protect batteries from damage and short circuiting, Rayovac has a program to fit your needs. Rayovac is a trusted brand of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a top manufacturer of consumer batteries in the United States and Latin America.

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Energizer MAX D Alkaline Batteries - 10 pk. Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought this was a great price until we found a 12 pack for much less at Costco. Silly baby toys require too many batteries!

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Energizer e2 Rechargeable, Size C, 2-Count (Pack of 3) Review

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(More customer reviews)These batteries may be 'C' size but look at the rated capacity on the package. It is the same as a AA! You are getting ripped off. Real C size batteries have capacities in the 4000 to 5000 mAh range. These will die real fast in actual use. Shame on you Energizer.

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