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130 of 132 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Same old Rayovac Hybrid AA in shiny wrapper, November 14, 2009
This review is from: Rayovac 4.0 Rechargeable AA 4-Count (Pack of 2) (Health and Beauty)
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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22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just got off the phone with Rayovac, December 23, 2009
This review is from: Rayovac 4.0 Rechargeable AA 4-Count (Pack of 2) (Health and Beauty)
Just got off the phone with rayovac. The girl said these are Nimh and 2300 MaH
Here's a copy paste of the spec sheet I got from them, there were some charts in there, they obviously did not copy over. Hope this helps all you techno-dweebs.
Enjoy!
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Rayovac Stock Number: LD715 Name: LD715 AA Nickel Metal Hydride, R2U Grade (2300)
Cell Type: Nickel Metal Hydride Size: LD715
Size Designation ANSI C18.2 1.2H2
IEC 61951-2 HR 06
Physical Attributes Weight 28 g
Size 14.2 (D) x 50 (H) mm
Volume 7.89 cc
External Insulating Cell Jacket Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
Nominal Voltage 1.2 V
Discharge Capacity* Typical 2300 mAh
Minimum 2139 mAh
DSC Test Number of Shots 400Minimum
Energy Content Energy Density 350 Wh/l
Specific Energy 99 Wh/kg
Charging Regime Standard 230 mA (0.1ltA) x16 hrs
Rapid 2300 mA (1ltA) to -dv = 8 mv
Maintenance 69-115 mA (0.05-0.03ltA)
Charge Temp. Range Standard 0° to 45°C
Rapid 0° to 45°C
Discharge Temp. Range -10° to 45°C
Storage Temp. Range < 3 months -20° to 50°C
3 - 9 months -20° to 40°C
Cycle Life Expectancy Up to 500 cycles
Meets EPA requirements for landfill, no mercury added formulation
*After standard charge at 20°C followed by discharge at 0.2 lt to 1.0V
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for the price, November 29, 2009
This review is from: Rayovac 4.0 Rechargeable AA 4-Count (Pack of 2) (Health and Beauty)
just received the batteries a few days ago. Popped the first four into my lacrosse charger to test capacity. All four were between 1970 and 2080 mAh. Will see what they are after a few charge discharge cycles.
I would have given 5 stars except for the battery labeling...nowhere does it say rechargeable, so like another rater, I assume a lot of these will end up in the trash, which is a shame.
Other than that, a great value at $1/battery
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