Customer Reviews

Rayovac Recharegable Hybrid Slim Charger with 6AA & 2 AAA Hybrid Rechargeable Batteries Included

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

You get eight rechargeable batteries (6x AA + 2x AAA) plus a simple charger in this package. The batteries are the latest Rayovac "Hybrid", which are supposed to have very low self-discharge rate similar to the better known Sanyo "eneloop".

The capacity of Hybrid AA cell is rated at 2100mAh, slightly higher than that for the eneloop (2000mAh). I have tested both brands and can confirm that both ratings are accurate. Sanyo claims the eneloop can retain 90% of its original charge in 6 months, whereas Rayovac only claims 80% for the Hybrid. In real life applications, we probably won't be able to tell the performance difference between those two brands.

The charger inluded in this package, however, is a piece of junk. It is a timer-based dumb charger that simply charges for 8 hours at around 350mA and then turns off (obviously it was designed to charge 2500-2700mAh cells, because 350*8=2800). It also forces you to charge cells in pairs. Both 'features' are bad for your batteries. Do youself a favor and replace it with a smart charger as soon as possible. [...]

I have bought several of these for myself and as gifts in 2007 and 2008, and keep getting more.

I tested the batteries on a LaCrosse BC-900 (also available on Amazon) and it reported within 5% of rated capacity. I have not done follow-up tests to determine shelf-life, but the batteries seem to retain their charge better than conventional NiMH batteries.

The charger works on 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz, and its 2-blade ungrounded plug folds conveniently for travel. However, the charger is a slow timer-based charger, not a "smart" charger. At basically no extra cost, it is a great value. However, for home use, you might consider a smart charger like the Rayovac PS3 (only 115VAC@60Hz) or the LaCrosse BC-900, both available on Amazon. A smart charger takes better care of batteries by measuring when each is fully charged, then switching to a trickle current to maintain peak capacity. This charger can only charge in pairs and keeps going until the timer stops, which takes longer and can shorten the life of the batteries by overheating. Also the AAA batteries can fall out of the charger sometimes.

Until lithium ion batteries become available in AA and AAA, low-discharge NiMH batteries like these are the best available. They deliver much more capacity than the old NiCd batteries, and they have longer shelf life than ordinary NiMH.

I already own some Hybrid rechargeables and they're fantastic batteries. Unfortunately, I tried to get some more from Thememstore here on Amazon. The order never arrived and Thememstore never answered my customer service inquiry about it. Amazon.com graciously refunded my money.
Bottom line... if you want low self discharge rechargeables these are the ones to buy... but get them from somewhere other than Thememstore.

Good price and good quality the charger not the best bur for the price is more than good

Using batteries for a back up navigation source while flying. These batteries and charger outlast and outperform the others, and Ive tried them all .. Buy it.

These little batteries seem to last an unusually long time in devices that were often alkaline piggies. They are certainly a better purchase than loads of regular, non-rechargeables. I don't have much experience with other rechargeables, so I can't make a fair comparison. But between these and alkaline? Rayovac Hybrids are far superior.

love this product its saved my sanity and money...two kids with leapsters a must have.

GOOD VALUE MAY ORDER ANOTHER ONE .....I USE BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING AND HAVE NOT FAILED ME YET. EXCELLENT

best rechargeable batteries ive ever used......i use them in my remotes and they are still working after a year without a new charge....also use them in my digital camera.....save the earth and buy these...thanks

These batteries are great they have great lasting power. I hope I never put another regular alkaline battery in anything.