Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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

I bought these from Walmart. They were priced about half of Energizer! I couldn't see the capacity rating (mAhr) anywhere on the package, nor the batteries, so I was very skeptical. Finally, I couldn't stand the price and gave it a try for a pack of 4. After a few months, I went back and buy another pack of 8, and from now on I'll only buy Rayovac.

Here's what I found. Although not hybrid, these batteries keep their charges much longer than any normal NiMH batteries I have tried e.g. Energizer, Sony, and other no brand names. I put these on a train toy for 3+ months. The Energizer was almost dead but Rayovac was still half full (my Sony charger can detect that). After a fresh charge, they also perform much better for a demanding device. I had a (bad) digital camera that needs 1.5V batteries and most 1.2V NiMH couldn't even turn the camera on. The Rayovac CAN actually drive the camera for a while, impressive.

Anyway, since Rayovac does not make the capacity claim so it could mean that the quality could vary from one package to another. So far, I am happy. The price is worth the risk. For normal NiMH batteries, if you left them drained and forget to re-charge for a few months, the batteries would never perform the same way again. A lot of my NiMH died that way. Having batteries that keep their charges longer will also ensure that their life time is longer.

I purchased many a AA Rayovac from Amazon. Just about everything in my house that requires a AA battery has these. Highly recommended and last a long time--both charged and longevity.

We purchased several multipacks of these Rayovac NiMH batteries for use in cameras and Wii controllers. In addition to these batteries, we purchased some of the Rayovac Hybrids. They are serving us well. They are lasting a good length of time between charges. We also purchased a Targus charger with batteries. We use the Targus charger for the Targus and Rayovac batteries and are very satisfied with each of these products.

These rechargeable batteries work great. I am very satisfied with my purchase. It will save me a lot of money on batteries in the long run.

These rechargeable batteries last about the same as other batteries. They hold their charge pretty good. The price was great and I think it's a good buy.

These were a great price at the time I bought, well known brand name, and the performance was up to par as stated in the advertising. Would definitely buy again when needed

I bought these because of the price ($10.99 for 8) and my good previous experience with Rayovac. Right out of the charger, they will not power up my dSLR camera (Pentax K-x) and will only last for about 20 shots on our old dSLR (Pentax k200d). They will last barely a week in a bluetooth mouse, which other batteries last a couple of weeks easily. I am having a hard time finding a use for them now.

I have a LaCrosse Technology BC-9009 charger station that has a test mode. I tested these batteries and they came out to 1500mAh.

I still like Rayovac batteries, just not this model. I like their hybrid batteries and use them a lot.

I purchased 2 packages of 8 AA Rayovac rechargeables and a 4 pack w/the charger for my girls Leapfrog toys this Christmas. Those toys EAT UP BATTERIES like you wouldn't believe. These were very low cost at WalMart and seem to hold a charge pretty well. The only thing I don't care for is the charger doesn't have a timer on it, but I will write my review on that one later :) As far as the batteries, I can't complain. I'm very happy with them. They seem to be outlasting other people's rechargeable batteries in other name brands who are using them for the same products that I am using them for. I can get a weeks worth of play on our leappads (averaging about an hour and a half a day ) That doesn't seem like a lot, but non rechargeables and some other "name" brands are only giving people half of that. So, we are happy! Sure beats buying new ones all the time and they are inexpensive enough to buy so many sets like I did so I always have spare charged ones ready to go!

these batteries charged quickly. i haven't used them yet, but have them in reserve to use as needed. will give more input when i actually use them.