Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I hate it when some Amazon vendors list a generic product under multiple titles, to give people the impression that the product is designed specifically for certain applications. In this particular case, the product is sold under the title of "8 Long-Lasting Nickel Zinc AA Rechargeable Batteries... for the Kid Galaxy Morphibians Vehicles". But it will be a big mistake if you buy it for this intended application.
The same PowerGenix charger and battery package can be found elsewhere for lower prices, for example: PowerGenix ZR-PGX5HRAA-4B, 3-5-Hour Fast Charger with 4 AA 1.6v High Voltage Rechargeable Batteries. But the real problem is: this charger can only recharge NiZn cells in pairs, whereas all the Kid Galaxy Morphibians vehicles use three AA cells each. So once you finished using the set of three NiZn cells for the first time, you're left with a single cell that you cannot recharge. In theory you can save that one empty cell separately, and group it with the next set of 3 exhausted cells when available. But in practice it is quite difficult to prevent mix-up. If you ever pair up an exhausted NiZn cell with a full one, the latter will be badly over-charged and permanently damaged.
For this type of applications (RC vehicle with odd number of cells), you should look for a charger that can handle individual cells. For examples: consider either the PowerGenix ZR-PGX1HRAA-4B 1 Hour Quick Charger with 4 AA 1.6v NiZn Rechargeable Batteries, or the Sony Cycle Energy BCG34HRE4KN Charger and 4 Pre-Charged 2000 mAh AA NiMH Batteries. Whether you pick the 1.65V NiZn, or the 1.25V NiMH is up to you. It is true that the 30% higher voltage of NiZn will give your RC vehicle an extra boost. On the other hand, higher voltage is also more likely to burn out the vehicle's motor faster. But then again, it is just a toy so go ahead - Live Fast, Die Young!
Aside:
On the back of the package it says those NiZn cells need be recharged before first use. It is misleading to advertise NiZn as 'Low Self Discharge", becasue the self discharge rate is much higher than that of real low-self-discharge ('Pre Charged') cells such as SANYO eneloop.
[Update on Jan 13, 2011]
The product title has been changed to a more generic one ("8 Long-Lasting Nickel Zinc AA Rechargeable Batteries and Fast Charger"). But my warning about the charger still applies.
Click Here to see more reviews about: 8 Long-Lasting Nickel Zinc AA Rechargeable Batteries and Fast Charger
