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(More customer reviews)The product description of Zeikos ZE-4PC Precharged 3000mAh AA NiMH Batteries sounded truly fantastic. On the package it claims Zeikos R2U batteries are "Precharged and Ready to Use", have a capacity of "3000mAh", and a lifespan of "1200 cycles". This advertised capacity is nearly 50% higher than that of other low-self-discharge batteries (typically rated at 2000-2100mAh for AA). That's why I just HAVE to give it a try.
Well, as the old saying goes: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't"
First sign of warning: I measured those batteries' terminal voltage as I received them. One cell was unusually low at just 1.23V, which means this cell is nearly exhausted. The other three were around 1.27-1.28V, still too low for low-self-discharge cells. In contrast, all name-brands LSD cells I have tested (Sanyo Eneloop, Rayovac Hybrid, Duracell Pre Charged, GP Recyko, etc.) arrived with at least 1.30V.
Next, I measured the remaining charges in those Zeikos cells, using the REFRESH function of my old La Crosse Technology BC-900 battery charger/analyzer. The one cell with lower voltage contained only 114mAh! The other three ranged 637-879mAh. The average remaining charge is only 589mAh, or below 20% of the rated capacity. In contrast, all other name-brand LSD I have tested arrive with at least 70% of rated capacity.
I then continued to run those batteries through the BC-900's REFRESH operation. After one more Charge/Discharge cycle, the average capacity improved to 1361mAh. After yet another three more cycles, the average capacity leveled off at 1655mAh, or just 55% of its rated capacity.
Not willing to give up yet, I then put those Zeikos cell through the 'BREAK-IN' function of my Maha MH-C9000 Advanced Battery Charger/Analyzer. Even after that, the average capacity only improved marginally to 1789mAh, or just below 60% of advertised capacity. The spread in capacities is also quite large, varying between 1688 and 2010mAh. In contrast, all other name-brand LSD cells typically have their capacities measured at about 5% HIGHER than rated vales. Their capacities are also more uniform, with only 2-3% variation.
SUMMARY:
I have tested at least one dozen different brands of low-self-discharged NiMH cells, and those Zeikos R2U cells are absolutely the WORST. They are not "Precharged and Ready to Use" as claimed, and their measured capacity is below 60% of advertised value. In short: Avoid at all cost!
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The Zeikos ZE-4PC precharged AA NiMH Batteries are 3000mAh. They are perfect for use in all of your equipment that requires AA batteries. Pack of 4 AA Batteries.
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