I get it - Eneloops rock. I use them in all my lights and other critical applications. I’ve also read about the LADDAloops etc - will keep an eye out if I go by an IKEA.
However, I have a lot of battery-using devices in my house. A lot of them do not use intense power like a Convoy T4 - think remote controls, clocks, small tools. Filling all of them with Eneloops seems like a massive money sink.
What are some decent performers that have low self-discharge? I’ve used Tenergy Centura with decent results, along with EBL premium cells. They actually seem to be better than my experience with energizer rechargeables .
This arena can be a bit of a moving target. Many except the mediocre and worse will ‘seem’ OK for awhile, like 1-3 years. I find EBL is like that. I’ve got a lot of them. IR goes up rapidly and termination becomes problematic. I have had satisfactory results with Centura. I’ve been pretty satisfied with GP ReCyko AA 2000mAh and the AAA also. But, that was a good while ago, so I know THOSE are decent, but I have no idea if the current versions are as solid or what the price point might be vs Eneloops. The era of Amazon Basicloops is long gone.
The companies have found that pushing stupidly high capacity sells at the expense of long term reliability. Most of the public is not very sophisticated about batteries.
I’m starting to try out the 1.5v AA lithiums. That is EVEN MORE of a fishing expedition. Some perform pretty well very few live up to the marketing. Some are not too good. As far as I’m concerned none of them have an honest reliability track record, just wild claims about cycle life that I SERIOUSLY doubt they will do.
I look for Fujitsu NiMH as an Eneloop equal but pricing difference normally not compelling. Trying the 1.5V lithium AAs also but not long enough to know what to think yet.
Dunno if they’re “top performers” or not, but I got an assload of PKcells that last over a year in my weather remote, as well used extensively in motorized cat-toys, teevee remote, 2AA light (hang on… Sofirn SF13), etc. No complaints.
Think the latest: powerowl.
Ive also picked up some bonai. Not sure they’re a leader anymore.
Think now the powerowl & pkcells now, whichever cheeper.
Powerowls impressed me, stamping exp. Date on their lithium primaries.
Testing the hoxon aa1.5V lithium rechargeables since January on some cheap 2aa lights(& a sp10pro) for longevity etc.
No voltage drop until they quit though.
They were ~$18/dozen with 4bay lithium charger tossed. Since got vx2pro(for most battery chemistries.
The 1.5V lithium rechargeables:
Most have no drop-off until they quit.
The xtar 3300(& higher) clr simulate a drop-off
So if you rely on low voltage sensing to warn you they will do that(for $ more).
Forgot about the PKCells, AA/2100 and AAA both looking good after several years of use.
Like any of the high capacity, I’d not buy the 2800 unless you NEED the capacity, but expect a shorter lifespan.
Duracell makes nice NiMH cells (find the made in Japan ones) those are made by Fujitsu i believe, who also makes Eneloops, same with the IKEA LADDA 2450 AA and 900 mAh AAA).
Dracutum 3000mWh/2000mAh 1.5vAA - In testing they are about 95% of claimed capacity @ 0.5A
They hold that until they hit 1.1v which they hold for ~ 50-60mA, then cut out. This is one of the best cells I have found.
HW 1.5v AA 3500mWh/2333mAh Non-USB Charge variety (capacity lost with USB charge embedded) - These test ~ 80% of capacity claimed @0.5A. They hold that to 1.1v also but will go ~480mA more before cutting out. This can be seen as good or bad. You do get a longer notice window, but you lose more than 400mAh of 1.5v. So…depends on which characteristic is more important.
As these START at claimed 2333mAh they end up having a ‘working’ mAh similar to the Dracutum.
Functionally both are decent. Put them in the race with stock Eneloops for capacity.
No complaints so far, but not a lot of real use yet.