Today we finished the 3 month part of our AA Rechargeable Test, this is where we charged the batteries, then let lie idle for 3 months, then the AA batteries were retested. We used the Maha Powerex MH-C9000 Wizard One Charger Analyser to charge the batteries. For the sake of expediency and because we had found the Wizard One’s measured capacity roughly correlated to flashes when tested with a camera and flash, we used the MH-C9000 to both measure the charge applied to give a starting capacity, but also to do a measured discharge as this saved about 3 days on the testing. The figures obtained are below:

Starting Charge

Low Self Discharge

Imedion 2176, 2140, 2187, 2144  Average 2161

Eneloop 2011, 1993, 1979, 2002  Average  1996

High Capacity

Powerex 2617, 2560, 2589, 2540  Average 2576

Energiser 2343, 2322, 2329,2333  Average 2331

Retained Charge after 3 months

Low Self Discharge

Imedion 1927, 1857, 1854, 1882  Average 1880

Retained charge – 87%

Eneloop 1723, 1696, 1708, 1696  Average 1705

Retained charge – 85%

High Capacity

Powerex 2114, 2018, 2050, 2048 Average  2057

Retained charge – 80%

Energiser 1858, 1789, 1865, 1791  Average 1825

Retained charge – 78%

As can be seen, the quality brands produced a quality result, with some a little better than others. As stated before, it is best to match the batteries to your needs and usage.

We were also fortunate enough to be sent by ‘Craig’ a set of 4 Powertech Enekeep batteries. We tested these in the Maha Powerex MH-C9000 and after being put through a few cycles tested for capacity via discharge, the same method as above but without the 3 month gap.

Enekeep     1959, 1952, 1899, 1925    Average  1933

A good result from a battery specified at 2,000 mah

Wolf Eyes News

Wolf Eyes Main Site

Eneloop has announced that they will be releasing C and D size batteries before the end of the year. Can only be good news for rechargeable battery users and might breath some life into old Maglights lying around.

Wolf Eyes Champion Flashlight Torch

Wolf Eyes has just released the Champion flashlight / torch.  A slightly sleeker version on the classic Wolf Eyes designs, the Champion is only 21mm in diameter in the body with a  24.2mm diameter head.  The clip is removable and the torch outputs a nice 280 lumens. As most weapon mounts are 25.4 mm (1″)  we would not suggest this unit for weapon mounting but if you work undercover and would prefer a slimmer line to your suit but still need a powerful long run torch this unit may interest you. We should have an initial stock at the end of this week.