These some of the batteries money can buy.

macosx said:FYI, I just picked up the 8 AA/2 AAA/C&D adapters/charger pack for around $20.

I tested a set of 4 AA and were all 1.3V out of the package. Used a ZTS mini pulse load test and they registered only 80% (20% steps). I then topped them off with a La Crosse charger and was able to load up 495-665 mAh (608 and 631 for the other two). Voltage was about 1.45 after charging.

This initial testing failed my expectations, even though the 80% reading could represent less than 85% one year decrease in capacity. Costco has very high turnover, so I expected these cells to be very fresh and nowhere near 1 year old (or more). Now if the capacity had decreased the ~600mAh needed to top off, it implies 30% capacity loss, which should take more than 2 years. Again, with high inventory turnover, these batteries should be less than a few months old.

Next time, I'll try discharging them first, which may be a better test of remaining capacity. Actual usage may differ significantly from initial testing, so take these number with other reports in aggregate.
You can't determine capacity by tracking mAH going in - the charger will always produce more mAH than the cell's capacity, one reason is due to heat loss. If you have the LaCrosse charger that analyzes it will tell you the capacity and it determines that by discharging the cell.

FWIW, my cells from the 'blue case Costco special' last year were almost a year old when I got them (8-10 months). These Eneloops have such a good reputation for consistency and quality that finding poor cells would be the rare exception. I've still got 2 unopened Costco specials, so those cells are almost 2 years old and I'm not worried about them in the least.

Thanks OP. Picked one up at Naples, FL. Quite a few are still available.

Same item costs twice as much ($40) at Amazon !!

funkmasterta said:xstemcellx said:cnIsfg said:.97/.98 Costco pricing is NOT clearance pricing and SKU# 247265 is not a clearance item. The OPs item is a new item for Costco and has only been available since September. Perhaps you are thinking of the older Eneloop battery only pack that Costco sold which inluded 6 x AAs and 4 x AAAs? That one originally sold for $19.97 and was clearanced out over the summer? I saw those for as low as $6.50 in a few SW Costcos where we get their salvage.

IMHO, the $19.97 Power Pack was the best deal because it came with the hard shell carrying case and hence all batteries, charger, etc. were in one place.

Not if you already own the LaCrosse.

Then, you'll love candle power forums. Join us, resistence is futile.

funkmasterta said:funkmasterta said:xstemcellx said:cnIsfg said:.97/.98 Costco pricing is NOT clearance pricing and SKU# 247265 is not a clearance item. The OPs item is a new item for Costco and has only been available since September. Perhaps you are thinking of the older Eneloop battery only pack that Costco sold which inluded 6 x AAs and 4 x AAAs? That one originally sold for $19.97 and was clearanced out over the summer? I saw those for as low as $6.50 in a few SW Costcos where we get their salvage.

IMHO, the $19.97 Power Pack was the best deal because it came with the hard shell carrying case and hence all batteries, charger, etc. were in one place.

Not if you already own the LaCrosse.

Then, you'll love candle power forums. Join us, resistence is futile.

I'm already there, dude!