Is there such thing as a decent quality 'gumstick' type battery in this day and age?

Hi all,

Has anyone found a good quality replacement for the original Sony NH-14WM type batteries? I've seen the Vapex and unbranded green batteries available on fleabay, but the reviews have put me off somewhat as I have past experience with low-grade rechargeable batteries. What do you use, if anything?

I really need someone to invent a time machine!

Henry

 

Some time ago I bought a Vapex on ebay (very cheap so worth a try) and it is no where near its specs. I have a NiCd recharger but I checked the supplied current and it is fine for the vapex NiMh battery; anywat I cannot get more than 2 hours of playback versus the target 8 hours. I also have two "working" original Sony batteries from a CD player I bought in 2003, but again play time is quite far from expected. The same walkman with a standard AA battery lasts for ages so it is not the walkman eating too much power.

I would also not suggest to buy NOS Sony batteries as they are at least 15 years old.

No ideal solution available today, either buy a bunch of cheap compatible batteries and hope to get a decent one, or use the standard AA battery

 

I use Some Vapex 1450mah, and they work fine!

 

I guess it's Vapex or bust then.

I might contact some specialist battery suppliers in summer and see if it would be possible to do a small batch.

Henry

 

Vapex are very cheap, I think they are worth a try; maybe you should get their charger to be sure they are correctly charged.

 

I use only Vapex and very happy with the playback time on various machines.

I charge them in this charger from Nitecore

 

Well, it's good to hear that people do get good results out of the Vapex cells. I think the issue with looking at reviews on Amazon, Ebay etc. is that most people only review a product if there's something wrong with it.

My old original Sony NiMH cells used to charge fine in my AA/AAA/C/D charger before they went to the big battery compartment in the sky, so the Vapex ones should be fine too given they're still just 1.2V NiMH cells.

Henry

 

Yes, 1,2V just like the originals! But 1450mAh ... The originals 800mAh. My Panasonic rq-s7r runs for About 45 hours on one load

 

This is a good thread! I have been looking at gum chargers and this is good info.