Over the past few years, Rimso has emerged as a popular budget battery brand in Bangladesh. Rimso manufactures lead-acid tubular batteries suited for inverter and solar applications. With affordable pricing, Rimso batteries present a value-for-money proposition for many homeowners, business owners, and solar panel installers.
But how good is the actual performance and life of Rimso inverter batteries? Can they match reputed brands like Luminous, Amaron or Exide? In this detailed review, we provide an in-depth look at Rimso batteries, evaluate their pros and cons based on several usage metrics and help you make an informed decision if Rimso batteries are worth buying over more premium options.
An Overview of Rimso Batteries
Rimso batteries are tubular battery variety since they provide better performance and longer lifespan compared to conventional flat plate flooded batteries. Rimso claims their batteries can survive up to 10 years if used properly. The capacity range for Rimso inverter batteries starts from 40AH going up to 400AH based on your power backup needs.
Some quick facts about Rimso batteries:
- Manufacturing Facility – Made in China
- Popular models in Bangladesh – Rimso RIT4512 (150AH), Rimso RIT4515 (200AH)
- Construction – Tubular plate sealed Maintenance Free (SMF)
- Nominal voltage – 12V (suitable for standard 12V UPS and inverter systems)
- Recharge cycle – 1000 cycles (claimed by manufacturer)
- Warranty period – 18 months
Evaluating the Pros of Rimso Batteries
Going by its features, Rimso batteries offer a few pros that make them appealing for budget buyers:
- Affordable Cost The biggest USP of Rimso inverter batteries is their affordable rates which are 40-50% cheaper than premium brands like Luminous and Amaron. Rimso batteries price typically start from Tk 14,000 for 100AH variant. Their low pricing makes Rimso a popular choice for many homeowners looking for cheap battery solutions for basic backup of fans and lights during power cuts.
- Maintenance Free Operation Like most modern tubular inverter batteries, Rimso batteries are maintenance-free. There is no need to check specific gravity of electrolytes or top-up water which adds to the convenience.
- Decent Backup with Small Loads When used with smaller loads like a few fans, tubelights and TVs under 600 Watts, Rimso batteries can provide up to 4-6 hours of power backup which is not too bad. So for basic requirements, their performance can be adequate if capacity is properly sized.
The Challenges with Rimso Batteries
While affordable pricing is a merit for Rimso batteries favouring budget buyers, there are few downsides to keep in mind while making a purchase decision.
- Questionable Quality and Durability Since Rimso batteries get manufactured in China without adherance to strict quality standards and material specifications, there are question marks about their longevity and performance decline after 1-2 years of use. Their actual lifespan is often much lower than promised despite tubular construction. Replacement can be imminent.
- Poor High Current Handling Ability Rimso batteries struggle when current draw is high such as in case of using multiple backup appliances like big screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, etc together. The backup time reduces drastically and charge retention falls. They are best suited for supporting smaller loads only.
- Low Maximum Discharge Limit A key point to note is that Rimso batteries have an allowable maximum discharge limit of 80% after which battery performance starts deteriorating quicker than normal. So, actual usable capacity is lower. Proper battery remote management is essential.
- No Advanced Safety Mechanism Unlike premium batteries, Rimso lacks additional safety features like flame arrestors for further protection against electrical hazards and leaks. Quality checks are also found lacking sometime resulting in early product failures.
Rimso Batteries Worth Buying?
Despite being budget-friendly, Rimso batteries come with sizable risks around inconsistent quality, shorter lifespan, poorer safety, and inadequate features for anything except smaller loads. For low-end usage with mostly lights and fans they may still work reasonably but lack reliability and resillience expected from an inverter battery in the longer run.
Our recommendation would be to go for reputed brands like Luminous, Amaron, Okaya, Exide for best returns even if they cost 40-50% more. For budget buyers, Amaron Quanta iQ series also offers much better complete value over Rimso at comparable pricing. Rimso batteries can only be recommended when affordability is the absolute top criteria for buyers and backed with safe usage practices.
So while Rimso batteries sell in good numbers due to low pricing, they may not satisfy customers looking for durable, robust and maintenance-free power backup solutions for critical loads over long term. Go for Rimso batteries only if extremely tight on budget!
We hope this detailed Rimso battery review provides a balanced, data-driven perspective about its merits as well as risks to support your purchase decision. To explore suitable inverter battery options customized for your needs from quality brands, please talk to our experts at Aptpowers or visit our website Aptpowers.com.
Here is an analysis of Rimso inverter batteries:
The Good:
- Affordable Pricing: Rimso batteries are generally 40-50% cheaper than premium brands like Luminous and Amaron. This makes them an attractive value buy for budget-conscious buyers.
- Low Maintenance: Rimso uses tubular plate sealed maintenance free (SMF) design. This eliminates the need for regular water refilling and electrolyte specific gravity checks.
- Sufficient Backup for Small Loads: For lower capacity loads under 600-800W like lights, fans, TV – Rimso can provide 4-6 hours backup. So for basic needs, their performance can be decent.
The Bad:
- Questionable Durability: Rimso batteries are made in China without strict quality compliance. Many users have reported premature failures and performance deterioration after 1-2 years. They lack the longevity of quality batteries.
- Poor High Current Handling: Rimso struggles to deliver sufficient backup time when high current drawing appliances like refrigerator or microwave are connected. Charge retention drops faster.
- Lower Usable Capacity: These batteries have a lower allowable maximum depth of discharge of 80%. So effective energy delivery is less compared to rated capacity.
- Lack of Safety Features: Unlike reputed brands, Rimso batteries lack additional safety mechanisms against leaks, explosions or other electrical hazards.
Rimso batteries sell on price point but come with serious limitations around reliability, performance, and safety – making them a risky choice over more reputed battery brands. For low-end usage with smaller loads under stringent operating conditions – Rimso batteries may serve reasonably well. But they cannot be recommended for serious backup needs given their multiple shortcomings.
