Alternative to UltraFire WF-188 Battery Charger

[Tracker II]

Hey all. A month ago I purchased the UltraFire WF-188 Battery Charger from VK along with a couple of AW 17670 3.7V 1600 mah batteries. I just tested the charger and it doesn't work. Despite the batteries being partially drained, the charger goes red for about 5 seconds and then goes back to green as if fully charged. After checking VK's return policy, I discovered that it is only for 14 days, so I guess that I'm out $25.

So my question is, can anyone recommend a charger similar to the Ultrafire WF-188 but of higher quality? I would definitely prefer to pay more for something that works rather than pay less for something that doesn't work out of the box or has a short lifespan .

Thanks for your recommendations.

 

[jwquantrell]

Greetings,

For the 3.7 volt batteries I use the PILA charger. IMHO it is the best charger that you can get for these batteries and after almost a year of use mine still works like a charm.

Regards

 

[buGG]

Greetings,

For the 3.7 volt batteries I use the PILA charger. IMHO it is the best charger that you can get for these batteries and after almost a year of use mine still works like a charm.

Regards

+1, you can't go wrong with the Pila IBC charger, but it'll cost you about $45. only thing is that it can't properly, meaning safely, charge smaller batteries like 10440s or CR2s because of the charging current, but in all honesty neither could the WF-188. the real difference is that you'll need a separate charger like the WF-138A for any 3.2V LiFePO4 batteries.

 

[Tracker II]

Thanks for the tip guys, I will order one today as the reviews on the seller's site back up your recommendation. Thanks again.

 

[IndustrialAction]

The WF-188, IMPO, is second only to the Pila. My WF-188 is an awesome charger. Sorry to hear yours didn't work out.

 

[SSRob]

Hi Tracker,

Sorry to hear about the charger. Unfortunately we have to limit the warranty on them because they are electronics and we have no control over how they are used. I will say I've only replaced two out of a couple hundred.

The Pila charger is nice...I have one here for my 18650's. I thought about carrying them but most people won't pay $45-50 for a battery charger.

If you'll send me a CRM ticket on our website I will look at your order information and check with my supplier about replacements. Did it ever work at all?

Thanks
Rob

 

[Tracker II]

If you'll send me a CRM ticket on our website I will look at your order information and check with my supplier about replacements. Did it ever work at all?

Thanks
Rob

No, it never worked at all. I ordered it on 1/28/11 and then proceeded to get into a head-on auto accident on 1/31/11 which put me in the hospital for six days (I posted about it in the V4L section). Obviously the timing of this order was not the best on my part as I had bigger fish to fry than checking on the warranty period for this item, lol. When I finally did, I saw that it had just expired.

I will send a CRM ticket tomorrow (my energy level is pretty much gone for today). Thanks much for your consideration.

 

[Tracker II]

A big giant thank you to Rob for reviewing my order and making the decision to replace my charger. This is a small ray of light in a mostly dark period for me. My orthopedic surgeon looked at my surgically repaired knee Tuesday and confirmed that I will be wearing a full leg brace for two months and it will be 3-6 months before I regain full walking skills. This is not easy for me as, for the most part, am not a patient person (if there is more than a 10 minute wait at a restaurant, I'm gone). Anyway, thanks again for your help

 

[SSRob]

Tracker,

Glad we could be of help and I hope things get better for you!