Best battery charger?

[rudy4653]

Hi REOnauts,
Just wanted to get an opinion on best battery charger.
I am now using a trustfire charger. It does the job but looking to see if there was a charger that you all believe is the best for the buck in regards to charging time, safety, and quality. Not looking for most expensive or alot of bells & whistles but just good, reliable, fast and safe performance.
Your thoughts welcomed!
Thanks as always to you all things REO experts.

 

[nerak]

Here is a thread you might find helpful! http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/reos-mods/437709-pila-still-best.html?highlight=Pila+best

 

[NicoHolic]

I didn't post in the other thread, so I will here. I use the NiteCore I2 and am happy with it. It can run off 12VDC from your vehicle/RV/boat, but you have to buy the appropriate cable to do that. Been without electrical power before for over a week, so this is important to me.

 

[JC Okie]

I'm using the Nitecore i4 and I love it.

 

[gbacon]

Nitecore i2 here and I would definitely recommend it.

 

[Treebeard]

Yep, it's a good'un alright. Been real pleased with the Nitecore i4.

 

[darkzero]

I also have a Nitecore i2. Never had an issue with it & for the price I'd definitely recommend it. Biggest plus for me is that it can charge up to 26650s, slow, but it's the perfect all around charger for me. Great that it can charge NiMhs too although I can't remember the last time I used one.

My main charger is a hobby charger though that can charge up to 5A.

 

[pdib]

I also have a Nitecore i2. Never had an issue with it & for the price I'd definitely recommend it. Biggest plus for me is that it can charge up to 26650s, slow, but it's the perfect all around charger for me. Great that it can charge NiMhs too although I can't remember the last time I used one.

My main charger is a hobby charger though that can charge up to 5A.

Ok, then, darkzero, lemme ask you this, then, now. Do you think the rate/speed (amperage) at which one charges batteries affects the over-all life of the batts, or the oomph of a cycle? (i.e. internal resistance)

 

[darkzero]

Ok, then, darkzero, lemme ask you this, then, now. Do you think the rate/speed (amperage) at which one charges batteries affects the over-all life of the batts, or the oomph of a cycle? (i.e. internal resistance)

Good question, I have no idea. I wouldn't think much if at all. Guess it depends on how it's charged? I always felt over discharging & over charging would affect cell life more. I charge my 18650s at 4.5A & my 18490s at 3A which are their max ratings. But my hobby charger (not a fancy $200 one) won't charge constantly at 4.5A or whatever it's set to. It will only charge at full current when the battery is fairly depleted. As it gets closer to full capacity current will drop off. I charge my AWs on the Li-Po setting (3.7v) & it terminates at 4.1xV. It also has a Li-Ion setting (3.6v) which terminates at a lower voltage. My i2 terminates higher always at 4.22v. I just charge my 16340s with the i2 since they don't take long anyway.

 

[rudy4653]

Thanks all for the options.
I will check out the Pila and Nitecore and see what suits my needs. I only charge my little 14500s for my mini and miniwoody. Hopefully move up ti 18490 when the Woody Revival happens!

 

[Mudflap]

From here.

Xtar

Xtar VP1 – The new hotness. 2-bay LCD screen intelligent charger. Can recover over-discharged batteries. No longer uses screw-in spacers. Can charge 10440-18700

Xtar WP2 II - Great little charger. Comes with 2 spacers for charging one 18350. If you need to charge two 18350s at a time you will need 2 more spacers. Can charge 10440-18700

Xtar SP2 - Awesome intelligent charger. Will need 2 extra spacers for charging more than one 18350 at a time. Can charge 14500-26650


Sysmax

NiteCore Intellicharger I2 - 2bay intelligent charger that uses a CC/CV algorithm. No spacers needed. Can charge 10440-26650.

NiteCore Intellicharger I4 – 4bay intelligent charger that uses a CC/CV algorithm. No spacers needed. Can charge 14500-26650.

Pila

Pila Smart Charger - This was once the gold standard of chargers. Some of the newer, less expensive models by other brands work just as well or better.

Another worth mentioning: I own and use the Efest LUC and it does an adequate job.

 

[Awkwardly Awesome]

I love my Pila. But since it only has two channels, it is likely getting replaced by a NiteCore I4.

 

[rudy4653]

After checking out all the options I ordered a Nitecore I4 - fits my budget and has 4 bays.
Good enough for now.
Thanks all!

 

[super_X_drifter]

After checking out all the options I ordered a Nitecore I4 - fits my budget and has 4 bays.
Good enough for now.
Thanks all!

I recently got one. I like it the slides are very stiff for 18650's though. I'm guessing its normal

 

[jmkiang]

I really like my Xtar WP2. You can even charge USB devices by discharging a battery in one of the bays. Comes in handy for my iPhone!

 

[Treebeard]

I recently got one. I like it the slides are very stiff for 18650's though. I'm guessing its normal

I put a little 3in1 oil on the slides. Very smooth slide now.

 

[darkzero]

I recently got one. I like it the slides are very stiff for 18650's though. I'm guessing its normal

Normal out the box yes, functionaly normal, not acceptable for me. Silicone grease will fix it right up. I don't recommend oil.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...on/426749-nitecore-i4-slides.html#post9799408

 

[super_X_drifter]

Normal out the box yes, functionaly normal, not acceptable for me. Silicone grease will fix it right up. I don't recommend oil.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...on/426749-nitecore-i4-slides.html#post9799408

Thanks Deezy. I think I have some dielectric around from my days of putting it in my 400ex's electrical couplings to make it more suitable for riding in the wet.

Gonna give it a go.