The PB2SL V2 is a 2-in-1 charger and power bank that supports the most common Li-ion battery formats used in vaping: 18650, 20700, and 21700, in addition to 18700, which is unusual for us but commonly used in flashlights, a sector in which xtar specializes. On average, with good 21700 batteries, you get a power bank with up to 8000-8500 mAh of autonomy. The 'V2' in its name signifies an update from the first version, with Xtar having introduced several improvements. It features two USB ports for output, one USB-A and one USB-C, while input is solely via USB-C. There is also a screen and a physical button to check the most basic information. The PB2SL V2 was provided free of charge by Xtar, with no working relationship or financial compensation involved.
The PB2SL V2 is sold in a white cardboard box with a window. Inside, you'll find the PB2SL V2 itself, a USB-C cable, and the instruction manual. This manual (ideally) should also integrate with the FAQ section on the PB2SL V2's dedicated page on the Xtar website, as there are many other specifications regarding how the PB2SL V2 actually handles certain scenarios.
With dimensions of 125 x 58 x 28 mm and weighing only 85 grams (to which the weight of the batteries must be added), the PB2SL V2 is extremely portable and comparable in size to an Eleaf Pico Plus with a 3 ml atomizer configuration on top like the Byka v6. The material, though not specified, is the classic fire-resistant ABS used by Xtar to prevent incidents as much as possible. The battery compartment is concealed by a plastic cover, held by two magnets to the PB2SL V2's body.
Lifting the cover reveals the accessory bracket/adapter, which is a piece of plastic that I removed in the photo but comes pre-installed and is vital for us. It is essential for making contact when using unprotected flat-top Li-ion batteries (i.e., ours). It must be inserted whether you are using 18650 or 21700 batteries. The only reason to remove it is if you want to charge protected 20700 and 21700 batteries (i.e., those dedicated to flashlights), and to do so, you just pull it out as it's pressure-fitted. A blue fabric strap is also installed to aid in extracting 21700 batteries, as there is plenty of space for 18650s to be removed without risking damage to the wrap. It features steel pins and no sliding systems to hold the batteries in place.
Charging for each bay is variable: from 2A for 2 bays with two cells inserted, to 2A for a single bay with one cell inserted, or a slightly more suitable 1A for vaping batteries when two cells are inserted across two bays. The PB2SL V2 autonomously decides whether to opt for 1A or 2A charging current; it is therefore not user-adjustable via button input. Xtar specifies that 2A charging for two cells activates when using an adapter and a USB cable that support more than 18 watts.
1A is slightly more than the usual recommended charging current for Li-ion batteries (500 mA), but many chargers use this when only one battery is inserted in a bay, and as I will explain later, all Xtar chargers use a 3-phase charging process to maximize the lifespan of Li-ion batteries, even when using higher power. The end user can therefore decide whether to use batteries decommissioned from box mods for their vacation, use the PB2SL V2 only as a power bank, or use it as a charger during vacation/emergency conditions, or as a backup.
The image should help understand the situation with the bracket inserted, which perfectly seats the batteries. Inside the cover, there is ample space to extract the batteries. The two magnets ensure a good grip on the PB2SL V2's body, providing a good hold, but if carried in a backpack, a protective pouch wouldn't hurt. In the center, what Xtar calls the "rotary buckle" in the manual is a clasp that can be rotated horizontally to hold flat top batteries (i.e., those used in vaping) firmly in place.
On the top edge, you'll find the USB-A (output) and USB-C (input and output) ports, to be used with the included USB cable (and an adapter). These allow you to charge the internal batteries at 2A per slot, and for output, they can deliver up to 22.5W with a single connected device (or up to 18W total if both ports are in use simultaneously). Xtar specifies that the USB ports are not independent; therefore, even with two high-performance batteries, such as two 21700s, the output will not exceed 5V and 18 watts shared between the two USB ports.
The display in person is much clearer than it appears in photos, showing key data depending on whether it's in charging mode or powering a device:
IN: Appears when batteries are inserted and actively charging. The % indicates the battery percentage; if a single cell is inserted, it shows its real charge, while with two cells, it reports an average total.
OUT: When the batteries are supplying power (i.e., powering an external device), the display shows the total output voltage, total current delivered, and the remaining battery charge percentage. It is not possible to view individual output data for each port (USB-A or USB-C).
On the right side, there is the only physical button on the PB2SL V2. With one or two clicks, depending on whether it's in charging or output mode, it displays different values:
1 click during battery charging to switch the display between the voltage and current of the first slot (B1), those of the second slot (B2), and finally the total battery charge percentage.
1 long press (for several seconds) in output mode to turn off the PB2SL V2.
2 clicks in output mode to enter low-current mode (for use with Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, etc. - not necessary for pod mods), and 2 clicks to exit.
In the case of a pen-shaped pod mod, the PB2SL V2 adjusts automatically (there's no need to even enter low current mode). The output is 5V with a single battery and 9V with a double, thus on par with power banks with integrated batteries that also support fast charging. Returning to pod mods, so popular in vaping, it charges both "normal" ones and those equipped with 2A fast charging via USB Type-C, in addition to medium-sized smartphones and tablets featuring the same technology.
I also specify that while it may seem like a Swiss Army knife capable of adapting to multiple purposes without truly specializing in one, the PB2SL V2 is no different from other top-tier Xtar chargers when it comes to Li-ion battery management. Batteries of different formats (e.g., an 18650 and a 21700 together, or with very different amperages) can be inserted both for charging and for powering a device, thanks to the Smart Energy Balance feature, preventing damage.
During the charging phase, like many other Xtar chargers, depending on how discharged the battery is (below 3 volts), the trickle charge phase begins with very low power. Once it surpasses 3/3.2 volts, the actual Constant Current charging begins, continuing until it reaches approximately 90% charge, then slowing down again (Constant Voltage) until it is completely full, in order to prevent overcharging and cell damage.
Finally, in the case of completely depleted batteries, it (should) gradually revive them via the initial Trickle Charge until it manages to bring them above 3 volts. It cannot be manually activated unless the PB2SL V2 decides to do so. The base has no ventilation holes, as heat dissipation is achieved by lifting the cover, but at least in summer, I would not place it on surfaces that tend to heat up. In fact, Xtar also advises against using it in direct sunlight, such as on a car dashboard in summer. Basic specifications are printed in black and white, serving as a memorandum in case of doubts about supported batteries.
The batteries shown are the XTAR INR 18650H 2600mAh, with a declared continuous discharge of 20A, while the maximum is 30A. Currently, (I believe) it is the only unprotected model in stock in Xtar's catalog (thus, the same Li-ion batteries used in vaping), given that protected Li-ion batteries are used in the flashlight world. Therefore, they can also be used in box mods, keeping in mind the discharge values whether used on mechanical or electronic devices, or simply to accompany the PB2SL V2 and, if necessary, to have them as a backup. The performance when using them to charge or power box mods seemed identical to those from "renowned" manufacturers in vaping. They arrive in small boxes; I don't know if it's noticeable, but in all the photos, they also have a film over the wrap to protect them, which should obviously be removed.
A small peculiarity: the gray dot on the wrap allows charging with chargers different from those we are used to, like the XTAR CH2, but if used in box mods or charged "normally" with the PB2SL V2, there are no problems.
Finally, all protections present on the PB2SL V2 Xtar:
Intelligent Detection: Automatically recognizes the battery type and status to optimize charging.
Timely Stop When Fully Charged: Stops charging as soon as the battery is full.
Over-Charge Protection: Prevents the battery from being excessively charged.
Over-Current & Over-Voltage Protection: Protects the charger and batteries from excessively high currents or voltages.
Short Circuit Protection: Immediately cuts power in case of a short circuit.
Reverse Polarity Protection: Functions even if batteries are inserted incorrectly.
Soft Start: Initiates charging gradually to protect batteries, especially those deeply discharged.
The PB2SL V2, small in size but usable in many ways: from using dedicated batteries as a power bank to housing batteries previously used in box mods and tubes, which, though not new, still have good autonomy and can have a second life. In situations like vacations or when needing a backup to a main charger, it serves as a charger itself, saving space in luggage. Similar to box mods with integrated batteries, the PB2SL V2 offers the same advantages as box mods with removable batteries: from being modular based on the actual mAh needed, to having no charging downtime, to not having to discard the entire power bank when the batteries experience a natural decline due to use.
For more information, you can consult the dedicated PB2SL V2 page on the Xtar website https://www.xtar.cc/product/xtar-pb2sl-charger-213-html.html (and I remind you that at the bottom of the page there's a link to the FAQ section where you'll find additional data), or to discover official retailers or purchase it directly from their shop.
Thanks to the e-cigarette forum community and staff for the space provided, and to Xtar for supplying me with the PB2SL V2.
