Pela Questions

[Skeeter T]

First time Pela owner and wondering if it has independent charging channels. I haven't found where Pela states they are independent channels. I've seen posts that say they only charge the same size 3.7v batts in pairs on their Pela, which means they don't mix them, such as 14500 & 18650. Does anyone mix batts on a Pela and what's your take on it? Also, is there anything wrong with using just a single channel?

 

[nerak]

First time Pela owner and wondering if it has independent charging channels. I haven't found where Pela states they are independent channels. I've seen posts that say they only charge the same size 3.7v batts in pairs on their Pela, which means they don't mix them, such as 14500 & 18650. Does anyone mix batts on a Pela and what's your take on it? Also, is there anything wrong with using just a single channel?

I have a couple Pila's. I will charge different sizes at the same time. They both come off as they should. Not had any problems. The shorter ones charge faster that is the only difference.

 

[Big Hitter]

I've mixed and matched for a year and a half with no issues whatsoever on my Pila.
Hope that helps.

 

[redeyedancer]

I've mixed and matched for a year and a half with no issues whatsoever on my Pila.
Hope that helps.

Me to great charger

 

[Skeeter T]

Well now, if Karen, Tim and Rob say it's OK, then I rest assured (probability = 99.9999%).

I almost bought the Extar WP2 II for the 500 or 1000 mA charging current choice and the price, but didn't know the quality of the unit. Besides, I think charging my 18650's at 600 mA with the Pila should help them last longer in lieu of using 1000 mA on the WP2 II.

The hinged lid is a nice feature, if it's protective.

 

[nerak]

Well now, if Karen, Tim and Rob say it's OK, then I rest assured (probability = 99.9999%).

I almost bought the Extar WP2 II for the 500 or 1000 mA charging current choice and the price, but didn't know the quality of the unit. Besides, I think charging my 18650's at 600 mA with the Pila should help them last longer in lieu of using 1000 mA on the WP2 II.

The hinged lid is a nice feature, if it's protective.

There are some that do like the X-Tar. I have the small two battery charger for my VV batteries. It works fine, but it is not a Pila!

 

[Honkey Kong]

There are some that do like the X-Tar. I have the small two battery charger for my VV batteries. It works fine, but it is not a Pila!

Are the Pilas that much better, Karen? What are the main differences you notice? We currently 2 XTar WP2s running, 1 with a spacer in each slot for Terry's 14500s and 1 w/o spacers for my 18650s. Should I be looking at a few Pilas to replace them? Do your batteries come off the different chargers at different Voltages?

 

[Big Hitter]

Well I've never had an Xtar but my Pila always comes off at 4.19 and the build quality seems excellent.
Plus its silent vs some ***Fire chargers i've had before that hum when they are plugged in.
My Pila is plugged in 24/7 and never makes a sound or gets warm.
My favorite feature is the reset button so if I put a batt in that is not low enough to start the charge cycle I can force it to take it right back to 4.19 not sure if any other chargers have that feature but its nice.

I like the brand but not married to it, if I found a cheaper charger that was consistent and silent I would use it.

 

[Honkey Kong]

Not sure about Trustfire, we have one in a draw somewhere. We were recommended the XTar for the stop-charge tech. It is silent, and not warm, and does not get unplugged. No Multimeter, so no clue on the actual Voltages. When the light turns green the Battery is done and goes back into it's battery case. There are no Reset Buttons, just a switch for 500 or 1,000 mah charging and an USB outlet for phone/pass-through charging.

 

[nerak]

Are the Pilas that much better, Karen? What are the main differences you notice? We currently 2 XTar WP2s running, 1 with a spacer in each slot for Terry's 14500s and 1 w/o spacers for my 18650s. Should I be looking at a few Pilas to replace them? Do your batteries come off the different chargers at different Voltages?

I have to say the way Pila's are made is very much to my liking. I like the reset button too. The Pila always takes them to 4.17 or 4.19. The quicker charge is very nice too. My ultrafire takes a long time to charge. And the end voltage varies a little more. I will still use it, but if I buy a new charger it will be a Pila.

The x-tar is fine. Takes a long time to charge but comes off at 4.19. It is fine for me because I only run one VV REO at a time right now. It allows me to not fiddle with spacers!