Quality, Versatile Battery Charger That Will last

[Kenho21]

Hello there folks! I couldn't find a spot that seemed more appropriate to post this and I know I will get redirected by the moderator if I'm in the wrong area so here it goes...

I have two Trustfire TR-001 battery chargers and one of them just dies on me. I would like to avoid this in the future and would also like to get something that I know is doing the best job possible to replace these without totally breaking the bank (would like to stay under $50). What would you folks recommend for a charger that will last me a while and provide a good quality charge?

 

[Dana A]

The Pila is supposed to be the best. I am on my 2nd charger in a year. The one I am using now (XStar WP6 2 )seems to be good but so did the other one till it wasn't. On the 1st charger the cord fell apart.

 

[pianoguy]

I've had a Pila in use daily for well over 2 years that is still working great. I also have a couple of xtar WP2's that work well.

 

[thecatanddog]

Sysmax I4 (i love mine) I2 will work but depends on what your situation with batts is

/thread

 

[Rickajho]

I vote for the xTar WPII 2. You get all the performance of a Pila - the technology is about 95% similar - at less than half the price of a Pila. I read technical reviews before deciding and can't justify the huge price difference between these two for what seems like an insignificant difference in how they handle charging. For what is is, to me the Pila is over priced at this point in the market.

Do note if you are considering the xTar WP6 instead of the WPII 2 that the WP6 isn't just a bigger version of a WPII 2. Although it can charge up to 6 batteries at a time it actually rapidly switches back and forth between battery 1 and 2, 3 and 4 etc. - charging only 3 of the 6 at any given time. Because of that the charge time is longer than on a WPII 2.

As far as versatility goes, the xTar WPII 2, WP6 or the Pila can handle just about anything you want to throw at it, from 16340's to 28650's. They all need spacers to handle shorter batteries. On xTar chargers you need one spacer for 14500's and at least two spacers for things like 16340's. (I prefer using 3 spacers on those.) A WPII 2 comes with 2 spacers, but get an extra 4 if you purchase to have everything all in one order.

My 2600 mAh 18650's charge in about 4 hours on the WPII 2.

And in a pinch you can use a WPII 2 to charge a USB device by sticking a charged battery in slot one and connecting a USB cable. Not a feature most people will ever use - but it is there.

 

[Fullknight]

Rtdvapor has the new Xtar VP1 led readout charger.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Baditude]

I own the Pila and believe it is worth the extra I paid for it. I have read that they charge faster and safer than other chargers because of patented algorhythms that it uses. Generally regarded as the best.

Battery Chargers : Pila IBC Charger

The Xtar VP-1 charger looks like a challenger to upseat the Pila as the best.

Battery Chargers : Xtar VP1

 

[Pappy]

I have the Xtar WP2 and I like it. It replaced two cheap junky chargers that didn't work right. I don't know if it's as good as the Pila, but the WP2 is a good charger.

I like the specs on the new VP1.

 

[Rickajho]

Rtdvapor has the new Xtar VP1 led readout charger.

I've seen that, but I'm waiting for the battery nerdz technical reviews to roll in on the flashlight sights. It looks interesting, but you could be paying a lot for just the added coolness of getting a display. In the mean time the WPII 2 is keeping up more than adequately with my charging needs. (In other words, it's not like I need the VP1...)

 

[Kenho21]

Sooo... I forgot posted this thread and bought the Nitecore i4...hope that is a good one. It got good reviews on youtube from several sources, but nobody mentioned it here, that worries me.

 

[geiger]

I have an Xpar WP2, great charger, but make sure to get a backup AC adapter, mine died after 2 days.

 

[BlueSnake]

Sooo... I forgot posted this thread and bought the Nitecore i4...hope that is a good one. It got good reviews on youtube from several sources, but nobody mentioned it here, that worries me.

I've been using one for about six months and love it. Charges everything I throw at it and my wife and I both vape so it gets used.

 

[Kenho21]

I've been using one for about six months and love it. Charges everything I throw at it and my wife and I both vape so it gets used.

Exactly what I was hoping to hear! Thank you. All the reviews showed that it was great right off the bat, but longer term was what I was worried about. Six months of solid use is a decent stretch, so I feel a bit better.

 

[D4rk50ul]

I rotate 15+ batteries through my Pila charger for years with zero issues. I highly recommend them.

Sent from my Nexus 4

 

[yzer]

I use seven YL-103A chargers on cube taps. Multi-stage charging to an optimal 4.14 to 4.20V before termination. Charge currents are 1.2V/350mA and 3.7V/300mA so battery charge cycles are maximized and battery heat during charging is minimized.

Looks like a Xmas tree on the overnight run.

 

[Bullette the Cowdog]

I use the Pila charger for my AW IMRs.
I put it in a Li-Po charging bag. It charges fast. I don't go to sleep while it charges & I don't leave home while it charges either.

Trying to be safety conscious as best I know how.

 

[markfm]

WP2 II, been using two of them for a long time. Pick up an extra pair of spacers (about $1) if you charge 16340 or 18350; the spacers screw in, aren't a hassle at all.

Too lazy to use a charge sack, which should then be placed on a fireproof surface (not, for instance, on a wooden dresser). I use a $10 Belkin outlet timer, set for 3 hours; just tap the button on the timer to start a cycle, power is positively disconnected at the end. (got another of the timers in the basement, for the power strip with my power tool battery chargers)