I just received the Xtar VP1 and can say it is a very nice charger. It is performing very well so far and if a two bay charger satisfies your needs I can heartily recommend it. RTD Vapor also has them on sale at 20% off now. Not shilling for RTD but that was the best deal I could find online.
Keep on vapin'!![]()
Is there any reason that the Pila is better than a standard Trustfire charger? The PILA is more like PITA when charging different battery sizes and adding/removing spacers.
I mostly use 18650s at this point, so I leave the Pila setup for those, and use my other length batteries on the Trustfire, because it's spring loaded adjustment is convenient.
I'll agree with the sentiments of the Pila. I chose it as my first charger for mods 1.5 years ago. I also have AW IMR 18650 batteries that I bought along with the Pila that are still in my battery rotation. I attribute their overall extended life to being charged only in the Pila. The Pila was a true workhorse for me, sometimes charging up to six batteries a day.The Pila has a very good CC/CV charging algorithm. (constant current-constant voltage) Many of the cheaper chargers do not, and basically get the battery to 4.20v, then terminates.
Batteries, like other vape-gear are an investment to me. Besides the obvious safety concerns of cheap chargers, I want my batteries to last as long as possible. I have AW IMRs which are still in tip-top condition after 1 1/2 years. This is largely due to using the Pila.
My Pila's LEDs have been having issues after 2 1/2 years of constant use. It still charges fine.
I also like the "soft-start" feature. It doesn't just immediately throw high current into the battery when inserted.
The Pila has a very good CC/CV charging algorithm. (constant current-constant voltage) Many of the cheaper chargers do not, and basically get the battery to 4.20v, then terminates. (hopefully..) Some merely simulate CC/CV. This type of charge works, but can reduce the life-span of the cell long-term. When I shop for a charger, I look for one which offers a true CC/CV charging algorithm.
Batteries, like other vape-gear are an investment to me. Besides the obvious safety concerns of cheap chargers, I want my batteries to last as long as possible. I have AW IMRs which are still in tip-top condition after 1 1/2 years. This is largely due to using the Pila.
My Pila's LEDs have been having issues after 2 1/2 years of constant use. It still charges fine. I decided to retire it, and purchased the Xtar VP1. It's CC/CV algorithm matches the Pila, and has other useful features. One of which is the ability to choose charging amperage. For example: If I am charging 18350's, I will choose the 0.25 amp setting. 18490 /500, 0.50 amp setting. 18650, 1.0 amp setting. The lower amperage is less harsh on the smaller cells, and should prolong their life IMO.
I also like the "soft-start" feature. It doesn't just immediately throw high current into the battery when inserted.