What is a good 18650 or Universal Li-ion charger

[LEDBETTER122]

Alright I'm needing a new charger for my 18650 batteries, my Nitecrap Intellicharger went out on me with only 2 days of use.

Preferably at least a 2 bay in the $10-30 range

I'm looking at the XTAR WP2, or the Trustfire TR-001. Seen some really good reviews on the Trustfire, but have also seen multiple reviews on it blowing the charging cable out and make loud pop noise.

Any recommendations?

 

[Bunnykiller]

odd Ive been using the Nitecore Intellicharger for several months and no issues...

 

[stillnotsmoking]

http://rtdvapor.com/index.php/battery-chargers/xtar-wp2s.html

I recently got that one, seems like a quality unit

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[retired1]

Moved to Batteries and Chargers

 

[HughDaHand]

I would first see if I could get that nitecore replaced. My I2 had been charging 2x18650 or 4x18350 a day for almost 9 months now. Mine charges them to 4.2 every time. Sound like you just got a bad one, which happens with about any product. Xtar also makes great chargers, I am really looking hard at the vp1 as my main charger and the I2 as a backup but thats a little over your budget. Phila is also a great brand of charger known for being reliable. I would stay away from the trustfire chargers personally.

 

[LEDBETTER122]

I would first see if I could get that nitecore replaced. My I2 had been charging 2x18650 or 4x18350 a day for almost 9 months now. Mine charges them to 4.2 every time. Sound like you just got a bad one, which happens with about any product. Xtar also makes great chargers, I am really looking hard at the vp1 as my main charger and the I2 as a backup but thats a little over your budget. Phila is also a great brand of charger known for being reliable. I would stay away from the trustfire chargers personally.

Sounds about like my luck, If there is a bad one somewhere, I'll be sure to be the first to let you know.

 

[Baditude]

I'll also vouch for the Nitecore Intellicharger. I have both the i2 and i4 versions, no problems at all. Depending upon where you got yours, any brand charger may have a dud and should be covered by warranty of some sort.

 

[LEDBETTER122]

Yeah I'm going to the local shop I bought it from after work. I was asking for any recommendations on chargers just incase He does not give me a replacement

 

[Rokey]

I had the Trustfire that you are looking at as my first charger, but replaced it with the Nitecore i4. The Trusfire didn't charge fast enough, and it made a spark in the outlet when I plugged it in! The Nitecore doesn't make the spark and has a lot more features. I think you just got a broken item with yours. After two days, it should be under warranty, right?

 

[yo han]

My choice is an RC hobby charger. It gives you complete control over charge current and cut off voltages, can balance charge and can also be used for discharging to measure actual capacity. The LCD display keeps you informed on what's going on which is way better than just a "ready" light. Charging 4 18650 2400mAh batteries in a Nitecore i4 takes 6.5 hours. I can charge them at 0.5C in 2 hours.
Don't throw away your dead Nitecrap. They make a perfect battery cradle for use with a hobby charger.

 

[Keynith]

I just picked up the xtar vp2. So far I'm loving it

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[Ronald3638]

I have a TR-001 and a Efest LUC. The TR-001 will charge a discharged 2000 MAH 18650 in about 10 to 14 hours where as the LUC takes 2 to 3 hours. The LUC is a hands down winner between these two. Some people may say that longer is better but there is a point of deminishing returns. 2 hours is well within the recomended maximum charge rate for optimum battery life.

 

[Morris65]

odd Ive been using the Nitecore Intellicharger for several months and no issues...

I bought one a month ago after a reading many reviews and have been quite satisfied. Got the 2 bay unit w/car adapter. Of course it's always a bummer (yeah...I was around for the "summer of love?) when you wind up with a bad unit and it's gonna happen...stuff does.

 

[stillnotsmoking]

Whatever you get, I'd recommend that you check voltage with a meter after charging on a new charger. I had an Efest luc 2bay that was charging my aw imr to 4.5v brand new out of the box.

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[Red Horn]

Spend the extra dough and grab a Pila IBC. "Buy once, cry once".

Avoid all products with the word "Fire" in it's name.

 

[Mousey]

I'm quite a big fan of the LUC Charger from eFest
Efest LUC Charger

 

[Keynith]

Xtar vp2. I had a charger that kept putting me at 4.5 volts. I'd rather spend the 50 bucks and know I won't have to throw out any more batteries

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[Rickajho]

In your price range: Xtar WPII 2

 

[Rickajho]

I have a TR-001 and a Efest LUC. The TR-001 will charge a discharged 2000 MAH 18650 in about 10 to 14 hours where as the LUC takes 2 to 3 hours. The LUC is a hands down winner between these two. Some people may say that longer is better but there is a point of deminishing returns. 2 hours is well within the recomended maximum charge rate for optimum battery life.

Check those batteries coming off the LUC. The first generation has been reviewed as not acceptable for charging batteries to over voltage.

That's why I don't buy Nitecrap or Efest chargers. These things should work right to begin with, and not require a second generation release to fix major oversights in the first version.

 

[vap_drifter]

I just picked up the xtar vp2. So far I'm loving it

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I was thinking of picking one of these up. How do you like it?

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