Looking for a decent Li-Ion battery charger

[Quattro Pete]

So, I goofed last time I bought a battery charger and I bought one that only handles AA/AAA nimh batteries. Should have spent a little more and gotten one that can do Li-Ion 18650/14500 batteries as well. Anyway, I don't mind spending a little bit more for a good one that can display various values (voltage, capacity, etc.), has decent charging rates, and can discharge/test/refresh batteries as well. Currently looking at this Opus one, as I've been very happy with their nimh charger so far: http://a.co/3LBHotK It sometimes goes on sale for about $32. Thoughts? Other ideas/suggestions? Thanks!

 

[SubLGT]

Lots of ideas here: http://budgetlightforum.com/forum/batteries/chargers/reviews

 

[EdwardC]

I'm not an expert, or hardcore flashlight/torch/vape aficionado, so this is just my opinion and experience. I've been using a hobby/RC type charger for my 18650 cells for a long time. I use this: https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-SKYRC-Pow...ds=lipo+charger I started off needing to charge and balance multi cell RC battery packs before getting into 18650 powered flashlights. I ended up getting one of those 4 cell 18650 battery holders so I could balance charge up to 4 cells at a time. I liked that I could select the charge voltage to limit to 4.1V instead of 4.2V to increase cell life. I feel it's a good compromise of reasonable capacity for standby emergency use. If I'm going camping, I'll top it off to 4.2V before I go. I'm sure you've spent some time googling and reading about batteries already, but here's the article I base my procedure off of: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries The RC based charger has the benefits of being able to charge basically ever battery chemistry. As a side note, my Lenovo laptop also has an option to limit top charge percentage, so I don't let it charge above 80% unless I'm about to travel and want the max capacity (the battery is 4 years old now and still has 90.5% of original capacity). I have zero experience with those plug in chargers, just wanted to share my story

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: SubLGT

Lots of ideas here: http://budgetlightforum.com/forum/batteries/chargers/reviews

Thank you. Seems like the fan failure is a common problem with that particular Opus charger I was considering.

 

[buck91]

I've been using a WF-139 for about 7 years now. Of course, its used very infrequently. That said, it has always worked fine.

 

[Errtt]

Some of the fellas in candlepower forum posts some good details on chargers

 

[Quattro Pete]

Looks like this one got favorable reviews on BLF... http://www.gearbest.com/chargers/pp_228907.html

 

[Vikas]

I have this and I like it https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Charger-Universal-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00KW2ZDJO Nitecore is reputable company and this charger will let you charge 26650 (the bigger cell) too. If you have more money, you can go for D4 but it is almost twice the price.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Vikas

I have this and I like it https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Charger-Universal-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00KW2ZDJO Nitecore is reputable company and this charger will let you charge 26650 (the bigger cell) too. If you have more money, you can go for D4 but it is almost twice the price.

Thanks. I did look at this one. The main thing that worried me was the low charging current. Does it take a really long time to charge 3400 mAh 18650 batteries? Also, it doesn't seem to have a discharge function which I was hoping to get, but that's not that critical, I guess.

 

[Vikas]

If the batteries are fully run down, then it will take a while. I usually charge them when they are half down. But you are right. Having 1A chage ability would be nice. I think you should go for it; it definitely has more features than the Nitecore. The specs and youtube video for the one you are looking at looks good.

 

[Zeus33]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete

Originally Posted By: Vikas

I have this and I like it https://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Charger-Universal-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00KW2ZDJO Nitecore is reputable company and this charger will let you charge 26650 (the bigger cell) too. If you have more money, you can go for D4 but it is almost twice the price.

Thanks. I did look at this one. The main thing that worried me was the low charging current. Does it take a really long time to charge 3400 mAh 18650 batteries? Also, it doesn't seem to have a discharge function which I was hoping to get, but that's not that critical, I guess.

I have the Nitecore D2 charger and it's a good charger, but I like the QTAR 4 position better: https://www.amazon.com/XTAR-Battery-Char...battery+charger It charges pretty much everything and provides good info on the status. It will do 1 amp if you use only 2 positions, but drops to 0.5 amp if you use all 4 positions.

 

[kc8adu]

the liitokala lii500 can be had for $15. look at budgetlightforum.com for the latest links. good low cost analyzing charger. my favorite general use charger is 8 bay it even does my 8ah nimh d cells. 8 18650 at once or 6 26650. mountain electronics is a class act too. no fakes or junk like ebay or amazon.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: kc8adu

the liitokala lii500 can be had for $15.

Yes, but no power supply included at that price, at least based on the current deals out there. Anyway, I ordered one to try. Apparently it's pretty good for Li-Ion batteries. Less good for NiMh, but I've got my other Opus charger for that.