Xtar VP1 & AW RCR123a?

I have an XTAR VP1 & it is unclear if it would support an AW RCR123a?

I did a bit of searching around but didn't see a definitive answer.

The VP1 lists a 16340, which my understanding is that's a reference to size not battery type. So, why does the VP1 not list RCR123a?

What am i missing? I'm asking primarily because i'm considering the Olight M10.

I'm still pretty new to this. Thanks

The VP1 is fine for charging RCR123's/16340's (AW or others).

ipig said:

I have an XTAR VP1 & it is unclear if it would support an AW RCR123a?

I did a bit of searching around but didn't see a definitive answer.

The VP1 lists a 16340, which my understanding is that's a reference to size not battery type. So, why does the VP1 not list RCR123a?

What am i missing? I'm asking primarily because i'm considering the Olight M10.

I'm still pretty new to this. Thanks

Click to expand...

The VP1, like a lot of other Xtar chargers (but not all,) has a minimum charging rate of 500mA and that can be a tad on the higher side for most RCR123/16340s, especially ICR cobalt 16340s which have a capacity of ~500mAh. That puts the charging rate at ~1C and that rate is a tad high.

For IMR chemistries, that rate translates to a little less than 1C, since they have a slightly higher capacity than ICR chemistries, so you're better off.

You might not get a super long life span out of your ICRs, charging at 1C, but I've done it for two years and ehhh...it's not a bit deal.

Chargers with 250mAh rates, like my new VP2, are a bit softer on the cells.

Chris

ChrisGarrett said:

The VP1, like a lot of other Xtar chargers (but not all,) has a minimum charging rate of 500mA

Click to expand...

Chris the VP1 has 3 modes, 0.25, 0.5 & 1.0 - I've been charging my 14500's @ 0.25

Anyways, good to hear the AW RCR123a should work fine. I'm assuming it should be charged @ 0.25a then

Just seemed strange i couldn't find an answer easily

Considering the M10 as a weapon light

Thanks for the replies

ipig said:

Chris the VP1 has 3 modes, 0.25, 0.5 & 1.0 - I've been charging my 14500's @ 0.25

Anyways, good to hear the AW RCR123a should work fine. I'm assuming it should be charged @ 0.25a then

Just seemed strange i couldn't find an answer easily

Considering the M10 as a weapon light

Thanks for the replies

Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry for that.

It's tough keeping all of the newer models in memory.

If you have 250mA, then just do that for the smaller cells.

Chris