4Sevens Single vs Cytac Dual Bay Charger?

[Onthelightside]

I am in the market for Li-ion batteries and a charger. I plan on getting AW 17670/18650 cells and need a good smart charger. I am looking at either the 4Sevens branded smart charger or the Cytac dual bay fast charger. Not sure which one is best, maybe they are both good an I can get the faster and dual bay charger? I am really wanting safety because I have been reading about some scary battery stuff 😱 Anyway thanks for any input!

 

[LEDAdd1ct]

If you intend to:

1) Get the most highly regarded plug and play cradle charger

and,

2) Be done with it

Then buy the Pila IBC and some AW cells and consider yourself having made a sound investment in quality kit.

 

[snakyjake]

I believe the Cytac does not follow the recommended charging algorithm.
4Sevens v2 charger has melting problems (maybe fixed with v3, but 4Sevens hasn't answered).
4Sevens does not check reverse polarity (presumed by the big warning they print on the website).
Pila has the preferred charging algorithm and I haven't heard of a safety problem.
Pila has reverse polarity check (presumed: "The charger is protected against short-circuit and reverse battery connection.").

I don't have a need for dual battery charging (none of my lights are multi-cell rechargeables for safety reasons). I like spring loaded battery contact, so I don't have to hassle with spacers.

4Sevens:
+ Preferred charging method.
+ Best design.
- No reverse polarity check.
- Safety questionable.

Pila:
+ Preferred charging method.
+ Dual charging if required.
+ Reverse polarity check.
+ Safest record.
- Spacers.
- Price

Cytac:
I wouldn't consider; I think there are better choices.

Jake

 

[Onthelightside]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Stephen Wallace]

Not really a consideration at this time, but if you think you might ever use different types or sizes of li-ion batteries, the 4Sevens charger can also take 25 and 26mm diameter cells. It also has a switch to change the charge rate (0.5A or 1A), making it more suitable for use with smaller cells, and a switch that allows it to be used to charge LiFe cells, as well as LiCo/LiMn cells.