Best Li-ion charger?

[krayzeemofo]

Hi, I was wondering if there was a best Li-ion charger. I've looked around and there seems to be a couple that are referred to every once in a while, namely a trustfire model and an ultrafire one. I've seen that the trustfire one, http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4151, can charge many types and its less than $10; is there any other one which might be more reliable, or is a 'smart' charger?

Thanks in advance

 

[chewy78]

I have been using the pila ibc charger for a month or 2, and it does an excellent job at charging my pair of wolf eyes 18650's and 1 aw 17670 li-ion cells that i have. It uses the recommended charging algorithm . Those chargers that you mentioned might be ok to use as long as you have some quality protected li-ion cells such as wolf-eyes,pila, or aw.

 

[coppertrail]

I also own the Pila IBC as well, I highly recommend it.

If you want to purchase an inexpensive Li-Ion charger from DealExtreme, I might suggest the WF-139. Decent charger with more flexibility regarding charging different size cells. It was my first Li-Ion charger, and I still use it for 14500 cells.

 

[LLCoolBeans]

I just ordered the Shoshine:

http://www.lighthound.com/Shoshine-...Li-Ion-Charger--Charges-all-sizes_p_2554.html

Is this thing as good as the Pila?

 

[coppertrail]

I saw that one the other day. I almost bought it, being the charger junkie that I am, but a couple folks mentioned that their 14500s wouldn't fit into the slots.

Based on the pictures I'm seeing of this charger, looks like a pair of these spacers would take care of that problem. I use these same spacers to charge RCR123A cells in my WF-139.

I can't comment on whether its better than the Pila in terms of charging, my hunch would be to say no.

 

[krayzeemofo]

thanks.

I don't see where I can purchase that Pila charger, so perhaps the shoshine is the next best bet?

 

[coppertrail]

Pila IBC at FlashlightZ

 

[krayzeemofo]

thanks for the link

is it much better that it warrants the >$20 price difference?

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12162

Thanks

edit: looks like FlashlightZ doesn't ship to canada...

 

[coppertrail]

If you want my opinion having used a few different Li-Ion chargers? Yes

 

[Toaster]

There is a group buy for the Pila IBC charger going on here if you want to save a few bucks :thumbsup:

 

[krayzeemofo]

cool, thanks for that

 

[Black Rose]

Never mind...someone already mentioned the group buy.

 

[Tirodani]

Has anyone used this type of charger?

http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1231

Thinking about using it for C cells with a holder, but I figure it could also work with 18650's etc.

 

[Dukester]

Pila IBC at FlashlightZ

This is where I bought my IBC from... Great quick service. I think there price went up post the Holidays. I believe I paid $39 for mine but nonetheless there current offering is still a very competitive price compared to some other online vendors.