Hi!
After having said several times I only like AA flashlights, I caved in and ordered a VB-16 which runs on 2 123 Li-ion's..
I'll get it with a DSD charger and a set of 2 unprotected 123's, and ordered 2 extra protected 123's.
After reading up on 123/Li-Ion's on CPF I'm doubting if I really want to use the DSD. Several people mention it not being a great charger, which bothers me, especially considering the safety aspects of Li-Ion.
But I do want the shiny! So here's my question:
What would be the best recommended charger? Keeping the following in mind:
- Safety first. It should have a very low chance of overcharging, even if I forget the thing for a day.
- Good performance and reliability. That means charging to a good capacity, and not breaking after a few months.
- Good with cells of any specs, not just one brand/type.
- I don't intend to use it for anything but charging 123's. So something that fits those cells well.
- I live in Europe: must be 220V. Plug is less important, can use an adapter.
- Sensible price. Around 20$ is fine, around 40$ can be worthwhile for a -good- unit, over 50$ It's gonna have to sing and dance
I know the light also takes Li-Ion AA size, but I prefer sticking with one type of cell, so 123 all the way.
I'm looking for suggestions of which model to choose, including a description of why it is a good model.
An indication of price, and where to buy it cheaply (keeping in mind shipping price to the Netherlands) is much appreciated too.
I like DX a lot, but don't know if they have anything up to spec.
Of course if you think the DSD is more then enough and can argue it, feel free to!
I found a lot of info in the old threads too, but they tend to sometimes give conflicting information, and they may have been outdated by the coming of new charger models.
Thanks!
After having said several times I only like AA flashlights, I caved in and ordered a VB-16 which runs on 2 123 Li-ion's..
I'll get it with a DSD charger and a set of 2 unprotected 123's, and ordered 2 extra protected 123's.
After reading up on 123/Li-Ion's on CPF I'm doubting if I really want to use the DSD. Several people mention it not being a great charger, which bothers me, especially considering the safety aspects of Li-Ion.
But I do want the shiny! So here's my question:
What would be the best recommended charger? Keeping the following in mind:
- Safety first. It should have a very low chance of overcharging, even if I forget the thing for a day.
- Good performance and reliability. That means charging to a good capacity, and not breaking after a few months.
- Good with cells of any specs, not just one brand/type.
- I don't intend to use it for anything but charging 123's. So something that fits those cells well.
- I live in Europe: must be 220V. Plug is less important, can use an adapter.
- Sensible price. Around 20$ is fine, around 40$ can be worthwhile for a -good- unit, over 50$ It's gonna have to sing and dance
I know the light also takes Li-Ion AA size, but I prefer sticking with one type of cell, so 123 all the way.
I'm looking for suggestions of which model to choose, including a description of why it is a good model.
An indication of price, and where to buy it cheaply (keeping in mind shipping price to the Netherlands) is much appreciated too.
I like DX a lot, but don't know if they have anything up to spec.
Of course if you think the DSD is more then enough and can argue it, feel free to!
I found a lot of info in the old threads too, but they tend to sometimes give conflicting information, and they may have been outdated by the coming of new charger models.
Thanks!
