Olight UC all you need for an 18650?

Hey. I just ordered my first 18650 flashlights: an S2+ and a C8+. Now I’m looking for a couple of good high-capacity 18650 batteries. I’m also looking for a charger.

I’ve seen recommendations for the Olight Universal Charger. I’m a little skeptical. Can a universal charger really be good? If the extent of my 18650 usage is just the semi-regular use of the above flashlights, would this be the only charger I’ll ever need? (Are 18650 batteries temperamental with respect to how they are charged, etc.?)

Thanks!

Depends what you want in a charger…

I use the Universal Charger. Have had nothing but good results with it. I especially like that I can do both Eneloop and LiIon with it.

I still observe the rule to only charge while I am present, in case a battery starts to heat up. Have not had that happen.

here is an example of a kit that uses the Universal Charger, with a light that can use both AA and 16340. I like that the charger is USB powered, and very small.

This thread goes into more detail about the Universal Charger

Reminds me of the joke about the investor who tells the broker "make sure you invest this money so it lasts the rest of my life" and the broker reaches into his desk drawer and hands the investor a revolver.

$10 for the "Olight UC Universal Magnetic USB Charger" which can charge Li-ion, NiMH, or NiCd batteries is not worth worrying about or overthinking whether or not it will be the only charger you will ever need.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071NZ5S3F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have one, it works fine if you are somewhat patient. Try it, you'll like it. Save the thinking for deciding which analyzing charger you will want next and be glad you have the compact Olight charger for when you travel. Just do not try to charge non-rechargeable batteries with this charger (to avoid disaster) or leave a rechargeable battery in it when it is not plugged into a powered USB port (to avoid discharging).

To charge batteries. :stuck_out_tongue:

Yeah, that’s a bit like saying I want a smart phone so I can “make and receive cellular phone calls”. My needs and skills are basic. My main relatable experience was upgrading to Eneloops a few years back and navigating a few different smart chargers. (For instance, the quick-charging BQ-CC55 vs the slower but “better” BQ-CC17.) Here, I’m just looking to power a couple of flashlights. I want convenient charging that’ll be decent with respect to battery quality and longevity.

What I was asking is 18650 only, or other sizes (which the universal can handle), multiple chemistry or Li-ion only (same), but if you wanted an analysing charger, or to charge more’n one cell at a time, that’s something else entirely.

Especially if you get something like a Q8 with 4 cells in parallel, and charging one at a time would be a pain in the ass. And you don’t ever ever ever want different states of charge to be crowbarred in parallel.

Thanks. Yeah, this would just be for the single-battery 18650 flashlights I mentioned. I suppose I could get into other types of battery eventually. For now, this is probably enough novelty to last me through the year. :slight_smile: