I count eighteen(!) dual-slot charger models on Xtar’s site, and that doess’t include the portable PB series chargers, of which there are three.
Even if some are removed, for being older models, or discontinued, there seems to be a surfeit of options that can be difficult for a aficionado to sort through, never mind a non-discriminating laymen simply looking for a charger.
And worse, as noted above, the lack of coherence results in a new model that has a mix of features that doesn’t entirely coalesce with what would be expected of a current, never mind state-of-the-art charger for 2021.
Full 21700 compatibility and modern power inputs should be considered pre-requisites for any new model, yet this new FC2 has one, but not the other.
Perhaps it’s time to rationalize, if not blow up the lineup and start a new era, with clearly delineated Basic/Step Up/Top, or Good/Better/Best segments.
Basic - simple indicators, standard charge currents, standard inputs
Step up - more detailed display, uprated currents, uprated inputs
Top - full displays, highest currents, highest/most flexible inputs, manual controls, analysis functions
Offer each level with two or three different capacities, and that would halve the number of models in the lineup. Intelligently design a common, fleixlbe “platform” for each segment, or each capacity (like automotive OEMs do), and save on the development and manufacturing costs, both present and future.
Or, do none of the above, confuse shoppers, and be stuck with making a multitude of disparate models that complicate things all around.
