I’ve been using a Nitecore UM2 for the past 2 years and was pretty happy with it. I like the way it works and the info display provided. The movable prongs are better than on the i4, but still a little shoddy. Still, the thing was working fine. The big drawback is Micro USB. And… as I discovered, the port is a weak point. Mine broke off, separated from the PCB.
While I’m going through the motions of figuring out if I’m going to fix this thing, I’m wondering if there’s a good alternative out there in the market. I paid $20 for my UM2 and wouldn’t mind going up to $30 if I’m getting some quality improvements.
I definitely want a diagnostic display (not just LED’s), showing the charge level and the charging rate. I wouldn’t mind a test mode to show mAh capacity, but it’s not a necessity. I’d prefer USB-C and also a lid that closes over the cells (the UM2 is totally naked). Is there one or two chargers out there that might fit these requirements? Oh yes, and it should support 16340 up to 21700 and 26650.
The contender was the Nitecore UMS2. This one looked to be more desirable than the UM2, with variable control over charging current (up to 2A). And frankly, at $20 shipped from a reputable eBay seller, not a bad deal.
FENIXUSA20 is the current code over at Fenix-Store, for 20% off. Free shipping, no taxes, for USA purchases. I got the ARE-D2 for $21.50. The reviews are really good. The UMS2 has mixed reviews… and the build quality looks very similar the UM2, which did not impress me.
Btw, there is a Fenix ARE-A2 that is very closely priced, just $3 cheaper than the D2. And, it has a maximum charge rate of 1A. I couldn’t find any other difference, so I think the D2 is definitely worth it.
The D2 is still a micro USB, so you could probably find a faster charger. I think ‘c-to-c’ is usually considered faster, for example. I don’t know enough about chargers to recommend one for your specific needs though.
Yeah, I hadn’t seen a 2-bay charger with USB-C for under $35. Speed isn’t super important to me, because fast charging can wear down a battery faster. So most of the time I prefer to go slower, reserving faster on rare occasions (short on time). I’m hopeful that the Fenix build quality will be better, so the port won’t be as fragile as on the UM2.
I recently got the Fenix ARE-D1, it’s the single bay version of the D2.
I too wanted USB C support since I already have that cable by bedside.
I ended up getting these micro USB to USB C adapters, (haven’t recieved yet).
I’d recommend against the UMS2. Mine worked properly for a couple months and then began degrading in performance. At present, my unit can only reach a maximum of about 1500mA charging current total between the two slots (advertised 2A per slot simultaneously). If I am trying to charge two cells simultaneously the current will fluctuate between the slots; sometimes evenly at 700-800mA per slot and sometimes 1A on one slot and 500mA on the other. I’ve tried two different QC3 adapters and two PD adapters as well as several USB cables to no avail.
I don’t know if this experience is typical or if there is just something wrong with my unit.
The only reason I keep it around is because it can accommodate long protected 21700 cells that my MC3000 can’t fit.
Thanks for confirming my suspicions. I had seen some mostly good reviews but a few bad ones. And frankly, the Micro USB port design doesn’t look much different than the UM2. I expect the mounting is just as weak.
I got the Fenix ARE-D2 ($22 and free shipping on a Fenix-Store sale) and it’s terrific.
First, it’s noticeably smaller than the UM2. The spring loaded contacts feel more quality, move smoothly. The display is very easy to read. And the Micro USB mounting seems sturdy. There aren’t any rubber feet on this, but one can easily apply aftermarket.
Thanks for pointing that out. I actually already have a few Micro USB to USB-C adapters. I haven’t tried them yet, but now that I think of it, probably best to check now as sometimes these adapters can alter the current flow to the point of being incompatible.
It offers 3 amp charging, and tells you how much power has gone into the battery. It also charges pretty much any type of cell you can throw at it, it’s nice not having to use multiple chargers for AA’s, 18650’s 21700’s, and LiFePO4’s. The one does it all. There’s also a slightly cheaper model that doesn’t do fast charging.
Using USB (B or C) to charge 18650s is going to limit how fast you can charge the cells. The faster chargers come with their own power bricks, or have AC plugs.
OK… well, my Fenix ARE-D2 is going back for a replacement.
Guess what happened? The Micro USB port… became unreliable. You have to apply pressure from below on the jack in order to get a connection. I’m hoping this is just a fluke. A very bad luck circumstance. Unless I’m just plagued with bad charger karma!
I never buy any Micro USB devices anymore. Ive had too many good, usable devices become unusable because of a broken or just worn out micro USB port. Besides this is 2022 and unless there’s a design specification or restriction requiring it (it’s much simpler than USB C or PD) Micro USB is dead. RIP and good riddance. I’m glad most all of the major flashlight brands have switched over. There are stragglers, but most are now type C.
I can’t find a good USB 2-bay charger that uses USB-C and doesn’t cost over $40. In any case, Micro USB or USB-C port, it’s soldered to the board the same way. I never have orientation problems as I put a small indicator on my cable ends so I know which way to orient. FWIW, I’ve had phones with Micro USB ports and they never went bad. Maybe a little loose from making wrong orientation attempts in dark lighting conditions (in the days before I realized I should mark the cable end).
Hey Jon, good to see you. Yes, I have been aware of the lygte-info site and read through a lot of reviews. In fact, I had the UM-2 and had to abandon it because the Micro USB port went bad. And I’m no rube when it comes to ports—I’m careful to align and not force. The UM-2 served me well for about 3~4 years. I looked at the UMS-2, but that’s another Micro USB port charger and is essentially just a slightly different UM2. Nitecore didn’t oblige to help me, so I decided to give Fenix a try. The ARE-D2 is an excellent charger! The sliding spring loaded battery contacts are better, and the size is smaller than the UM2. I’m thinking maybe with the replacement, I’ll take it apart and see about beefing up support of the port to help prevent future issues.
I’d set my sights on the XTAR SV2 Rocket, which looks great in most respects, until I spotted it won’t run off of USB—need to use the dedicated power supply.
But, it got me to looking further. There’s another XTAR model, the VC2SL. This one is USB-C. And generally around $20 or slightly higher.
I’ve been interested in the vc2sl because of usb-c. It’s a bit out of my budget for a 2-cell charger but there’s not a lot of trustworthy options (xtar products have never let me down yet) out there. Lots of noname items of dubious quality. Do we know if the vc2sl does C-to-C?
So far I haven’t been able to find any “real” USB-C chargers, meaning support for USB PD. They are all just using the USB-C type plug, but are limited to the old 5V/2A of USB-A. Worse, most of them don’t even work with a real USB-C power brick and C-C cable, because the power brick expects to be able to negotiate PD power contracts with thing it’s connected to. When it can’t do that, most power bricks assume that whatever you’ve plugged in is simply broken, and deliver no power at all.
Has anyone out there found a charger that takes USB-C PD input?
Yes, that’s what I’m looking for as well. A PD C-to-C charger with ability to adjust charging rates and to read battery level. I have XTAR’s PB2S but it’s not quite all there in terms of features. Build quality is a bit light too. I don’t need it to be bomb proof but the PB2S feels a little flimsy tbh. And I’ve found the charging rate to be inconsistent, at least on my unit.
Just a heads up…
My ARE-D2 was working fine. I prefer the interface and smaller form factor over the Nitecore UM2. Charging rates were very good. And then… it happened. Intermittent connection. A faulty Micro USB cord? I swapped… no difference. Angling the charger so that there’s steady pressure on the cord—connection maintained. Lift up? Connection broken. Turns out the damn Micro USB port is loose!
Well, good thing it happened now, rather than 2 years later. I contacted Fenix. They had me ship it back. It took a couple of weeks, but finally there’s a replacement ARE-D2 on the way. I’m just hoping this was a fluke.
