Hello everyone, I’m looking for a good, high-quality charger for 18650 LiFePO4 batteries. I have searched quite a bit on this forum and otherwise, but have not found any conclusive review or recommendation about this. On Ebay there are about 5 models available:
I’m also looking for good 18650 LiFePO4 batteries, which are not too expensive, and would welcome recommendations about which ones to get.
Last question. I have read that LiFePO4 batteries should not be discharged below 3.0V. I’m considering 18650 batteries here. If you use them in a flashlight until the light output drops, does that happen before the voltage drops below 3.0V, or do you have to take the batteries out before, to avoid excessive discharge?
Advice about this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I have couple of those WF-188’s (was in need to constantly recharge 12-pack of LiFePO4 18650’s), they’re definitively nowhere near “high quality” (which is what you want, according to OP).
What part of the world are you from, btw? We might be able to name you better deals if we know where you need stuff shipped to (e.g. if you’re in USA, quite a few eBay sellers will have free shipping there).
I have the WF-188 and it seems to require a mod right out of the package (old4570's mod). I did the mod and use it occasionally. I just recently picked up some LifePO4 cells (14500) and charged them in this. They seem to have cut off at a lower voltage than I was told to expect, but I don't remember what it was. My 18650's terminate right at 4.20v. Shadowww is right, I wouldn't call it a high-quality charger.
O.K. fair enough then I will amend my statement to: “it depends on the discharge rate and the battery manufacturer, so do the research”.
You have to like the flat discharge curve of LifPo4. Here is the 18650P K2 discharge curve . I would think one of the main reasons for selecting a quality LifePo4 chemistry would be for the high discharge rate. An example would be driving say single XML (3A) or Triple XML in parallel (9A). With the K2’s then you are leaving a significant amount, or even most, of energy on the table with a 3.0V cutoff.
Thank you Shadow and Garry for your reply re. the WF-188, so, yes, I would look for another one. I’m in the U.S. by the way, and would appreciate more tips on what charger to get. For now, unless I hear about other ones, I’m leaning toward “4Sevens Single Bay Charger”:
Very happy with Xtar VP2, and it will be enough for all your Li batteries (3.6V, 4.2V and 4.35V). Just remember that multiple abilities provide flexibility but require attention to the settings before use (in this case, the charger switch at 3.6V). Review here
I just picked up a VP2 from GearBest. I emailed May asking for a coupon code (due to the old code running out). I couldn't pass it up for the price. There are other Xtar models that also charge LifePo4. There is a model which is basically a VP2 without the display.
then I will amend my statement to: “it depends on the discharge rate and the battery manufacturer, so do the research”.