Well, I got selected by XTAR to test their "Sanyo Inside" 18700 batteries. So for better or for worse, I'm going to make my first foray into the world of Li-Ion batteries. (Well, actually, I've used Li-Ions for years in my cell phone, but that doesn't count. :) ) So, I need a charger. Even so, I don't think I'll be a very heavy Li-Ion user, so even a simple 1-bay charger would be sufficient. But above all, I need something safe that will minimize my risk of fires and exposure to Li-Ion shrapnel. (Especially in view of the number of *Fire brands, doesn't sound like such a good name for a charger. Any NeverFire brand chargers out there?) And if possible I would like something that treats the battery fairly kindly so it lasts longer. After extensive research of your recommendations here in other threads, I have narrowed it down to the following models:
XTAR MP1: Good price and decent brand. And it doesn't have "Fire" in its brand name, always a positive sign. ;-) But I would have to buy a $2.45 AC adapter. I refuse to charge stuff on my USB port. So the overall price goes up to around $8.00. And it looks like this one doesn't support 14500 size, correct? Sounds like it has a very smart, safe circuit though.
Trustfire TR-002: Decent price at $7.41. No idea about the smartness of its charge circuit though. It doesn't mention 18700 size, should I assume that it will fit?
Trustfire TR-001: Good price for a 2-bay charger at $9.40. Again, not sure about how good the charging logic is. Also doesn't mention 18700 size.
Ultrafire WF-139: A bit higher price at $12.09, no idea about the charging circuit logic. And no mention of 18700 size.
XTAR WP2: Looks like I couldn't go wrong with this one, but the price is getting up there for something that I won't heavily use.
Hey Mr. Admin, after the advice of all the knowledgeable folks here, I wanted safety as well. I figured an expensive battery charger is much cheaper than another new house. I ended up getting the Pila IBCT 4-Stage charger from flashlightz.com.
I added a $6.88 21 LED "light cannon" to put order over the $50 mark and get free shipping. I would recommend these guys. I received my package pretty darn quick. I just ordered my next door neighbor the same charger last night since he's now hooked on flashlights. LOL
I also heard very good things about the MaHa C9000.
I'd go for one of the Xtars. If you need an AC adapter I have a couple of small and light ones with USB sockets that would cost very little to post. They have US plugs on them so are of rather limited usefulness to me. But I'd hope Matt will chime in as he knows more about, and has tested more chargers than most.
jb1: Good point about the charger vs. house cost. However, I don't live in the USA, so due to shipping costs I'm pretty much limited to purchasing from the budget Chinese sellers.
Don: Thanks very much for the offer! I am sort of inclining toward the XTAR as well. But they do offer the adapter, and the cost of $2.45 is probably less than postage from anywhere else. I also hope old 4570 chimes in, he recommended the Ultrafire charger, I believe, in another thread. If I ever get my hands on a 14500 battery do you think I could stick a piece of metal into the charger bay as a spacer if I go for the MP1?
I think 4Sevens just came out with their charger. Not my area of expertise, but remember hearing that it would have a charging method more like Pila. Might be worth checking out anyhow.
I have a Trustfire TR-001 that always stops at 4.2V. Heard mixed comments, but mine hasn't had any accidents.
I'd say go for the MP1. I use it on my pc usb ports on a regular basis and very seldom on my LG phone charger (simple 230VAC/usb adapter). In fact i have it plugged right now and just decided i don't need the green light looking at me whithout any battery charging. I have the WP2 too. Recently i have discharged one 18650 cell beyond the protection circuit (forgot it in the XTAR D01 without locking it out and the 10mA draw of thew switch can be nasty.... oh i still have not returned it :S). The WP2 refused to charge it. The DX charger also (don't know why i still keep it). The MP1 did charge it. After 2min it was "compatible" again with other chargers as soon the votage climbed above 3V. This happened a few times with flashlights requiring 2 18650. When pairing two not equally discharged/charged cells you may end up with an overly discharged cell sometimes.
So my vote goes to the MP1 for it's verstility. I successfuly charged 16340 protected trustfires with it. Used an audiphile all gold plated banana plug as a spacer. It's not a fast charger which has it's advantages and i like it that way.
I have read the CPF reviews and those were done well. Still the two XTAR's are a true bargain on the market but my preference goes toward the MP1 (just for the above reason, otherwise my WP2 see lots and lots of use).
Never tried a pila althrough i wanted to. Found the MP1 and forgot about the pila since. Bought the Wp2 also locally because... well as a flashaholic you have to have a backup charger. :P
There is no "gentle charge" for Li-Ion (and not for NiMH either, but that's another matter), a slow charger is just slow, it's not any safer (maybe less safe since you need more time to babysit it).
A random chinese $2 AC adapter is probably more of a fire hazard than all of the listed chargers combined, but if you get one that is really CE and UL approved then it should be OK. The MP1 isn't very fast though.
I'm happy with my XXC charger (DX SKU 13820), it charges to 4.17, takes long cells, although there is some small charge after the lights have turned green the open circuit voltage is exactly 4.20V so it's not possible for the cells to get overcharged (of course it's possible that some units are worse than mine and overcharges etc, but the same is true for the PILA). It almost follows CV/CC unlike the Trustfire and Ultrafire chargers that just charges with too high voltage then just cuts the charge.
You should probably go for the WP2, your AA lights will be quite boring after using 18650/18700 lights...
Oh and almost forgot. The XTAR chargers are CE and RoHS certified. Quite a surprise. Otherwise denied for sale through most EU. I know the CE requirement well but already forgot what is RoHS but i think recycling or enviromentally friendly is involved for those who care about it.
To pass CE certification has to be at least decent.
Unfortunately CE mark is no guarantee of quality. For example I work with certain proffesional (read expensive) electronic devices manufactured in Slovenija - Celje and I can assure you that lot of details are so poorly made it's almost unbelivable.
But i did open my XTAR WP2 charger and beside a few cheap chinese electrolytic capacitors and one "trough air" resistor connection there in nothing wrong or even suspicious. It's almost too good for the price.
Oh, so basicly you're saying my "fellow" co-nationals are making expensive (nothing new) equipment ad that is being made way to cheesy and cheap? Souds like gambling machines like pokers, slots and roulettes...
Correct me if im wrong...
There is no end on saving a penny everywhere possible by today "standards".
/Rant mode enabled
Our country had great potential time ago... but "evolved" into a moneygrabbing racing for politics and all who can get thair share. The general idea is to steal as much as you can and then even mock your own people along. Bonus points awarded for successfully accusing innocents. We often refer to it as Republique Banana.
I know it is sad for many living in a country and not feeling to belong. Having no real respect for it. It is quite real here. Hardly any youngster is proud of his nation.
Just this morning i listened to the radio that 6 major multinational companies are leaving the country (Toyota, Johnson&Joshnson...) because they get robbed by way excessive taxes. Another "few" 1000 unemployed souls soon... May not seem much but our total population is barely worth 2M. Yep thats correct, incredibly small country.
Not everything is bad tho the scary thing is very little improves but at the same time many things go fubar in the last few years.
Well yeah ... Does name Libela ring any bell ? If everyone could see some "ingenious" solutions used in quite expensive devices (and from other manufacturers from eu and world) cheap chinese gadgets would be much more appreciated.
... Does name Libela ring any bell ? 
If everyone could see some "ingenious" solutions used in quite expensive devices (and from other manufacturers from eu and world) cheap chinese gadgets would be much more appreciated.