I decided to buy a decent Li-Ion Charger. My options are Nitecore i2 or Xtar WP2 (WP2 is about $7 more expensive). I read both reviews here and I was led to believe WP2 is the better one. What do you guys think?
I have Sanyo MQR-06 for NiMH, so NiMH support is not a deciding factor. I will charge predominantly laptop extracted 18650 cells and some 14500 Nitecore 750mAh cells that I just ordered. Thanks for the link. Oh and WP2 I’m referring is WP2 II.
I have an i4(also have given a few to other people) and I got an i2 for the wife so she could charge her own darn batteries(both Li-Ion and NiMh).
IIRC the i2 can charge 2 26650s at a time where the WP2 II cannot(keep in mind we are talking in the bays). The WP2 II will charge a bit faster, but I personally have no experience with it.
I also have 2 Miller ML-102s for the role of USB device charging.
If you will be analyzing predominantly laptop cells, those 2 chargers are not for you. You will need a good hobby charger for that. Those chargers will not tell you the discharge capacities of the cells, which is also important, aside from just simply charging it to 4.19 to 4.2V.
I needed to replace my aging Pila BC-2. Did a LOT of research and decided the Xtar SP2 II was the best bet. Both were identically priced at Lighthounds. Been pleased thusfar with my choice
I have the WP2 II, the Sysmax Nitecore i4 V2, the Jetbeam i4 pro, the Miller ML-102 and some more.
If you can choose between the Sysmax Nitecore i2 and the WP2 II I would ask myself: Do you need a charger for AA / AAA (maybe in the next 12 months)? Then take the i2.
Without AA / AAA the WP2 II is good because you can select 0,5 Ampere or 1 Ampere charging-rate (for the USB feature during a camping trip I use the Miller, because it’s smaller and if you have everything in a backpack the size is important).
Yeah, 0.5A for 14500 and 1A for 18650 i2 is 0.5A only and without USB support.
Both are quite good chargers, IMO. Xtar tends to slightly undercharge cells. These cells will last less, but on the other hand, it’s better for the batt health.
My personal experience: Bought 2 i2 one for me and one for my friend. Mine broke (smoke and stuff) at the third or fourth charging cycle. My friend’s i2 is still working but he has not used it that much. Then decided to go for the wp2 II and I like it better. At least it is still working after about 15-20 charging cycles and I really like the usb charging thing and A selection. All bought from lightmalls and seem genuine.