I'd like to throw in a recommendation for the Nitecore SC4 charger, which is ideal for anyone who uses 18650s in pairs or triples.
The 18650 cells we use for vaping are usually lithium ions with an effective capacity between 2000 and 3000mAh. 2 amps is the sweet spot for charging these, and some cells can even handle a 3A quick charge.
But what distinguishes a $50 charger from a $15 charger?
Every charger has a maximum current limit per cell. Many will do 2A, some are limited to 1A.
Every charger also has a maximum total current limit for all cells. So a charger with a 2A total limit will handle one cell just fine, but if you put two in together each one gets only 1A, which takes much longer.
The Nitecore SC4 has a per cell limit of 3A and a maximum total limit of 6A, so it can charge a single or pair of 18650 cells at up to 3A each. It defaults to the 2A sweet spot which takes around 90 minutes for 3000mAh cells. 3 cells will charge at 2A; 4 cells will charge at 1.5A.
The unit plugs into a wall outlet. It has an internal fan and dissipation fins to keep it cool. It also does USB pass-through at 2.1A when it's not charging cells. It can also handle a wide variety of other cells and chemistries up to 26650.
The detailed display allows you follow the progress of the charging and provides information about the health of your batteries. The defaults are sensible so there's no knowledge required to use it. Just insert the cells, watch the bars fill up, and remove when they read as full.
The 18650 cells we use for vaping are usually lithium ions with an effective capacity between 2000 and 3000mAh. 2 amps is the sweet spot for charging these, and some cells can even handle a 3A quick charge.
But what distinguishes a $50 charger from a $15 charger?
Every charger has a maximum current limit per cell. Many will do 2A, some are limited to 1A.
Every charger also has a maximum total current limit for all cells. So a charger with a 2A total limit will handle one cell just fine, but if you put two in together each one gets only 1A, which takes much longer.
The Nitecore SC4 has a per cell limit of 3A and a maximum total limit of 6A, so it can charge a single or pair of 18650 cells at up to 3A each. It defaults to the 2A sweet spot which takes around 90 minutes for 3000mAh cells. 3 cells will charge at 2A; 4 cells will charge at 1.5A.
The unit plugs into a wall outlet. It has an internal fan and dissipation fins to keep it cool. It also does USB pass-through at 2.1A when it's not charging cells. It can also handle a wide variety of other cells and chemistries up to 26650.
The detailed display allows you follow the progress of the charging and provides information about the health of your batteries. The defaults are sensible so there's no knowledge required to use it. Just insert the cells, watch the bars fill up, and remove when they read as full.
