Need help with charger and batteries.

Ifrit

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Aug 5, 2010
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the UP of michigan
I have already purchased a light that uses an 18650 and have batteries for it.

The problem i have it i have the http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4151 charger. So far, i have been charging my 14500's in it with no problems, i always check voltage before, during, and after charging. I haven't read any specific problems with it, but i am leery still.

After browsing the forums and doing some reading, it seems that the PILA ibc charger comes fairly highly recommended. The problematic aspect of this is, it seems that it is only for 18650s and i would like to be able to charge my 14500s as well. So then i read that the Ultrafire WF-139 would be a decent purchase also.

At any rate, in summation; I am looking for a cradle charger that will do 18650 s 14500s and do so as safely as can be done w/ Lithium ion cells.

I found the WF-139 at lighthound, is this the "good 139". http://www.lighthound.com/Ultrafire...3-37-volt-Lithium-Battery-Charger_p_2279.html
Or is there some way to charge 14500s in the PILA?

also, i will be upgrading my battery stock to all protected AWs.
 
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Ifrit

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ok, more searching done, now it would appear that the PILA DOES do 14500s.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/188653

Is this correct? I would hate to purchase one and find out i am wrong.

Also, since i have you here, anyone know where i could get a PILA, 14500 AW and 18650 AW from the same place? Somewhere w/ a CPF discount would be awesome :)

I did notice that some places seem to list the PILA without all the accessories, i'd be pissed if it didn't include the threaded extenders...
 

SmurfTacular

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I own the WF-139. And I have no problems, except that it doesn't correctly hold protected 18650's without almost breaking it, as they are a tad bit to long. And 10440's aren't tightley held enough; I have to use magnets.

You cant compare the Pila to the WF-139. One is cheapo, and the other one is high quality. Though I haven't owned a Pila myself, it is still far superior than the WF-139.
 

TooManyGizmos

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ok, more searching done, now it would appear that the PILA DOES do 14500s.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/188653

Is this correct? I would hate to purchase one and find out i am wrong.

Also, since i have you here, anyone know where i could get a PILA, 14500 AW and 18650 AW from the same place? Somewhere w/ a CPF discount would be awesome :)

I did notice that some places seem to list the PILA without all the accessories, i'd be pissed if it didn't include the threaded extenders...

Yes ... the Pila does 14500's , but nothing below that (such as 10440). It also does R-CR123a's (16340 size) but you need 2 more (not included) 15mm spacers to fill the gaps .

This Bug Out Gear place has Pila AND the batteries you seek.

LightHound has good spacers (Solid Aluminum)

~
 
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fishinfool

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Hilo, Hawaii
Aloha Ifrit! :wave: I have both the Pila IBC and WF-139 and they are both good chargers but like everyone has said and like you've already read, the Pila IBC is a better charger, though more expensive. I also like the Pila better for 18650's as there is plenty of room for them. The 139 is a bit tight especially with protected cells. Also, like TooManyGizmo's mentioned, if you plan on charging RCR123's then you will need the spacers which I also have and work perfectly. If your budget allows, I'd go for the Pila IBC but that's just me. Good luck.
 
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