Ultimate Travel Charger! [XTAR PB2S]

[@franzjaegers]

I've got a slightly older PB2S model, without the spacer and that turning piece. Works great.

[@LuxWad]

For some reason it appears that the name hasn't changed despite the minor updates XTAR made

[@digginggopher]

The name did change, ones the pb2s and ones the pb2sl I'm pretty sure

[@1kzrider]

Wow I never even knew about the Olight battery universal battery charger. I want this now. And I like the thought of matching the batts with flashlight to charger so you can swap as needed. Thanks for sharing.

[@practicalguy973]

That's certainly more useful than standard power banks. I carry 2 Wurkkos 21700 flashlights that have the USBC charging and power bank function built in. That makes for a tough and waterproof solution also following the one is none rule I have two of everything for about the same size as the Xtar power bank.

[@digginggopher]

My hs41 head lamp acts as a powerbank too and takes a 21700, but it only lasts three hours In high mode, so I got the XTAR with two 21700s because I need every minute of headlamp time The XTAR PB2SL with two 21700 batteries will take my pixel 7a Cell phone up from 20% when it tells me to plug it in, right up to 100% with 10% left in the Xtar to top up my action camera I have five batteries total, 2 in the Xtar, 1 in the headlamp, and 2 in rubbers in my bag, to switch in and out with either the headlamp or the Xtar My 21700 batteries came with free shitty zoomy flashlights, and I had left over 18650s from when I used to vape, so I filled the flashlights up with 18650s and gifted them to people who haven't seen a zoomable flashlight before, like my friend who had the lousiest double AA plastic flashlight, even these ones were better than hers

[@practicalguy973]

@@digginggopher That works. I took a different approach, I have 2 of the Wurkkos WK15 flashlight and the HD20 headlamp. Got them on sale on their website for boxing day a couple years ago for close to half price which was awesome. I got a couple more 21700 batteries from a vape shop for cheap. I just use the flashlights and headlamp to charge all my batteries. Great to have extras charged and ready.

[@MAGGOT_VOMIT]

I have several power-banks 4,6,8 and 10cell, that I load with Liitokala 18650 cells but my favorite one is my TOMO Model 02, that holds two 26650 5500mAh cells. It's very compact even for using 26650 cells. I liked it so much I bought a second one.

[@LuxWad]

Interesting, thanks for letting me know about it. Looks like TOMO has some pretty neat options, including built-in flashlights! It seems they are difficult to get a hold of though if you're in the US

[@avgrim7729]

I just got a black one on Ali for $15.22 with adapter. Free shipping.

[@bsbforum]

I've thought about this powerbank many times, as a local retailer has it in his window front 24/7. The cashier told me it sucks - never bought it. Thanks for reviewing it :)

[@danneh8777]

What does cashier knows.. maybe they said it sucks because it doesn’t come with battery 😂

[@colinbarnes705]

Love your videos man. Already bought 1 hanklight based on your reviews and I love it, I definitely have to pick one of these up too. Also it's very cool that you've teamed up with Matt Smith. I bought my first real light, an Acebeam K65, because of his review of it years ago. Still have that light and it's a tank! The future is looking bright

[@LuxWad]

Glad you enjoy the videos! If you stop watching it might help you save some money ;)

[@digginggopher]

I got one of these to swap batteries with my sofirn hs41, and possibly to use as a powerbank, right now im testing it with some 18650 i have left over from when i used to vape, but i have a 2 pack of 5000mAh 21700 coming in the mail from sofirn, its a neat toy 🐺

[@mikeenslin3009]

for people who dont have a ton of cells theyre gonna take with them anyway i wouldnt recommend this as a cheap powerbank. If you only use it as a powerbank its gonna be extremely inefficient as really bulky for the capacity. Id say this is only worth bringing if you have lights with you that have no onboard charging and just using it as a cell charger & storage for your spare cells. If you only have lights with you that have onboard charging its better to just bring a powerbank. I guess you could make the argument that you could take the cell out of the light and charge it which might be a little more efficient but at that point youre not even using the onboard charging feature and it just sounds super inconvenient. That being said, i love this thing for when i want to bring some hanklights with me and dont just want to put a bunch of cells loosely in my backpack. Another usecase ive found is to put cells in there to see how much power they have left. I got some lights with no battery indicator or voltage check and for those its pretty useful.

[@LuxWad]

If you JUST want a powerbank, I don't recommend this either, but I also don't recommend relying on a pb to charge flashlights anyway, swapping cells out is much more efficient (and faster!) You can then charge your cells with this while continuing to use your lights if you want. The ability to run as a powerbank, which helps reduce the amount of devices you need to carry when traveling - instead of a charger, brick, powerbank, and potentially more cells, with this you only need a USB charging brick as it consolidates everything else.

[@mikeenslin3009]

@@LuxWad well if you're gonna swap out cells to put them in a charger the efficiency argument is redundant because then you're gonna probably plug that charger in the wall, where efficiency doesn't really matter or plug the charger into a powerbank but that just seems like onboard charging with additional steps. If you want to multiply your runtime you will either need to carry a ton of spare cells or have additional power in form of a powerbank. Another plus is that I can just plug in my lights while they are running. In the end it will all come down to what lights you're bringing I suppose.

[@digginggopher]

I have a use case today lol, I left my phone charger at my grandmothers house, and I'm home right now with no USB c to USB a charge cord, but I have 2 lithium ion chargers, so I'm keeping 21700s on the charger while my phone is plugged into the pb2sl with a USBC to USBC cord, but it is inefficient, took 2 whole 21700s to charge my phone, I'm just sitting here watching the number on the pb2sl drop and drop faster and faster, but this is how I'm charging my phone all this weekend till I can get my cord back I do have a ton of cells though, I have a total of 9 sofrin 21700s and three molicell 21700

[@tdapple1]

Beautiful Detailed Review brother. This is a much more modular & usable way to go instead of just a battery power bank with no access to the flat batteries Etc Etc. Im glad I found your review on this item. Thank you 🙏. New Subscriber here 🙋‍♂️

[@wilx2703]

I was just looking for a review of this! Thanks man!

[@NorthBorneoLights]

Huh I didn't know the newer ones had those spacer thingers. Good to know

[@LuxWad]

Yeah it wasn't publicized super well, the product names didn't even change which is strange. The new design is quite nice though

[@victorvannatter312]

This is a really cool charger. My only issue that would hold me back is the need for a flat top adapter. I have quite a few chargers, and every one of them will work with either flat or button top. So with this you need to carry the adapter around, which is inconvenient

[@LuxWad]

The adapter it's firmly into the top, so it's not an issue if you're sticking with one battery type or the other, but yeah it's annoying if you're charging both.

[@victorvannatter312]

Is there a spot on the charger somewhere to store it, or you mean in the cradle? Because if in the cradle, you’d still need to carry it separately if you had two button top cells in it(as a power bank) but your light has a flat top in it

[@LuxWad]

@victorvannatter312 yes, I mean in the cradle. That's why I run it with flat tops

[@victorvannatter312]

Ya that’s fair. I still think it’s a bad design. Not sure why they did it that way. Just having a slight bump on the positive side would work with both with no need of the adapter. I use both for my lights. A maglite that needs button top to operate. But a Wurkkos and a convoy that both take flat tops. I would want to be able to charge either/or and not need an adapter. I mean you did not make the thing, so this is no criticism of your review, which is excellent, just something I don’t understand why they would design it this way.

[@LuxWad]

I definitely wish it could handle both, I feel like having spring-loaded contacts on both sides could allow this, but might make the fit less secure as well

[@OkayestEngineer]

Your videos are fantastic, thank you for your efforts. I ordered one of these after seeing this. I do need you to get more stuff please... Can you do videos on more Hank lights, Zebralights, etc?

[@LuxWad]

Glad you like the videos! I do have more Hanklight videos coming, and hope to cover some zebras in the future, but I am extremely busy and don't have much time to be working on videos

[@TheStopwatchGod]

Looks like a great device. If they make a larger version with 4 or 6 slots for 21700 cells, 30W USB-C output, and a second USB-C port, I’d buy it!

[@itachii267]

I have the older model of this without the spacers. It's been semi reliable as I have had issue with the display not working from time to time as well as charging issue from time to time. If you plan to use this as powerbank for devices other than flashlights id suggest getting an actual dedicated portable powerbank rather than this. Anker is my preferred brand but there are also some interesting choices with Ravpower. As a portable flashlight battery charger though this definitely still stands out amongst the rest.

[@LuxWad]

I've regularly used an Anker 20Ah power bank for years (actually filmed a terrible video about it that never got uploaded lol), I usually default to Anker for charging stuff as they've been super reliable for me. I do prefer the versatility of this device however, but I use it just for flashlight-related stuff

[@itachii267]

@@LuxWad Anker has definitely been my go to for power banks and cable over the years, I finally just put out to pasture one that I had for maybe 6 or so years. Only reason it failed was b/c I failed it. I dropped it a few times on accident and yet that thing kept going but finally faded outa couple months ago. I also have a smaller Anker powerbank that had been much better taken care of for about 3 years. top that off with their awesome cables that always last me at least 2 years and they have a guaranteed return customer.

[@relayerrelayer8226]

Its a good bias though.. 😊Cheers🔦

[@attention_shopping]

amazing

[@markifi]

great review as always. you fail to mention one very important aspect: some of tha chargers refuse to charge batteries that are discharged too far below ~ 3.2 Volts, leaving you "stranded". now xtar promises this isn't the case with their chargers, but this has to be tested and mentioned in any battery charger test, as it's very important. this is about the only thing i hate about my nitecore f1. can't rely on it

[@LuxWad]

Thanks for the feedback. Xtar chargers (including this one) have 0v activation, so they will at least try to charge anything even if it's completely dead. I haven't had any issues with this in practice, it works well for me - but I almost always charge my cells at ~3.4v

[@markifi]

further context maybe you're interested@@LuxWad i ran into this problem with an old Aleto brand twisty I like a lot. 16340 cells, short ones so i can't fit anything with protection, and the cheapo lamp doesn't have protection either. (but it's 32 grams with battery) sometimes i run them down very low and the nitecore charger would leave me without any lamp while travelling. a very cheap no-brand charger i have doesn't have such qualms about low voltage.

[@SandroAntonucci87]

I wasn't able to charge a 0V cell with this charger anyway, it does nothing.

[@Jorge-ft9oh]

That is really cool! This would indeed be great to carry along a D4K or something like that. On that note, I spot a KR4 in your pocket, is the review of that light still in progress? I'd really like to check out your thoughts on it.

[@LuxWad]

I'm doing a video comparing the linear and boost versions of the light, but not a review of the KR4 specifically

[@Jorge-ft9oh]

@@LuxWad I see, I must've misremembered from the video where you explain that you're also creating content for that other channel. That is even better, as there is not that much information on the topic. I really appreciate it!

[@ToyKeeper]

If I didn't already have more chargers and power banks than I know what to do with, this one is what I'd probably get.

[@bretts7085]

@LuxWad What 4 bay charger would you recommend for 18650's & protected 21700's some with usb C ports on them, & many unprotected 21700's, at least 1 Amp for each 4 bays, ability to set to stop charging or discharging at storage voltage, test mAh, set current. Im currently using a Opus BT-C3100 but had it for about 7 years & it doesn't show Correct Voltage all the time any more. Ive been looking but don't know what to get ?? Thanks..

[@LuxWad]

I use the XTAR VC4 Plus, which has all of the features you mentioned.If you want something really advanced, the SkyRC MC3000 can do everything you would want a battery charger to do

[@pawelodz8050]

I have xtar standard version. It is faulty product: when you leave fully charged 18650 batteries inside, after ~3 days battery will be completely flat!

[@LuxWad]

Sorry to hear that, I didn't experience that issue with mine but there is going to be drain on the batteries since they are used to power the device. It's not really meant for long-term storage

[@pawelodz8050]

@@LuxWad i know, but I bought it especially for travel. At the moment I use it only as a charger for li-ions and... to discharge batteries (example 1day =~30% of discharging) for long storage. Totally missed product as a power bank

[@DanielDan-rg9zw]

Sorry to bother but I have few questions! Can you charge 2 different batteries at the same time? By that I mean, 2 batteries with different capacity, or 2 the same but different charge to get them at the same level...? I guess what I'm really asking is, if there are 2 batteries in the device do they charge separately, or do they have to both have same capacity and charge from the start?

[@LuxWad]

Both batteries are chargd completely independently, you don't have to worry about mixing cell sizes or charge levels.

[@mattb7895]

Did you swap out the battery in your Olight at 3:15? I've read that Olight "suggests" its batteries only be charged in the OEM flashlight? I'm somewhat skeptical to violate their suggestion, but would love to be able to charge my Olights externally without worry? Is this possible? I love this charger and use it almost exclusively.

[@LuxWad]

I did not swap that battery in this video, but I do normally charge that battery externally in my VC4. There is nothing wrong with doing so, but the modifications they do to the contacts at the anode sometimes prevent chargers from making proper contact so they physically won't charge. You'll just have to test it out to see if it makes contact in your charger.

[@gonzalez7805]

This won't charge nimh? Or is it because of the size? I was hoping to use an adapter to make it fit...

[@LuxWad]

It's not designed for nimh chemistry

[@alexboyes3275]

Would this work with Olight’s modified 21700? Great video btw

[@LuxWad]

Yes, Olight's cell works in my PB2S without issue

[@alexboyes3275]

@@LuxWad Thanks!

[@user-yy3rc6ij7l]

3:56

[@CASTRO45ACP]

A little off topic but do you plan on reviewing the d2?

[@LuxWad]

I'm not sure, probably not unless I include it in another video

[@END6987]

kind of big for how much power you can store.

[@LuxWad]

That's the trade-off for having replaceable cells in any device

[@-n-6969]

is there any other powerbank like this?

[@LuxWad]

Not that I’m aware of, I’m sure there’s other options though. This one is highly regarded amongst flashlight enthusiasts.

[@iosonoi.7132]

LuxWad!!!

[@LuxWad]

Iosono I.!!!

[@ongnguyen4625]

I have overheating when charging and discharging the battery, do you know why

[@LuxWad]

You might be using old worn out cells with high internal resistance, otherwise if it's the charger itself you might ask for a replacement. It does get warm when I use it, but never hot

[@ongnguyen4625]

​@@LuxWadThank you for your reply. I have overheating problem when using the 9v 2a input or output. With the 5v 2a it only gets warm. Have you tried with the 9v 2a ? I don't have any friends who have used this product to ask this question, so looking forward to your feedback. Thank you

[@Gspil]

Does recharge battery like AAA or AA?

[@LuxWad]

No

[@albert91tgn]

No USB-PD? Is this 2015?

[@LuxWad]

Is it USB-C PD

[@4Sandrix]

No water proof rubber gasket on a travel DIY charger = Pass.