Xtar VC4 Plus Review (VC4SL, USB-C, 3A)

[@TorchHacker]

It's nice to see USB-C PD support and manual current selection.

[@LiquidRetro]

I agree

[@denizcancgsar2810]

I wish, instead of a guage, they just put digits and make the digits bigger.

[@frustratedalien666]

I own this and it is decent. The inability to assign individual charging rates to each slot is slightly unfortunate, but if you are just looking for a four-bay charger that you don't need to babysit then this fits the bill

[@LiquidRetro]

I don't disagree, the ability to change charging rates is a big step forward for xtar

[@liulaolao7269]

Anyone tried the grading function? Mine only charged up the batteries without discharging.

[@Sui778]

Nice review. Looks like a decent charger, but the fact that rate of current cannot be assigned to individual slots - UGH. At least it has current rates down to 250mA available though. One other point I would make about this not being a "fast" charger is when it comes to any kind of rechargeable cell - speed kills. Charging fast is great if one is in a hurry, but doing this repeatedly will shorten the life of the cells. Not worth it if you ask me.

[@LiquidRetro]

Agreed a step forward but not leading the pack

[@Sui778]

@@LiquidRetro Yeah - I just found it a bit odd they set it up that way - it's not a real big deal - I have several chargers so uniform charge rate it isn't really that much of a factor - I'm looking for something that will charge and test D cells - my old 2-bay charger that had the D slots has crapped out. So for my purpose this will do the job. A couple more slots available never hurts either.

[@Sui778]

@@LiquidRetro Just an update - I picked up a VC4 Plus and am promptly returning it. It's useless for 21700's and NiMH's. For whatever reason it won't charge any NiMH past 1.38V and the fastest rate I could get out of it was 600mA - ugh. 21700's on the other hand it had problems even recognizing them and even when it did a lot of the time it was getting the wrong voltage - I was sometimes seeing 4.15V when the cell was actually just charged to 3.6V. Not good. It seems to be ok for 18650's - but I really didn't need a charger for 18650 cells (I have plenty already). Cannot recommend this unit.

[@raphaelf2640]

​@@Sui778 Hi, and which one do you recommend?

[@LiquidRetro]

I haven't had that experience with any of my batteries

[@josephaltman460]

I have the older VC4S with QC 3.0 via Micro USB. It's a great charger for Lithium-Ion cells. Just be warry about charging single AAA NI-MH cells. It tends to charge them at the full 2 amps. Some got really hot and cooked the cell! And in my experience with the VC4S, the charger didn't seem to sense it nor did it shut off automatically.... I later bought the C4evo by iSDT for my Ni-MHs and Ni-Cads. It has a COLOR HD LCD Display and many many options. It even has two slots for Li-Ions. Althogh it is about three times the price of the VC4.

[@D4Z35]

Do you need to use the power brick that comes with it or can I just use a standard 5v 2.1A wall socket?

[@LiquidRetro]

Standard charger will work you just won't be able to charge as fast

[@Auton6]

Have you charged 1.5v lithium batteries? Looking at the specs it doesn't specify that it does or doesn't. Specifically looking at the Kratax 1.5v 3500mwh

[@LiquidRetro]

I don't think it's rated for that. I have some Xtar chargers made specifically for that I use for these applications

[@Auton6]

That stinks, guess I would have to buy another charger.

[@bobsu6790]

Hello, thanks for you sharing, just one question regarding how to identify the charging complete percentage? For example, could I check if this battery has 70% completed? Thanks.

[@LiquidRetro]

The display gives percentages

[@bobsu6790]

@@LiquidRetro thanks for your promptly feedback. But it seem the gauge(or said it meter) is just showing voltage and current, right?

[@LiquidRetro]

@@bobsu6790 what's the time code?

[@bobsu6790]

@@LiquidRetro please kindly check 6:59 ,the video is showing the display content, there are voltage and current information, but can not find charging completed (%). Thanks...

[@LiquidRetro]

Oh I understand now, you can tell via the voltage gauge. It flashes full at the bottom when done

[@TheStageofHistory]

I’ve had to stick with my Nitecore D4 & D2 for years, despite being v. slow on 3-4 cells, just because I have devices that use LiFePo4 batteries. Need something faster - What would you recommend?

[@LiquidRetro]

I can't make a recommendation for that chemistry, it's not common in the flashlight world because of the lower capacity and lower peak outputs.

[@TheStageofHistory]

@@LiquidRetro It defo has its limitations, but I have a few devices - inc night vision scopes and a single cell Nitecore flashlight - designed only for primaries that will malfunction on other Li chemistry. I’ve found LiFePo4 are great drop-in replacement rechargeables in that regard, where the lower peak-voltage and flat discharge curve is a benefit. But thanks for the reply and keep up the great videos.

[@adrien_rzk]

Hi, which PD power brick and cable would you recommend to be able to charge the 4 batteries at 1A at once ?

[@sloanNYC]

So frustrating that on Amazon they list the VC4SL as an upgraded version of the Plus but it isn't at all. They sell it without a power brick too so they are just the same thing.

[@Darktron]

Just ordered one from amazon but VC4SL without the QC block since don't use those all about the usb c here and fast charging my batteries

[@ea1070]

Do you recommend this over the Liitokala Lii-600?

[@EymertVersteegt]

Would it be able to fit 4 NiMH C-size cells at the same time? I understand it won't charge those simultaneously at the same speed, but my UMS4 Nitecore charger only fits 2 C cells at a time. Via QC3, it will charge those at 1A (2A total), but it is still inconvenient to have to switch batteries (my appliances take 4 C cells )

[@LiquidRetro]

Unsure, I don't have any C cells to test.

[@gd.ritter]

Considering getting this to replace my Nitecore UMS2 because USB-C over micro USB and the discharging function. Do they make a 2 bay version of this?

[@LiquidRetro]

Not sure to be honest. I would check the Xtar website

[@libbsupremacist9398]

How is this with charging small batteries like AAA is the connection point finicky, do you got to stick the batteries in at some weird angle?

[@LiquidRetro]

Generally good with small batteries, AAA are always a little finicky in all the chargers I have

[@gd.ritter]

What rate does it discharge at when grading/storing?

[@heradaka7565]

what is the difference between vc4 plus and vc4sl, please answer, greetings from Indonesia, thank you

[@LiquidRetro]

Just the name. That's covered in the first 1/4 of the video and in the description

[@fadihindi7236]

I'm looking for a slow manual current control charger that fits type C and D

[@LiquidRetro]

This would work or the vapcell S4 Plus which I also reviewed. Can I ask why?

[@fadihindi7236]

@@LiquidRetro I have bought some type C and D rechargeable batteries but they don't fit into my Nitecore D4

[@LiquidRetro]

That's surprising

[@reifenabhobeler4331]

Question: Did you test a full charge with this charger? The problem, at least with NiMH, the charger stopps many times to early. I try to charge a 800mAh, first time it stopps at 194mAh, after discharge in another charger and insert it again in another slot in the VC4SL it charges 1225(!)mAh. Next problem is the much lower power at charging: With a 2A-adapter or the Xtar QC3.0-adapter it´s possible to charge 1 cell at 1A, if you insert the 2nd cell maybe 1st cell stays at 1A, but 2nd only reach 0,5A. Insert a 3rd cell will decrease the 1st cell to 0,5A charge current. With all these adapters a Skyrc NC1500 can charge 4x 1A without any problem The manual selected speed is a joke. Not only because all 4 bays will be affected instead of choosing different currents for the different bays; the Automatik will override the manual setting and do what the charger want, not was the user want. You can avoid this problem if I buy a charger like the Vapcell S4+, Nitecore UMS4 or something

[@bob847vid]

Does storage mode also discharge full cells to the storage voltage?

[@LiquidRetro]

Yes

[@jimmyross1672]

yes sir i want one of these now for sure so thank you for making this video for us god bless and keep on keepin on brother

[@n1mus76]

Hi, I know this an old post but would this be better or equal to the LaCrosse BC700? And would this work for Amazon Basics 1900/2400 mAh HR6 AA?

[@LiquidRetro]

It will work for NiMH batteries from any brand. I don't know that lacrosse charger so I can't say

[@hntrains2]

Nice and nicely done! Can this charger show the time a battery needs to fully charge and the charge percentage?

[@LiquidRetro]

Not quite it will show percentage currently and time elapsed.

[@hntrains2]

@@LiquidRetro, how do you get those?

[@LiquidRetro]

They should just show on the display, no buttons needed

[@hntrains2]

@@LiquidRetro, I only see number indicated capacity; no percentage or time (elapsed or left).

[@Lloyd.B.]

I bought 2 different supposed 1100mAh AAA packs of batteries (Digimax and Vapex), and all of them end up at 800mAh max with the capacity tester. Some old 18650s 3500mAh test at 3200mAh so it seems accurate for them. I don't know if the batteries or the tester is duff though for AAAs...

[@LiquidRetro]

Ya those don't sound like trusted brands for the AAA. That's way over rated capacity for a 10440 battery too. Did you buy then from Amazon or ebay I bet.

[@Lloyd.B.]

@@LiquidRetro Why do you mention 10440s? I'm not using that type... Yes they are cheap eBay AAAs.

[@LiquidRetro]

Because of the capacity you mentioned. It's really common for liions to be faked and 10440 is the liion size for AAA. 800mah is the max capacity of a AAA NiMH currently.

[@Lloyd.B.]

@@LiquidRetro So all these cheap AAA are in fact good, even tho they lie about the 1100mAh? Because they still have 800mAh, if the tester is accurate. Eneloop Pro AAA say they are "minimum 930mAh", are they lying too?..

[@LiquidRetro]

@@Lloyd.B. I can't comment on all brands. I would trust eneloop products.

[@balkanvaping]

I need a new charger for my future 21700 batteries (Molicel INR21700 P42A 4000mAh or Samsung INR21700 50E 5000mAh 10A) only for my vaping devices (YIHI SXMINI CLASS V2 & Lost Vape Thelema Solo DNA100C) and I have a big dilemma which one of this charger to buy: 1. Nitecore Intellicharger New I4 Or 2. XTAR VC4SL USB-C charger or XTAR VC4 PLUS without wall adapter? Which one of this is better charger and which one of this batteries is better for my vaping device (on low wattage with higher resistance, or MTL vaping all the time)? Thank's a lot and greetings from the Serbia

[@LiquidRetro]

I only have experience with #2. I would throw the vapcell S4 Plus in as a charger you should look at too

[@balkanvaping]

@@LiquidRetro Tnx a lot!!!

[@seawolfxix]

What is this charging cable you’re using in the video?

[@LiquidRetro]

Generic one from AliExpress, you should be able to find them if you search for usb-c cable with display

[@EZdotdotdot]

Any idea how the VC4 Plus compares to the VX4? 😉

[@LiquidRetro]

Sorry I haven't tried the new model to compare directly. I'm sure it's good.

[@EZdotdotdot]

@@LiquidRetro No worries. Thanks.

[@cimbakahn]

LiquidRetro: Does it have auto cut-off when fully charged?

[@LiquidRetro]

Yes of course

[@cimbakahn]

@@LiquidRetro Thank you for responding!

[@BenBratzBoy]

Very good video (as usual) 😉

[@LiquidRetro]

Thanks!

[@dinner_workingsly]

It’s a great charger, the display kinda sucks though. Gotta look at it at just the right angle to see it, which is never the angle that it’s sitting in 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@LiquidRetro]

I do t really have that problem with mine

[@rowethren4678]

How would you say this compare to the Vapecell S4+?

[@LiquidRetro]

The S4+ is still my favorite charger because you have independent control of the different slots and it's faster and can charge more batteries faster if you want. The Xstar is good but less control and not as fast, also less expensive

[@febryanvaldo]

Vapcell S4+ still my choice, especially the v2.

[@yoyo-bl6bh]

go for s4+ v2 its worth it

[@reifenabhobeler4331]

@@LiquidRetro Mine too, especially compared to the unusable VC4SL

[@orangesquidge]

Would you suggest this one over an XTAR X4?

[@LiquidRetro]

Ya, the ability to change charging speed is nice

[@orangesquidge]

@@LiquidRetro nice, thanks for the advice. Been agonising over which one to get for a week now 👌🏻

[@fadihindi7236]

Does it fit type c batteries?

[@LiquidRetro]

Yes no problem

[@avgrim7729]

What charger will charge all 3A?

[@LiquidRetro]

The vapcell will if you have appropriate batteries

[@avgrim7729]

@@LiquidRetro Which vapcell is comparable to this? Can do everything and more for around same price? I have 18650, 21700, 26650.

[@LiquidRetro]

S4 plus. I have a review on it

[@avgrim7729]

@@LiquidRetro I found it for $32 after coupon. Problem is it's not portable. You only can charge at home wall plug only. Isn't the Xtar one portable like I could charge in my car

[@LiquidRetro]

The Xtar is USB-C PD or QC 3 so you would need the appropriate power source in your car.

[@jf_moreira]

Went back to my faithful Liitokala Lii-500 after owning this XTAR. Kinda too rigid for me.

[@ea1070]

Are you saying the Liitokala is better? I was planning on getting the Lii-600. Thanks in advance.

[@avgrim7729]

I'm getting the vc4sl. $33.

[@LiquidRetro]

I have a recent video on that too

[@avgrim7729]

@@LiquidRetro isn't it the exact same as this just includes the wall charger plug?

[@lorandhorvath4466]

@@LiquidRetro I've checked and I can't seem to find any video of yours of the VC4SL (not VC4S). VC4SL should be the same as VC4 Plus, but without the adapter. I can get it for $25, but I've read some users are having issues with older NiMh batteries having high internal resistance, being detected as LiIon in VC4SL, which could end in a disaster... What's your take on this?

[@LiquidRetro]

Yep you said it yourself the video your commenting on is the same charger just with the power adapter. I don't have any high resistance NiMH cells. For me when sells get that way its time to replace them generally.

[@akira5982]

Shame it doesnt have a 5v out for a powerbank 😔

[@LiquidRetro]

That's a feature I just never use on a battery charger myself

[@spaztekwarrior]

The fact that you can’t assign different currents to each bay is a deal breaker. Otherwise looks fine. :) I will get the Lii M4s instead. Lower power, but more adjustable. Thanks for the video.

[@sirius_aquila]

Useless review. Dont say any details about such mode, as "discharge". Is it only disch, and than automatically starts charging, or no.