Zanflare C4 Battery Charger & Tester: Review
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2018
- UK - amzn.to/2N8QkjO (30% off- deal price: £17.79) Code: GOSGWCTN
USA - amzn.to/2JRO3JL (30% off- deal price: $20.99) Code: CHYCE6H9
A look at the C4 Charger from Zanflare. This model offers quite a lot of features including a choice of 4 charging currents, 2 capacity tests and an internal resistance measurement. I find out where the C4 does well and how it could be improved.
Amazon links:
UK - amzn.to/2N8QkjO (30% off- deal price: £17.79)
Code: GOSGWCTN
USA - amzn.to/2xPYIC4 (30% off- deal price: $20.99)
Code: CHYCE6H9
Sample supplied via Zanflare for unbiased testing and review
Details from the maker:
UNIVERSAL CHARGER: It can charge simultaneously rechargeable batteries of different specifications (18650, 26650, 26500, 22650, 18490, 17670, 17500, 17355, 16340, 14500, 10440, A, AA, AAA, SC sizes).
LCD DISPLAY: Provided with integrated LCD display to monitor the information of the four charging slots. Each battery parameter such as voltage (V), current (mA), time (h), capacity (mAh), internal resistance (mR) can be viewed independently by pressing the corresponding digital key.
POWER BANK: Zanflare C4 battery charger comes with 5V / 2A USB output function and can be used as a power bank. If you install 2 or more 18650 batteries, the output current can reach 5V 2A, if you only install one 18650 battery, the output will be 5V, 1A (USB output function will be enabled only if you cut off the power and insert the battery; this does not apply to Ni-MH batteries.
MULTI CHARGE OPTION: 4 different charge current options to choose from (300mA / 500mA / 700mA / 1000mA). 4 slots work independently, you can select and use the three modes 'CHARGE, FAST TEST and NOR TEST' simultaneously.
WHAT YOU GET: Zanflare C4 Smart Battery Charger, Power Adapter, Car Adapter, English Instruction Manual with 2 years warranty,100% satisfaction and zero hassle returns guaranteed. - Věda a technologie
Amazon links:
UK - amzn.to/2N8QkjO (30% off- deal price: £17.79)
Code: GOSGWCTN
USA - amzn.to/2JRO3JL (30% off- deal price: $20.99)
Code: CHYCE6H9
not even a week and your promo code isn't working. thanks for the review, though.
Which one UK or USA Amazon? I can ask about that and see what's happening there
@@MrBazReviews could you get me code, need UK version, thank you !
@@RaioneSportTV That is the only code I got
Code: GOSGWCTN
US code works, thank you!
Just the video I needed to see! Thanks for this.
No problem!
Another top notch review. Guess I will not be running out to get one of these to swap for my Xtar Dragon.
Just wondering why you choose to swap with xtar dragon vp4 plus?
Sorry for the misunderstanding. I was trying to say this Zanflare seems like a decent charger but Not Good enough to swap for the Xtar Dragon I already have.
Dragon is nice but a few things I'd change more user control etc, this is quite good for the price though can't do 2.0 amp per slot like the dragon, or charge via the USB when using mains power. It does more than most at this price, shame the slots are not wider and a bit longer but for 18650 users not a bad choice.
Hi Mr Baz. I love this review and some years ago bought the Zanfnlare C4 from the review impression alone. It has not disappointed. I did find the 'upside down' battery arrangement confusing, so I got a Posca white paint marker and filled in the battery outline. Never made a mistake again. It worked so well, I filled in the lettering on all the other buttons too and they are super-legible now. Many thanks for taking the time to review.
It does take getting used to with the battery direction, but over time it's not a problem. Decent enough charger for the price and the testing bits are useful too
Great review!
is not a good charge
What mA setting should i use for a 900 mah battery given that there is not a 900 mA option on this charger?
I would use 500mA or the 300 setting will do. For AAA's or small Li-ion cells that's a good charge rate - you can go higher but reduce the cycles of the cells
For AA or 18650 1000/1.0A is just fine
Just letting you know - if a slot or two are giving wrong resistance or state of charge readings,it's a bad connection to the spring slider.I had two slots not working properly and all I had to do was bridge all negative sliders together with some wire.now it works like charm
Not seen that problem but thanks for posting as it might help someone else
Thanks. Just a question ... when charging 18650's, what reading from mAh, mR, ... tells that the battery is still "good" ?
Do a discharge test compare capacity with stated capacity, best way to see how cell performs
Nice review, thorough and step by step coverage of pretty much everything about how to operate and understand this charger. My question is whether there is any harm or benefits done to the batteries if taken through the test mode functions? When the normal test is completed what will the readout tell us and will the batteries be fully charged and ready to use?
It won't harm cells doing the test, the video explains in great detail what the functions do, that's why I made it!
@@MrBazReviews AWESOME, THANKS
@@MrBazReviews
Sometimes the one has to repeatedly again and again utilise the Charge-Discharge-Charge Cycles and so on to to wear off the Memory Effect associated with especially NiMH Batteries! So that full functionality of them to be restored at cost of a dozen or so Charge-Discharge Cycles.
Which mode to use when first charging brand new 18650 lithium battery?
Thank you for your time. Love this review on the c4 charger
Normal charging 500mA will do
Afterwards I would stick to 1A for most 18650 cells
@@MrBazReviews Thank you so very much.
Is the "normal" and " fast test"
charge for batteries that have lost their stamina , so to speak.
@@The__Outlaw Fast is resistance normal is capacity use the normal mostly
Any suggestions on what battery charger is a good all around charger in the sense that it tests/discharges and charges batteries? Have been looking for a great charger that I can buy.
Well this one does all that, other options are the Opus charger and Xtar Dragon, depends on budget/needs really
Mr Baz Reviews in your opinion if you could buy one charger, price not being an issue what would you buy based off your experience? Thanks
The Dragon is the nicest one in terms of build and accurate for capacity testing, but you don't have individual control on each channel all 4 at the set speed (not really a big problem but if you use lots of smaller cells something to consider), Opus is pretty good too this one isn't bad either just can't take the newer 21700 batteries. None are perfect but all 3 are worth considering.
Mr Baz Reviews have you reviewed the La Crosse Technology BC700-CBP? Thanks for the advice I think I’m going to get the dragon and in the future check out some others. Doesn’t hurt.
Is there a charger that has all the good features this has plus other nice features like the two you mentioned would be nice to have like more powerful 2 amp charging like the Opus and a bit longer battery slots ( a couple mm) so as to fit the 21700 batteries in case they become popular?
Most chargers can take the 21700 cells flat top, most can't take the 21700 protected ones. Unless you charge protected 21700's the Opus is a decent bet for a tester. The VC8 is alright if you want the 8 bays just the default speeds are a bit high using quick charge. That Xtar can take the protected 21700's
The Nitecore UM4 is OK if you want longer slots, doesn't have the discharge test
I am hoping more testers are released this year
@@MrBazReviews you mean that Xtar VC8 can fit protected 21700s? Can we adjust the charge speeds on the VC8 if we want? I have the Zanflare C4 right now and only recharging 18650s at the moment but hoping to get another charger, just want the most versatile, best one available with all the latest, valuable and useful features.
Hi do you think it's ok to charge lithium even its not drain or half full?
Charge Li-ion at any time doesn't make any difference
This was an excellent review. I was about to purchase this using the discount code by then read the comment below which said that their charger started smoking and this really put me off.
I wonder how this compares to the Nitecore D4...?? Any suggestions?
I was initially going to purchase the nitecore bt then read that there are a lot of fakes and that there’s a product recall due to many of the units beginning to smoke.
I just need a decent charger for my 18650 batteries.
I read elsewhere that this Zanflare is better than the XSTAR but wonder how it compares to the nitecore..??
Please help....
I've not had a problem with the unit I have and I've used it extensively since the review. But things can happen I don't censor comments because it's important to get feedback, and I'm a review channel that actually reviews stuff rather than a sales one that promotes products. D4 is reliable, but slower and can't test cells it is popular though and does a solid job on charging. Xtar are a good make I use their Dragon for testing and they are on target with termination and charge quality.
The C4 offers quite a bit at a low price, it's quite good but not without some areas I would address. I know Nitecore and Xtar use flame retardant material for the cases, I'm not sure about this one if that point is relevant.
Mr Baz Reviews thanks for the reply. I appreciate your help and have subscribed to you channel.
I have ordered the Zanflare using your promo code. It’s definitely worth £17.
I have used nitecore before and it was decent but read about too many issues with XSTAR and Nitecore D4. I will see if I can find a fireproof charging bag to go with this charger.
Thanks again.
Let me know what you think of it appreciate the support!
Mr Baz Reviews Hey, received this on next day delivery via prime. Initial thoughts are it’s massive (that’s what she said haha). Anyway plugged it in and immediate was able to tell the status of batteries and identified one battery which was dead, so that was helpful. Would never have known if I was using my standard charger.
I have to buy new batteries now, any recommendations? I use 3x 18650 for my Thrunite torch. I’ve seen some cheap ultrafire batteries on eBay which claim to be 9000Mah, no chance, they must be false. Decent 18650 batteries are expensive, last time I used cheap unbranded ones they burnt the connectors on my torch.
Yes these smart chargers are a lot more useful with the LCD display even before you use the testing features. Those dodgy eBay batteries are hopeless stay well away from those any GTL they're rubbish. The best budget cells I've used are Soshine (they do various capacities and protected cells, they use Panasonic batteries ie good quality), other brands are a per tests mostly re-wraps of the Panasonic ie OEM makers Olight, Nitecore, etc..so they are real as such. Or on some torches you can use unprotected cells.
I still test all of the ones I get in just to be sure the playlist is here you'll find a few brands and some unprotected cells too
czcams.com/play/PLPDCN48jxW_vualtWC8IuQCVTKFbBVmBR.html
Great review
I try!
Can we discharge with 1000mah /1.0amp ...? Just asking because I see even in comments also it says that can charge with 1000mah but not discharge
Erm he beat me to it yes it's as he says can't do a 1.0A discharge on this
What Charger would you recommend for a 10 year old, I am getting my nephew some flashlights and want him to recharge his AA, and AAA batteries.
For a general charger the D4 or VC4 are both good for Ni-MH cells
Hi, what do u think of the Opus BT-C2400, is it a decent charger for AA & AAA NIMH batteries? Thank you
I've not used it was thinking of making a video on it. Seems pretty good, the Zanflare is not bad at all really, though it's for Li-ion and Ni-MH
@@MrBazReviews Thanks for your reply; just subscribed. Great to hear that u might be making a video on it-I hope you do! After all these years of experience using different chargers, do you have a personal favorite or two?
Thank you
@@Living_Maximally The Opus is good for what it offers/cost, the VC4 (original) is a solid charger. Always got on with the Nitecore D4 too, though it would be nice to have an updated version
@@MrBazReviews Thank you, I appreciate your reply
I found that when battery capacity drops so does the voltage drop when you take off fully charged (less than 4.20v) I've seen this with my proven and tested hobby charger so it's not charger fault.
Yes when cells are worn they will drop voltage faster and don't hold a charge as well. New or good condition Li-ion will hold a charge, Ni-MH it's normal for it to drop once it's charged
Hello.Is this one better than XTAR VC4?
This one is a tester and you have more control over charging speed/plus USB output power bank. The Xtar is a good charger too if you prefer something simple
Would it charge 1.5V Li-Ion AA AAA, 1.5V NiMH / NiCd AA AAA batteries optimally?
See other response, NI-MH/Ni-CD are the same charging voltage no difference
@@MrBazReviews
I came to know that Optimal Charging upto full capacity of NiMH can be better achieved by charging these at C/10 or even lower and applying -dV and 13-15 hr timer approach. This way full capacity may be restored also avoiding damage to the same batteries 🙂!
@@mahmoodmirza3301 If you require complete charging control, only the SkyRC will offer that I have a video on this charger
I got a Opus BT-C3400 first and really like it. I decided that I needed a second charger/tester so I bought one of these because several reviews had claimed that it was just as good or even better. That was a mistake.
The Zanflare looks nice and has a bigger display, but when comparing the really important features and capabilities, the Zanflare C4 falls far short... :-(
It only has three modes plus an IR test which is not a separate test like the Opus has. It doesn't have a separate discharge mode either, although if you run the fast test it starts by discharging from where ever it is, but then immediately fully charges again. The idea of measuring the capacity on the charge portion of the test is wrong and pointless to even do. The Opus always measures capacity properly - on discharge - after verifying a full charge. The Zanflare is also really slow compared to the Opus when doing the capacity tests properly (Nor test mode) due to the much lower discharge and charge current capability.
I basically feel like I wasted $30 on the Zanflare. I will now buy another Opus BT-C3100 or 3400.
There are pros and cons to all the Opus is good no question but fiddly with small Li-ion cells (sometimes they don't make contact) as a tester it is one of the better ones but lacks 0 volt activation if that's needed. The Zanflare is OK at the price I looked at it (ie on a deal) it has a discharge test option but a few things I wasn't that keen on. It's one of those "at the right price" products.
Xtar Dragon has issues too good charging and testing but slower and can't charge/discharge at the same time. None are quite perfect just a case of picking the one that works best. Not sure who said the Zanflare was better than the Opus
Have this harger for some months now:
+ usable charging currents
+ 4x 1A possible
+ capacity tests for charging/discharging
+ full charge of the cells (since the Xtar VC4SL and ISDT C4 EVO I know it´s not always so)
- getting very hot at 4x 1A, IMHO to hot for charging AA in this big charger. Not sure if the cells getting to hot because the charger itself getting hot
- display with very limited depiction
- no direct discharge possible
- very slow capacity test because of max. charge/discharge rate of 500mA, no display of charged capacity
- AAA insert is fiddly
- eject of the cells in the middle isn´t easy if you don´t want to disconnect the cell next door
- sometime problems of late termination
- charged and discharged capacity is to high (compared with a lot of other chargers)
Overall it´s a usable charger for me, but it is a bit oldschool and have some negative points. The most of the negative aren´t that bad, but overall it´s a huge list.
It's a budget charger, so there are some compromises, otherwise the Opus might be a better bet. That also has it's own issues at times too. I never found heat a problem on this one even at higher charging rate, but it has been a long time since I did the video - maybe something has changed or QC etc.
@@MrBazReviews I don´t mean it have dangerous heat but I would expect lower temps than on a very small AA/AAA-charger. My Vapcell S4 Plus (OK, it´s bigger) stays a lot cooler, the C4 heats up also the place it stands on the table. The Opus BT-C3100 have a fan so it´s hard to compare. The UMS4-size is maybe better to compare but it don´t allow to charger 4x 1A because of slot sharing.
Brother, how much does this battery charger cost?
Not much about 25 dollar not sure where you live but look around if you can find it
Currently unavailable.
Lot of products are sadly even non electronic items
MINE HAS A FAULTY POCKET IS LESS THAN 3 HOURS OLD AND HEADED FOR THE BIN FOR A COMPETITOR MODEL. BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
What's a pocket? I only go on what I have used, if it's faulty send it back it does happen from time to time. You don't bin a product you just bought, you return it
What's a pocket? I only go on what I have used, if it's faulty send it back it does happen from time to time. You don't bin a product you just bought, you return it
Just took semi new 18650s off of this charger when it said full and they only read 4.10. Last three chargers I've bought do this, tired of wasting my money
Not seen low voltage charging on this unit though the display isn't as accurate as I'd like. Have you tried another volta meter to be sure?
No but other chargers I have read slightly higher on same multimeter with same batteries when finished. I used to only use a 2 slot charger in the past, it charged most batteries to about 4.17, does a 2 slot charger charge more accurately or something
May not seem like a lot but that little bit of missing charge can add quite a bit of time to how long that battery lasts in a day
If it's undercharging you'll need to return it the test unit I have doesn't do this. It's not uncommon for chargers to be slightly under 4.20V but not by much say 4.17/4.18 if it's under 4.15 then it's considered an undercharge.
Lol, tested again on some new Samsungs, said full but dmm read 4.08 volts.