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XTAR L4 Charger + PB2SL Powerbank Review

Sunday, October 15, 2023


Unveiling Xtar's latest innovations—the XTAR PB2SL, XTAR 21700 5000mAh Battery, and Xtar L4 charger. In this dynamic lineup, Xtar showcases cutting-edge technology, delivering powerful charging solutions and high-performance batteries. Let's delve into the features that set these devices apart, promising a new standard in reliability and efficiency.

Let's kick things off with the XTAR PB2SL, a lithium-ion battery charger available in two sleek color options: all-black and blue/black. This versatile device serves a dual purpose, functioning not only as a battery charger but also as a power bank. It accommodates both protected 21700 and rechargeable 18650 batteries.


The PB2SL charger is no slouch - it's fast and smart - it employs the QC3.0 + PD3.0 dual protocol fast charging for both external and input charging, ensuring a swift and efficient charging process. With a maximum input of 18 watts, it can charge two 18650 3500mAh batteries in just 2 hours. Despite the distinct dimensions of 18650 and 21700 batteries, the PB2SL charger features a rotary buckle designed to securely hold the batteries in place, preventing any unwanted shifts during charging.

The power bank feature of the PB2SL is incredibly user-friendly. Simply insert a battery, and the PB2SL charger transforms into a portable power bank capable of simultaneously charging two external devices. It accommodates fast-charging devices with a power of up to 18 watts and low-powered devices like headphones and earbuds, offering charging capabilities of up to 10 watts. Additionally, the power bank mode allows you to customize the output. The digital display provides real-time information on charge/discharge current, voltage, and battery capacity percentage. Another noteworthy feature is passthrough charging, enabling you to use the PB2SL charger as a power bank even without any batteries inserted.

The XTAR PB2SL is constructed entirely from lightweight plastic, making it significantly lighter than a traditional power bank, although it may lack the rugged feel. Equipped with a digital display, it features a single side-facing physical button with a responsive and audible click actuation. On the backside, there's a magnetic lid compartment that is easily removable and attachable, providing swift access for inserting and removing batteries. Without batteries, the XTAR PB2SL weighs 86 grams and measures 12.5cm in length, 6cm in width, and 2.5cm in thickness. The package includes the PB2SL upgraded 21700 battery charger, a 1-meter USB Type-C fast charging cable, a user manual, and a convenient accessory holder for charging 18650 batteries.

PB2SL Selling points
  • Sleek Design
  • Supports 5V, 9V and 12V charging profiles
  • Supports both protected 21700 and rechargeable 18650 batteries
  • Fast Charging via QC3.0 + PD3.0 protocols
  • Quick and efficient charging
  • Transforms your battery into a portable power bank
  • Adjustable capacity up to 10,000mAh+
  • Digital screen displays real-time information on charge/discharge current, voltage, and battery capacity percentage, providing comprehensive insights.
  • Easy battery removal
  • Passthrough charging
  • Low power mode
  • Easy to use
PB2SL Potential deal breakers
  • Batteries Not Included
  • Cheap plasticky feel

XTAR L4 Charger

Let's shift our focus to the XTAR L4—a smart and efficient battery charger tailored for charging AA/AAA batteries, delivering a seamless and all-encompassing solution to your charging requirements. The XTAR L4 Charger emerges as the paramount solution for your AA/AAA batteries, offering adaptable charging for 1.5V Li-ion and 1.2V Ni-MH batteries. Its mix-charging feature supports prominent PD/QC adapters, ensuring convenience across various devices such as trail cameras, RC cars, mini-z, transmitters, and VR controllers.

Equipped with four 0.5A charging bays, the L4 Charger ensures optimal efficiency, incorporating an auto cut-off feature for a complete charge and the capability to revive over-discharged batteries. Its hollow-out design not only simplifies battery removal but also enhances heat dissipation, while the built-in multiple protections prioritize safety during charging. Compatible with major PD/QC adapters such as Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc., the L4 Charger remains unfazed whether you connect to power first or insert the battery first. Though lacking USB output, a transparent cover, and lights compared to BC4, it distinguishes itself with a hollow design for effortless battery removal.

When it comes to compatibility, the XTAR L4 caters to AA/AAA NiMH batteries and the majority of 1.5V lithium batteries from various brands. Its three-mode (TC.CC.CV) charging system, USB-C port for charger power supply, and 0V activation function contribute to its versatility. Featuring independent charging bays, it provides flexibility in recharging. Constructed entirely of plastic, the L4 charger weighs 48 grams without any batteries. With all four Xtar AA batteries inserted, the charger's weight totals 128 grams, with each Xtar AA battery individually weighing 20 grams. Its dimensions measure 7.5cm long x 8cm wide x 3cm thick (with batteries).

L4 Selling points
  • Works with both 1.5V Li-ion and 1.2V Ni-MH AA/AAA batteries
  • Supports major brand PD/QC adapters
  • Wide compatibility with devices like trail cameras, RC cars, and more.
  • Efficient Charging
  • Four charging bays for efficient use
  • 0V activation function
  • Built-in status led lights
  • Auto cut-off when batteries are fully charged.
  • Safety Features built-in for charging safety
  • USB-C input charging
  • User-Friendly Design with hollow-out design for easy battery removal and heat dissipation
L4 Potential deal breakers
  • Only works with rechargeable 1.5V lithium-ion or 1.2V NiMH batteries

XTAR 21700 5000mAh Battery

Wrapping up the review, let's talk about the XTAR 21700—a rechargeable 5000mAh Li-ion battery tailored for applications like vapes, high-powered torches, and various electronics. Operating as a protected 21700 battery with a voltage of 3.6, this battery integrates a built-in protective circuit. This circuit acts as a safeguard against overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits—a crucial feature when powering electronics, especially potent torches, where safety is paramount. The added protective circuit significantly enhances safety, mitigating potential risks such as explosions or damage to both the battery and the device it powers.

The design of the XTAR 21700 5000mAh Battery includes a dependable button top, ensuring easy insertion and removal of the battery. Specifically engineered to support a continuous discharge of up to 10A, this feature is critical for applications like flashlights that require a steady and relatively high power output. Devices such as flashlights, high-performance electronics, or power-intensive equipment reap the advantages of batteries with elevated constant discharge ratings.

The particular model and variant of the Xtar 21700 battery are identified as INR21700-50E. This classification signifies that the battery possesses a nominal capacity of 5000mAh (milliampere-hours), operates on Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (INR) Chemistry, and has dimensions of 21mm in diameter by 70mm in length.

Selling points
  • Optimal Performance for flashlights
  • Seamless blend of power and safety
  • Continuous discharge of up to 10A
  • Equipped with over-charge, over-discharge, and short-circuit protection
  • Button top design
Potential deal breakers
  • Limited Application: Designed specifically for flashlights
You can buy the L4 charger, PB2SL charger and 21700 batteries from Xtar.CC

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