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F-21 t1_j8svjga wrote

Reply to comment by danfinger51 in Anker recalls 535 Power Bank over fire safety concerns by GeT_Tilted

I like my Xtar power bank, because it is actually using replaceable 18650 lithium cells, and is actually also meant as a 18650 battery charger that has a powerbank function.

I'm sure there are powerbanks that take a little less space for the same capacity, but on the other hand you can grab a couple more 5-10$ 18650 cells (from e.g. Samsung, LG, Panasonic) and expand your capacity by just swapping those out. Can't get more compact than the cell itself...

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killingtime1 t1_j8u48it wrote

I also use Xtar and ask the pros are true. However some competitors charge a lot faster (I have a XMI one that can charge laptops at full speed) and are lighter/less bulky for sale capacity. Xtar is lot better in the sense you can carry a larger capacity on planes as each individual battery won't be over the limit

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shad2020 t1_j8vxpi5 wrote

This sounds interesting, I've always wanted to get into the DIY powerbank space but I'm not sure how to begin.

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F-21 t1_j8waz1e wrote

There's not much to it, it's just a magnetic case/shell into which you place the batteries. Xtar even allows you to use smaller batteries in it as well (half-size 18650, forgot the correct designation), can't really mess it up in any way as far as I know.

I bought it as a charger for 18650 since I have some lithium battery flashlight, but the power bank function ended up being even more useful.

Some new flashlights have a reverse-charging powerbank function too. Probably Wurkkos of Sofirn. Though don't fall too deep into that flashlight enthusiast rabbit hole. If you've never owned an enthusiast flashlight, it's amazing how powerful they are compared to the stuff they normally sell in stores. And interestingly, quality western made flashlights are very rare, the chinese are the best in this field and you can get the best flashlights easily on aliexpress.

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JclassOne t1_j8w8ti3 wrote

Works to charge an Apple Watch also without shutting off. Yes xtar is great.

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