Introduction
Charging high-capacity 6S 5000mAh LiPo batteries demands a charger capable of delivering sufficient wattage and current. This report compares top RC battery chargers from ISDT, Turnigy, iCharger, Spektrum, Gens Ace, ToolkitRC, and SkyRC. Key metrics include power output, charge current, AC/DC support, smart features, and suitability for charging at 1C (5A) and 2C (10A) rates.
Comparison Table
| Charger Model | Power Output (W) | Max Current (A) | AC/DC | Notable Features | 1C (5A) | 2C (10A) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISDT K4 | 400W AC / 2×600W DC | 2×20A | Yes | Dual-channel, touch display, Bluetooth app control | Yes | Yes | ~$220 |
| ISDT K2 (Air) | 200W AC / 2×500W DC | 2×20A | Yes | Smart dual, app control, parallel output | Yes | Yes (DC) | ~$120–150 |
| iCharger X6 | 800W DC | 30A | DC Only | Compact, high-power, 2A balancer, regenerative | Yes | Yes | ~$100–130 |
| Spektrum S1400 G2 | 400W AC | 20A | AC Only | Smart charging, plug-and-play, IC3/IC5 port | Yes | Yes (~16A) | ~$250–275 |
| Gens Ace IMARS D300 | 300W AC / 2×350W DC | 2×16A | Yes | Dual smart ports, G-Tech, compact | Yes | Yes (DC) | ~$130 |
| ToolkitRC M7 | 200W DC | 10A | DC Only | Ultra-compact, tester tools, budget-friendly | Yes | Partial | ~$50–60 |
| SkyRC D100 V2 | 100W AC / 2×100W DC | 2×10A | Yes | Dual-channel, mobile app, QR Scan-to-Go | Yes (slow) | No (AC) | ~$80–100 |
| Turnigy Reaktor 300W 20A | 300W DC | 20A | DC Only | High performance, budget, cycling, wide chemistry | Yes | Yes | ~$50–70 |
Charger Highlights
ISDT K4
- Top-tier performance: 1200W total (DC) or 400W (AC), touch screen UI, Bluetooth app.
- Ideal for: Power users needing dual 6S 5000mAh 2C capability.
ISDT K2
- Similar to K4, slightly less power. Excellent smart features and parallel output.
- Ideal for: Enthusiasts with field + home charging setups.
iCharger X6
- Compact and powerful; 800W on DC. Handles 6S at high rates.
- Ideal for: Advanced users with an external power supply.
Spektrum S1400 G2
- AC only, auto-detects Smart batteries, user-friendly.
- Ideal for: Beginners and Smart battery users.
Gens Ace IMARS D300
- Great balance of AC/DC performance and price. Dual channels.
- Ideal for: Hobbyists charging multiple packs with some automation.
ToolkitRC M7
- Mini-sized, multifunctional, budget charger. 200W DC-only.
- Ideal for: Field use and casual charging.
SkyRC D100 V2
- Budget dual charger. 100W AC limit is a bottleneck.
- Ideal for: Light users needing 2 ports on AC.
Turnigy Reaktor 300W 20A
- Pure DC. Great power for the price.
- Ideal for: Value-focused users comfortable with manual setup.
Recommendations
- Best Overall: ISDT K4 — powerful, smart, AC/DC, dual-output.
- Best Value: Turnigy Reaktor 300W 20A — unmatched performance per dollar.
- Best for Beginners: Spektrum S1400 G2 — plug-and-play simplicity.
- Best for Portability: ToolkitRC M7 — pocket-sized and versatile.
Conclusion
For charging 6S 5000mAh LiPos, your ideal charger depends on power needs, usage context (field vs. bench), and budget. The ISDT K4 leads overall, but even budget models like the Reaktor and ToolkitRC M7 have their niches. Consider AC/DC compatibility, number of outputs, and feature set when choosing your setup.