Two magnetic tips rather than a bay
Designed by Olight, a brand known for its flashlights, the UC (Universal Charger) starts from a different premise than standard chargers: rather than a rigid bay, two magnetic Y-shaped tips attach directly to the two poles of a cylindrical battery or cell. One side of the Y ends in a USB plug, the other in the two magnetic tips.
Compatibility that beats every bay-based charger
This is the UC's real selling point: on the lithium side, it covers everything from the tiny 10340 to the 26650, including the essential 14500, 16340 (RCR123A), 18350, 18490, 18650, 20700, and 21700. On the NiMH/NiCd side, it accepts AA, AAA, C, D, and AAAA. This versatility far exceeds that of fixed-bay chargers, which impose a precise diameter and length.
A fixed current and one battery at a time
The trade-off for this versatility is deliberately minimal operation: charging current is fixed at 750mA, with no adjustment to speed up a large cell or slow down a small one. A single indicator light shows charging (red) and then completion (green), with no screen or numeric data on voltage or capacity delivered.
A 5-year warranty that inspires confidence
The charger automatically detects the connected battery's chemistry and voltage to adapt its behavior. Its 5-year manufacturer warranty is the longest observed in the battery charger category in the lineup, a signal of the brand's confidence in the unit's durability despite its minimalist format.
Who the UC is for
This charger suits anyone wanting an ultra-compact, universal backup to rescue a single battery or cell on the go, in a survival kit, a hiking bag, or a travel pouch, without chasing speed or precise tracking. To charge several cells at once or track their condition precisely, a bay-based charger like the Nitecore UM2 or the Xtar VC4SL remains preferable.
