Product Description

Unlike other fast chargers, the PowerEX MH-401FS allow you to recharge AA & AAA NiMH or NiCD batteries accurately and coolly, in around 100 minutes (AAA charges in around 1 hour).This charger comes with eight AA 2300mAh batteries, AC adapter, car DC adapter, batteries carrying case, and user manual.

Product Details

• Brand: Maha
• Model: MH-C401FS8AA27
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 4.00" w x 8.00" l, 1.31 pounds

Features

• Charge AA / AAA NiMH or NiCD batteries in 100 Minutes Accurately and Coolly
• Unique FLEX negative pulse charging algorithm allow the battery to accept a more complete charge The PowerEx MH-C401FS delivers the most complete charge for chargers in its class. The new FLEX negative pulse algorithm also significantly enhances battery li
• Manually Switch between 100 minute fast charge and 5 hour gentle charge The MH-C401FS is also the first charger on the market to offer the choice between a 100-minute rapid charge and a slower, gentler 5-hour charge
• Four Independent Charging Circuits This allows each battery to be charged to its full potential without risk of overcharging. The charger can charge one, two, three or four batteries.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Customer Reviews

The Best - You need it!
I've had one of these for more than a year. It's the best charger for NiMH's, which I use in everything except devices that are going to sit for a year, like smoke detectors or clock backup (a NiMH will lose about 30% of its charge per month just sitting). It's bad for batteries to be overcharged, so for devices that an odd number of batteries (like my FRS radios that use 3) the chargers that do only pairs are inadequate. The Maha also has superior charge circuitry that optimally charges each cell. It's better for the environment to use rechargeables than to throw away alkalines, and cheaper too! A 220 volt transformer is available from Maha if you're going to Europe.

Choosing between Maha chargers
I haven't bought one of these, so ignore my rating (though they do appear to be excellent). But I did find a description of the differences between the various Maha chargers at www.thomas-distributing.com:

The MH-C204F charges the batteries in pairs, has a discharge feature and charges at 500mA. The MH-C401FS charges batteries independently and charges the batteries twice as fast than the MH-C204F. The MH-C204W has a built-in adapter and the MH-C204W charges and discharges batteries faster than the MH-C204F.

Note that the MH-C401FS doesn't have a discharge function.

The "8AA25" numbers after the C401FS seem to represent the number and type of batteries included.

There's a complete rundown of the differences between the chargers at the above website, but, unfortunately, Amazon doesn't want me to include URLs in the review.

Truly a Better Charger
I have owned this charger for about 2 months now, and definitely have to say that there is a real difference here. The fact that this charger has 4 independent cells allows it to charge each battery to the fullest. I actually notice a difference in my Canon 580EX flash with the batteries now more fully charged. The 2500 mAh PowerEx batteries just last so long I am tempted to not bring back-ups with me! Also, my 2000 mAh Sonys are much improved, especially over the Sony charger. I also have a NoMem charger, again far inferior. As a last point, the batteries come out cool, making me feel that they will last longer overall. Car charger is a nice final bonus.