Ryobi 18V ONE+ 6-Port Supercharger

Charging multiple batteries efficiently can be a game-changer for those who rely heavily on cordless tools. The 18V ONE+ 6-Port Supercharger from Ryobi, model number P135, is designed to address this very need. As someone who has a variety of Ryobi ONE+ tools and a plethora of batteries, I had high hopes for this charger. After spending considerable time using it, here are my thoughts.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing to note about the Ryobi Supercharger is its compact and lightweight design, weighing in at just over 4 pounds. It feels durable and robust, with a built-in carrying handle that adds to its portability. The ability to mount it on a wall or place it flat on a surface is a thoughtful touch, and I found wall-mounting to be particularly beneficial in keeping my workspace organized. However, one design flaw that stood out immediately was the lack of built-in cord storage. Given that the 6-foot power cord can be cumbersome, this oversight is somewhat frustrating.

Key Features

One of the most appealing features of the Supercharger is its capacity to charge up to six Ryobi ONE+ batteries sequentially. The indicator lights are clear and easy to read, showing the charging status of each battery. The charger also includes a 2 Amp USB port for charging other devices, which is a nice bonus, especially on a job site where you might need to keep your phone charged.

The temperature indicators are another useful feature. These indicators display if a battery is too hot or cold to charge, thereby preventing potential damage and prolonging battery life. The Energy Save Mode is another thoughtful addition, conserving energy when the charger is not in use.

Charging Performance

In terms of performance, the Ryobi Supercharger does its job well, but with some caveats. It charges one battery at a time, which can be a significant drawback if you're expecting it to charge all six batteries simultaneously. For someone with a high demand for fully charged batteries, this sequential charging can be a bottleneck. During my tests, a single battery could charge in as little as 30 minutes, but larger batteries, like the 4Ah and 6Ah, took considerably longer.

One point of concern is the reliability of the charger. I encountered a few instances where the charger failed to recognize a battery, requiring me to reseat it before it would start charging. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially when you're relying on fully charged batteries for your tasks.

Durability and Longevity

Unfortunately, durability appears to be a mixed bag with this charger. While the build quality seems solid, I have had issues with the charger stopping working after a few months of use. This is particularly concerning given the higher price point of the device. If you decide to invest in this charger, it might be wise to consider an extended warranty for peace of mind.

Practical Use

Despite its flaws, the Supercharger has some significant advantages. It declutters your workspace by eliminating the need for multiple single chargers. It also allows for easy transportation of multiple batteries, which is a boon if you're moving between job sites. The USB port is handy for charging your phone or other devices, adding to the overall utility of the charger.

One notable feature is the ability to leave fully charged batteries in the charger without damaging them. This is particularly useful for those who prefer to keep their batteries organized and ready to go at a moment's notice.

Areas for Improvement

While the Ryobi Supercharger has many strengths, there are areas where it could improve:

1. Parallel Charging: The ability to charge multiple batteries simultaneously would be a significant upgrade. Sequential charging is slow and inefficient for anyone who needs multiple batteries charged quickly.
2. Cord Storage: A simple addition like built-in cord storage would make the charger more user-friendly.
3. Durability: Addressing the issues with reliability and longevity is crucial. A charger at this price point should be dependable for several years.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 6-Port Supercharger is a mixed bag. It offers several useful features and can help keep your workspace organized and your batteries ready for use. However, its inability to charge multiple batteries simultaneously and some concerns about reliability and longevity are significant drawbacks.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends on your needs. If you have a large collection of Ryobi ONE+ tools and batteries and you value the convenience of a single charging station, this charger could be beneficial. However, if you need a charger that can handle multiple batteries quickly and reliably, you might want to look elsewhere or wait for an updated model that addresses these issues.