XTAR VC8 8-Slot Smart Charger & 8x LG INR18650-HE4 Flat Top Battery Kit (2500mAh 20A)

Why This Bundle

The LG HE4 is the successor to the popular HE2, carrying the same 2500mAh capacity and 20A continuous discharge rating with improved cell consistency. A set this size deserves a charger that can handle every cell at once while keeping tabs on their health. This bundle pairs 8 genuine LG INR18650-HE4 Flat Top batteries with the XTAR VC8, an 8-bay Type-C charger with real capacity testing, internal resistance detection, and independent monitoring for every slot — ready to use straight out of the box.

LG INR18650-HE4 (Flat Top) Specifications

Note: This is a high-drain, unprotected cell — avoid mixing with batteries of a different brand, model, or charge state, and inspect the wrap for damage before every use to prevent short circuits.

The Charger: XTAR VC8

• Type-C input with QC3.0 support: up to 3A on a single bay when battery resistance is low enough
• 5 adjustable current levels: 3A×1 / 2A×2 / 1A×4 / 0.5A×8 / 0.25A×8 — manually selectable to match your charging needs
• 8 independent charging slots: each bay monitored and controlled separately
• Real Capacity Test (Grading Mode): on CH1–CH4, the VC8 tests true capacity through a charge–discharge–charge cycle at a stable 300mA discharge current, revealing whether a battery's stated capacity is accurate
• Storage Mode: charges or discharges batteries to their rated storage voltage to maximize battery lifespan
• Smart Battery Type Detection: automatically identifies the battery and selects the optimal charging strategy
• VA LCD Display: real-time voltage, current, mode, battery type, internal resistance, and charged capacity for every slot
• Multiple Safety Protections: over-current, overcharge, over-voltage, and short-circuit protection; automatically stops after full charge; reverse-connection and over-discharge activation for protected cells
• Built from fire-retardant PC/ABS material, with a built-in "Three-Stage Lithium Battery Charging System" (Patent No. 201720828840.6)

XTAR VC8 – Supported Battery Types & Voltage

Compatible with 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion/IMR/INR/ICR batteries, including the LG HE4 (18650) in this bundle:

10440, 14500, 14650, 16340, 17500, 17670, 18350, 18490, 18500, 18650, 18700, 20700, 21700, 22650, 25500, 26650

Also compatible with 1.2V Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries: AAAA, AAA, AA, A, SC, C

End-of-charge voltage: 4.20±0.05V (Li-ion) / 1.45±0.1V (NiMH) · End-of-charge current: <120mA

Compatibility Notes

The VC8's slider-style contacts accommodate battery lengths from 32mm to 76mm, fitting Flat Top batteries securely without any adapter. LG HE4 Flat Top cells measure about 65.0mm, well within the VC8's compatible range. All 8 cells in this bundle can be charged simultaneously across the charger's 8 independent bays.

Note: The HE4 supports fast charging up to 4000mA, but the VC8's per-bay currents (default 0.5A across all 8 slots, up to 3A if only 1 slot is used) are more conservative. Expect a gentler, longer charge cycle than a high-current dedicated charger — better for long-term cell health.

What's Included

• LG INR18650-HE4 Flat Top Battery × 8
• XTAR VC8 Charger × 1
• USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable × 1
• User Manual × 1

Safety Tips

• Store batteries in a proper case, keeping them away from loose metal objects to prevent short circuits
• Never disassemble, puncture, burn, or submerge the batteries
• Charge only with a genuine, compatible charger such as the XTAR VC8
• The HE4 is an unprotected, high-drain cell intended strictly for compatible, purpose-built devices — do not use it in unauthorized or modified equipment
• Never discharge below 2.5V or charge above 4.2V

FAQ

Q: Can the XTAR VC8 charge LG HE4 Flat Top batteries safely? A: Yes. The VC8 automatically detects Li-ion chemistry and applies the correct charging voltage (4.2V) and current for HE4 cells, with independent monitoring on each of its 8 slots.

Q: Can I charge all 8 batteries at the same time? A: Yes. The VC8 has 8 independent slots. At the default automatic setting, all 8 can charge simultaneously at up to 0.5A per slot; manually selecting a higher current level will use fewer slots at once (e.g., 3A on 1 slot, 2A on 2 slots, or 1A on 4 slots).

Q: Will Flat Top batteries sit properly in the VC8 charger slots? A: Yes. The VC8's slider-style contacts are designed to accommodate both Flat Top and Button Top cells without any adapter or modification.

Q: How do I test if an HE4 battery has lost capacity? A: Use the VC8's Grading Mode on CH1–CH4. It runs a charge–discharge–charge cycle to measure true capacity, so you can identify batteries that no longer meet their rated mAh.

Q: Is 20A continuous discharge safe for everyday devices? A: No — the HE4 is a high-drain cell intended strictly for devices specifically engineered for high continuous discharge, such as certain  power tools, and high-output flashlights. Always check your device's battery requirements before use.

Q: Does the VC8 require a special power adapter for fast charging? A: For the fastest speeds (2A/3A settings), a QC3.0-compatible USB-C adapter is required. Without QC3.0, charging current will be limited.

Q: How does the HE4 compare to the HE2? A: Both share the same 2500mAh capacity and 20A continuous discharge rating. The HE4 is LG's later revision, generally offering improved manufacturing consistency over the original HE2.

Q: Why does the HE4 charge slower on the VC8 than its rated max? A: The HE4 supports fast charging up to 4000mA, but the VC8 charges more conservatively across its 8 slots (0.5A default per slot, up to 3A if only 1 slot is in use). This results in a longer charge time but a gentler cycle that's easier on the cell's long-term health.

Q: What's in the box? A: 8 LG INR18650-HE4 Flat Top batteries, 1 XTAR VC8 charger, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a user manual.