PALO Smart LCD Battery Charger: 12-slot charging

Stephen S. San Diego, CA

June 6, 2025

Decision:

So, why did I buy this? Well, as a brand loyalist, I usually stick with PALO for my gear, and I needed an upgrade from my ancient charger. The packaging was intact when it arrived, no issues there. Setting it up was straightforward—just plug it in and pop in the batteries. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, and overall, it does the job well. The speed is impressive; I can juice up a full set in no time, which is great for my automotive projects where I'm always needing fresh batteries for tools and gadgets. The display is clear and helpful, showing the status without any confusion. But, man, it does get warm, and that's a bit of a letdown. I'm in the military, so I'm used to things being tough and reliable, and this feels a bit flimsy in comparison. Also, it only handles NiMH and NiCD, which is fine for now, but I've got some other types that are just sitting useless. Would I recommend it? Yeah, but with reservations. It's good, not great. If you're in a pinch and need something efficient, go for it, but don't expect it to last forever. For me, it's a solid four out of five—does what it says, but could be better.

• Pros: It charges incredibly fast, which is a huge plus for someone like me who's always on the go. The display shows exactly what's happening, so no more guessing if the batteries are done or not. I can charge a bunch at once, which saves a ton of time, and it handles different sizes without any fuss. From what I feel, it keeps my batteries in good shape, extending their life better than my old charger ever did.
• Cons: The build feels a bit cheap, and for the price, I expected something more durable. It gets pretty warm during use, which makes me a bit nervous about long-term reliability. Also, it only works with certain battery types, so if you have others lying around, you're out of luck. It is what it is, but I wish it had a more universal approach.