Product Review—Xtreme Charge Battery Charger

EVERYTHING IS BECOMING computerized. That’s a good thing in most instances and a great thing when it comes to recharging a battery.

Consider the new Xtreme Charge.

The Model XC100 12-Volt Charger is so sophisticated it can tell you when the proper charge connections have been made, if the leads are connected correctly, or if the battery being charged can even be charged.

But that’s not all. The Xtreme Charge battery charger can also evaluate the battery’s condition and determine how much charge to give it. That means once the unit determines the battery is 100% charged, the unit will automatically shift to a maintenance charge and keep the battery fully charged indefinitely. Can you say, “Gas up the boat; I know the battery is charged.”

Sounds good, but that’s still not all. The Xtreme Charge battery charger is available as a single battery charger for about $95 and also comes in a $160 version that can handle two batteries at once. That means you can keep the vintage ride fully charged at the same time you are keeping the boat battery fully charged as well.

Since boat batteries and vintage ride batteries seem to constantly need a charge, the Xtreme Charge unit comes with extra leads that can be permanently attached to two separate batteries. When you are ready to head for the lake or to the car show, all you have to do is unplug from the charger and away you go.

When you return home sunburned, it is a simple matter of plugging the charger back in to maintain a full charge. Now that’s convenience.

The Xtreme Charge unit plugs into a common household 110-volt outlet and works off of Pulse Technology.

I don’t know exactly what that is, but they tell me this technology increases the duty and life cycles of most 12-volt batteries by reducing the size of the lead sulfate crystals formed as the battery works.

The unit charges at 2.5 amps and 14.8 volts. That’s enough charge to ensure a peak charge on any type of 12-volt battery.

As I’ve already mentioned, the unit comes with two sets of permanently attachable leads, as well as two sets of alligator-style clamps. All leads have a quick disconnect feature with a built-in fuse protector.

You can find the Xtreme Charge where automotive parts and accessories are sold, or contact Xtreme Charge, 1100 S. Kimball Ave., Southlake, TX 76092; . —Larry Lyles