The Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt Made a Bold First Impression
The Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt isn’t going to win any beauty contests. However, at a price point of just $13.99, it promises a simple solution to a common problem: keeping your 6V and 12V batteries charged and ready to go. It’s a basic charger, but sometimes basic is exactly what you need in the field.
My need for this little charger arose from a frustrating experience last deer season. My trail cameras, powered by 6V batteries, kept dying prematurely. I suspected a faulty battery but realized my trickle charger wasn’t versatile enough to handle both 6V and 12V systems. The Wildgame Innovations charger promised a convenient solution with its voltage selection switch.
Upon unboxing, the Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt felt surprisingly lightweight. Its all-plastic construction doesn’t exactly scream “bombproof,” but it seems adequately sturdy for its intended purpose. The design is simple: a black box with a voltage selector switch, charge indicator light, and basic alligator clips for connecting to the battery terminals.
I considered other options, like a smart charger with automatic voltage detection and overcharge protection. However, those tend to be significantly more expensive. I also looked at some generic multi-voltage chargers on Amazon, but the Wildgame Innovations name offered a degree of reassurance, even if it’s just a basic charger.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It’s not fancy, but the Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt looks like it will get the job done. For the price, it seemed like a worthwhile gamble to solve my trail camera battery woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved a nearly depleted 6V battery from one of my trail cameras. I connected the charger, selected the 6V setting, and plugged it in. The charge indicator light illuminated, confirming that it was delivering power. The charging took several hours, as expected with a trickle charger.
I tested the charger in my garage, where the temperature fluctuated between 40°F and 60°F. The charger didn’t seem to be affected by the temperature changes. The ease of use was excellent; the alligator clips were easy to attach to the battery terminals. There were no issues at all.
After the initial charge, I put the battery back in the trail camera. The camera ran flawlessly for several weeks, suggesting the charger had successfully restored the battery’s capacity. The simplicity was refreshing compared to more complex charging systems I’ve used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt, it has consistently performed as expected. I’ve charged both 6V trail camera batteries and a 12V ATV battery with success. I have not seen issues to report.
Durability is a concern, given the plastic construction. So far, there are no signs of wear and tear, but I’m careful to store it properly. The alligator clips remain functional, though I suspect they will be the first point of failure over the long term.
Maintenance is minimal; I simply wipe it down with a dry cloth occasionally. I’ve noticed the plastic casing gets slightly warm during charging, but not alarmingly so. Compared to my older, bulkier charger, the Wildgame Innovations model is much more convenient and space-saving. It has exceeded my expectations for a low-cost charger.
Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt
Specifications
- Voltage Compatibility: Designed for both 6-volt and 12-volt batteries, offering versatility for various applications. This is a primary selling point for those using different battery types.
- Charge Light Status Indicator: Provides visual feedback on the charging process, indicating whether the battery is charging or fully charged. This is a basic but essential feature.
- Voltage Selection Switch: Allows users to manually select the appropriate voltage for the battery being charged. It’s critical to use the correct voltage setting to avoid damaging the battery.
Performance & Functionality
The Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt functions reliably as a basic trickle charger. It slowly replenishes battery power without overcharging (though it lacks advanced overcharge protection). Its primary strength is its simplicity; it’s easy to connect and use, even for beginners.
The primary weakness is the lack of advanced features like automatic voltage detection or multi-stage charging. It’s a simple on/off charger, which means it won’t optimize charging for different battery types or conditions. Given its low price, it meets expectations for basic battery charging.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price. The all-plastic construction keeps it lightweight. It is a simple, utilitarian design. The alligator clips are easy to grip and connect, and the voltage selector switch is clearly labeled.
It is user-friendly, with virtually no learning curve. Just connect the clips, select the voltage, and plug it in. There are no confusing settings or displays to navigate.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability remains to be seen, given the plastic construction. However, with careful handling and storage, it should last for several seasons. It is very easy to maintain. Just keep it clean and dry.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt comes with no additional accessories beyond the attached alligator clips. There are no customization options available. It is a very basic, bare-bones charger.
It is not designed for compatibility with any specific accessories, beyond standard battery terminals. However, you could potentially replace the alligator clips with higher-quality ones if desired.
Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt
Pros
- Affordable price point at $13.99 makes it accessible to budget-conscious users. This is its biggest selling point.
- Simple and easy to use, with a clear voltage selection switch and charge indicator light. No technical expertise is required.
- Compatible with both 6V and 12V batteries, offering versatility for different applications. It avoids the need for multiple chargers.
- Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to store and transport. It can easily fit in a toolbox or gear bag.
- Reliable performance as a basic trickle charger, effectively replenishing battery power. It gets the job done for its intended purpose.
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like automatic voltage detection or overcharge protection. This is a trade-off for the low price.
- All-plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability. It may not withstand harsh handling or extreme conditions.
Who Should Buy Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt?
Perfect for: Hunters using trail cameras with 6V batteries, ATV owners needing a basic 12V charger, and anyone seeking an affordable and simple way to maintain small lead-acid batteries. Casual campers can benefit from this if their equipment uses 6V or 12V batteries. Pro anglers could also use it for maintaining batteries used in fish finders and other electronic gear.
Who should skip this product? Those needing advanced charging features, such as automatic voltage detection, multi-stage charging, or desulfation. Also, those requiring a charger for lithium-ion batteries should avoid this product, as it’s designed for lead-acid batteries only.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A set of higher-quality alligator clips could improve the long-term durability. Also, using a battery maintainer or tender after charging can help extend battery life.
Conclusion on Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt
The Wildgame Innovations WGIWGIBC0005 Battery Charger Black 6 Volt-12 Volt is a basic, no-frills charger that delivers on its promise of simple and affordable battery maintenance. It’s not going to impress anyone with its features or build quality, but it reliably charges both 6V and 12V batteries, making it a versatile tool for hunters, ATV owners, and anyone using small lead-acid batteries.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s a great value for budget-conscious users who don’t need advanced charging features.
I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a simple and inexpensive way to keep their batteries topped off. It’s a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s gear bag or garage workshop. Get yours today and keep those batteries powered up!