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Our team spends a ton of time reviewing outdoor power equipment, so it made sense for us to test and offer insights on the NOCO Genius 5 Smart Battery Charger. This device is designed to maintain battery life while mowers, tractors, ATVs, boats, and cars are in storage, and to bring depleted batteries back to life. I tried it out on four different types of batteries in various conditions, and it did a great job on all of them. In this review, I’ll explain everything I like about it, the one thing I would like to see changed, and why I think it’s one of the best tools of its kind.
A smart battery charger and maintainer is your best bet to keep mower, tractor, and ATV batteries in top condition without the risk of overheating. The NOCO Genius 5 is a versatile choice that is compatible with 6-volt and 12-volt lead-acid and lithium batteries, including wet, gel, AGM, CA, EFB, and MF types. It is IP65-rated for water and dust resistance and even works as a desulfator for older batteries.
Best Smart Battery Charger
NOCO Genius 5 Smart Battery Charger
Rating: 4.75/5
Photo: Amazon
What We Like
- Compact unit is easy to store and transport
- Automatically adjusts output for the battery condition
- Safe for smaller batteries
- Rugged construction for long-term use
What We Don’t Like
- Short leads may complicate battery access
Product Specs
-
Battery compatibility:
6-volt and 12-volt lead acid and lithium batteries -
Maximum amperage:
5 amps -
Weather resistance:
IP65 rating
Design and Features
When it is plugged in and a battery is attached, the Genius 5 automatically adjusts its charging output based on the battery’s condition. It operates as a 5-amp charger for drained batteries, or a trickle charger to maintain batteries in stored equipment. It even senses and automatically corrects sulfate crystallization caused by extended storage in a drained state. The kit includes the battery maintainer, battery clamps with integrated eyelet terminals, and a mounting bracket with hardware.
The first thing that stood out to me was the build quality. The NOCO Genius 5 smart charger is designed and lab tested for dust and water resistance. In real life, it looks and feels sturdy with rugged housing and strong, secure wire connections. It’s also fairly compact, which is especially handy for storage. The included mounting bracket makes it easy to set up a dedicated charging location near an electrical outlet, with a hook-and-loop retainer strap for quick, convenient access.
Our Test Results
I put this battery charger/maintainer/desulfator to the test on four different batteries: a completely dead and slightly corroded riding mower battery, a stored deep-cycle RV battery, a weak portable generator battery, and the working battery in my truck. There were no settings to adjust. In each case, I just plugged in the charger and clamped the leads on the battery terminals.
The Genius 5 automatically switched to the appropriate mode for the battery type and condition. The AGM truck battery and lithium-ion RV battery were both working properly, so they stimulated storage mode. The generator battery was topped up in less than an hour. Best of all, the dead mower battery was back to working order in about 5 hours and, after 24 hours in maintenance mode, produced stronger starting power than before I stored it 6 months ago.
There’s a lot to like about the NOCO Genius 5 battery charger. It’s built to last, could not have been easier to use, charged low batteries fast, and it was a really good value for the price. The only thing I might change would be to lengthen the wires that go from the charge controller to the battery to make attaching some batteries easier without removing them. Even with that minor point in mind, I recommend it with no reservations.
Where to Buy
Photo: Amazon
What We Like
- Compact unit is easy to store and transport
- Automatically adjusts output for the battery condition
- Safe for smaller batteries
- Rugged construction for long-term use
What We Don’t Like
- Short leads may complicate battery access
Product Specs
-
Battery compatibility:
6-volt and 12-volt lead acid and lithium batteries -
Maximum amperage:
5 amps -
Weather resistance:
IP65 rating
The post This Is The Electrical Device Every Riding Mower, ATV, Motorcycle, or Car Owner Needs appeared first on Bob Vila.