Trickle charger - Ctek or NOCO?

warmasice · Post by **warmasice** » Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:42 pm

Hi folks,
I'm looking to purchase a trickle charger/battery tender. It's a toss-up between ctek and Noco. The Ctek 5 amp is currently reduced to £62 and the Noco 5 amp down to £59.

I know there are many here with Cteks and are highly regarded but wondered if anyone had any experience of the Noco?

I've done as much research as I can and other than differences in warranty and minimum charge voltages there doesn't seem to be much in it. The new Nocos are significantly more compact than their predecessors though.

Would appreciate any feedback from those who are wiser than I!

birdy_z4 · Post by **birdy_z4** » Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:45 pm

I have a Ctek and very happy with it

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:45 pm

Ctek ftw. It just works.
my ctek is hooked up to the zeds battery 90% of the time atm and it does what it says on the tin. Keeps it charged and conditioned.

Secondtothird · Post by **Secondtothird** » Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:53 pm

I have a CTEK 25amp DCDC charger on my Hilux which is chunky but proven to be a solid piece of kit in some testing conditions, and have bought two Noco Genius 5 trickle chargers, one for the Hilux and one for my mum's Hiace camper. It's a really well built compact unit which is weatherproof with generous cable lengths. I'd happily buy either brand again, both very reliable.

Owen

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:59 pm

I have a Ctek 5 amp 'smart' charger and a really cheap £20 1.5 amp 'smart' charger. Both are good and do the same job, obviously the Ctek a little quicker for charging.
The only thing I have noticed with the Ctek is it gets quite hot. I wouldn't feel happy with leaving it under a closed bonnet for long periods. Also because it has a connector in the 12v cables, they are only just long enough to get to both terminals in the engine bay on the E89 with the power plug on the floor. Basically the Ctek has short cables

Colin_E · Post by **Colin_E** » Sun Jan 23, 2022 11:00 pm

My Ctek is approaching 25 years old. Not much point specifying a model number as clearly no longer current. Still going strong.
I also have a Noco Boost - appears well made etc but not used enough to form an opinion.

Beatman · Post by **Beatman** » Sun Jan 23, 2022 11:14 pm

birdy_z4 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:45 pm I have a Ctek and very happy with it

+1

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 10:00 am

Pondrew wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:59 pm I have a Ctek 5 amp 'smart' charger and a really cheap £20 1.5 amp 'smart' charger. Both are good and do the same job, obviously the Ctek a little quicker for charging.
The only thing I have noticed with the Ctek is it gets quite hot. I wouldn't feel happy with leaving it under a closed bonnet for long periods. Also because it has a connector in the 12v cables, they are only just long enough to get to both terminals in the engine bay on the E89 with the power plug on the floor. Basically the Ctek has short cables

Slightly off topic, for your benefit Mr P.
You can get a 2m extension for the Ctek cable.
Also, following Smartbear's advice, I no longer try to stretch the earth clip all the way to the offside wing.
On the nearside inner wing, about 6" down, is an earth bolt, holding various earth wires. There is plenty of thread to clip onto that earth point instead.

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 10:29 am

enuff_zed wrote: ↑Mon Jan 24, 2022 10:00 am Slightly off topic, for your benefit Mr P.
You can get a 2m extension for the Ctek cable.
Also, following Smartbear's advice, I no longer try to stretch the earth clip all the way to the offside wing.
On the nearside inner wing, about 6" down, is an earth bolt, holding various earth wires. There is plenty of thread to clip onto that earth point instead.

Thanks Mr E. Every day's a school day. I use my cheapy for the Z4 and the Ctek for the E92 which has both terminals on the offside but it is useful to know

I noticed in the Ctek manual that it recommends a 'reconditioning' cycle once a year, so may do this on both soon. Oh the joys of old cars that are seldom used

biZ4rreMids · Post by **biZ4rreMids** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:06 am

Hi Jas, I use a NOCO 5 Genius for the car and an Optimate for bike. Previously used Ctek and found them all to work without fault.

Zed Baron · Post by **Zed Baron** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:36 am

Pondrew wrote: ↑Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:59 pm Basically the Ctek has short cables

Totally agree with that comment and my only criticism of the Ctek.

Scubaregs · Post by **Scubaregs** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 12:47 pm

CTEK for the bike, was also used on the 718 when I had it as it was not a DD. Had two extension leads and it plugged into the cig. lighter in the Porsche so no faffing about with the battery.

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Mon Jan 24, 2022 1:05 pm

Ctek but, touch wood, never had to use it on the E89 in 5 years.

warmasice · Post by **warmasice** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 9:35 pm

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I opted for the NOCO in the end for its compact size. Otherwise there's not much between them.

Secondtothird · Post by **Secondtothird** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 9:54 pm

You won't be disappointed

Owen

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