Mark,

I still charge my batteries the "old school" way using an Astro 109 and a balancer which bleeds the high cells. This approach works, but you have to be careful since the charging current is normally much higher than the discharge current provided by the balancer. This means that it is possible for the one of the cells to be over charged if you are not careful. Before charging, I always check the balance state of the battery before I start charging, if the cells are close, then I go ahead and start charging. If not, I try to balance them first and then charge. In my experience, when the packs are nearing the end of their useful like, the balancing step before charging becomes necessary. The balancer I use is either a TP or Dualsky.

Now, having said that, I believe that a new balancing charger would be a good investment and also potentially safer.

Good luck,

Teo