I can't get into any battery debate, what I do to mine would make people shudder!!!! Meters I will debate, I have a couple of them and yes, a loaded meter is one of the most used items in my field box.. Doesn't mater if it's one of the cheap analog meters from tower or one of the good digitals from a number of sources. I really like the tach/meter combo from Horizon. Most all of the cheap tachs are crap but I have tested a number of the Horizon tach/meter combos against my TNC tach and so far all of them have been on the money. NO, you don't need a tach but if you are buying a good volt meter why not take a look at it, a good combo unit. While you are in the Horizon web site take a look at there chargers/dischargers too. I have four chargers, all different brands but I like the ones I got from Horizon best. It pays to shop around though, a good charger is a true joy!!!