Junsi iCharger DX8 vs 406DUO

When the rumours of a new iCharger DX8 started to circulate a while back, it seamed everyone was excited for its arrival.  Now that it's here, nobody seams to care.  Let's take a closer look at the DX8 specs, compare it to the popular 406Duo and try to figure out why it hasn't been very popular so far...

iCharger DX8 vs 406DUO

NET WEIGHT: 
DX8 440g
406DUO 910g
Winner DX8

DIMENSIONS:
DX8 97.5x128.5x40mm
406DUO 171x118x59mm
​Winner DX8

INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE:
DX8 9-49VDC
406DUO 10-30VDC
​Winner DX8

MAXIMUM INPUT CURRENT LIMIT:
DX8 65A
406DUO <60A, CH1/2<47A
I'm not sure if the DX8 is 65A combined or per channel.  I'm going to assume it's 65A per channel. 
​Winner DX8

MAXIMUM CHARGE/DISCHARGE CURRENT:
DX8 30A x2 (50A Bridged)
406DUO 40A x2 (70A Bridged)
Winner 406DUO

MAXIMUM CHARGE POWER CAPACITY:
DX8 1100W x 2 (1600W Bridged)
406DUO 1000W x 2 (1400W Bridged)
Winner DX8

MAXIMUM DISCHARGE PWER CAPACITY:
DX8 45W x 2 (70W Bridged)
406DUO 80W x 2 (140W Bridged)*
*The specs of the 406DUO are a little unclear in the manual.  I believe I have reported this correctly.
Winner 406DUO

MAXIMUM REGENERATIVE DISCHARGE POWER CAPACITY:
DX8 1100W x 2 (1600W Bridged)
406DUO 1000W x 2 (1400W Bridged)
Winner DX8

MAXIMUM EXTRA DISCHARGE POWER CAPACITY:
DX8 1050W @35V/30A (2100 W Bridged)
406DUO 1000W @25V/40A (2000 W Bridged)
The DX8 has slightly higher voltage and slightly higher wattage when bridged but the 406DUO can go higher per channel
Winner TIE

MAXIMUM CURRENT DRAIN FOR BALANCING:
DX8 2A x2 (4A Bridged)
406DUO 1.2A x 2 (2.4A Bridged)
Winner DX8

USB CHARGING PORT:
DX8 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A
406DUO 5V/1A
Winner DX8

OUTPUT PORT CONNECTOR:
DX8 XT60
406DUO 4mm Bullet
Winner:  406DUO
​I Gave this to the 406DUO simply because the majority of charge leads on the market right now (and likely the ones you already have) have 4mm bullets on the charge side.  You'll have to solder XT60 plugs on your charge leads if you buy a DX8

INPUT PORT CONNECTOR:
DX8 XT90
406DUO Fixed lead with EC5
Winner DX8
​I gave the DX8 a victory here as it is, in my opinion, easier to create or buy an input lead that is the length you require vs creating one with an EC5 connector or soldering a new style connector as you would have to with the 406DUO

PRICE:
DX8 $300 USD
406DO $320 USD
Winner DX8

MISC.
Both chargers have similar other features that don't really effect us much when racing (6s vs 8s, lead acid batter capacity etc.)
I couldn't find whether or not the DX8 has reverse polarity protection.  The 406DUO does and I'm assuming the DX8 does as well.
​

CONCLUSION:
Both the DX8 and 406DUO have more features and capacity than the majority of us will utilize.  The DX8 is smaller, lighter and slightly less costly than the 406DUO.  The DX8 wins out in the majority of categories however, the 406DUO is the winner when it comes to the all important Charge/Discharge current.  If you run a stock class and want to charge/discharge at very high rates, you'll likely want to stick with the 406DUO.  If, however you don't think you'll take full advantage of the ultra high rates that the 406DUO offers, the DX8 might save you a little money and a little space on your pit table.  Bear in mind however that if you go with a DX8, you'll have to build/buy input and charge leads with the appropriate plugs so any price savings may get negated by this.