...Even if a cell has the same mAh capacity as shown on a matcher, the time that it takes each cell to fully charge will not be the same. Just to throw some numbers out, it may take one cell 1800 sec. to accept 2000mAh to fully change and it may take the next cell 1900 sec. to accept the same 2000mAh to fully charge. Look at the labels on your matched NiMh pack and see the charge time on each cell.

So even you have a pack that has all cells with the same capacity (tested via matching) and the pack is fully equalized on a discharge tray (or via a part discharge), some cells will reach peak before others. This is unavoidable...

This is what I was trying to get across but did not put it well.

A 2000Mah battery will take on 1800mah worth of charge at a different rate than a 4000Mah battery.

My head hurts. :D I love the smell of Nitro at the track! ;)

Two 2000mAh cells that match out at the same capacity and voltage will charge at different rates... they don't even need to be different size cells.

That's why, when I rematch old packs (or at least I used to rematch old packs), I matched them by charge time from an equalized state. Then the cells reached peak closer together. I did not consider ultimate capacity the most important parameter because I never ran the pack down to empty in a race anyway.

The difference between non equalising chargers for NIMH and equalising or "balancing" chargers is the type and specifically how the cells deal with overcharge. The NI cells can dissipate overcharge as heat long before damage occurs. The lipo doesn't , it will be damaged rather than dealing with any overcharge. This is why it is important that they both be equal and under the max voltage.

I suppose I liked that 6 cell monitoring NI charger (can't remember what it was from England) but maybe it just didn't sell well. I apparently am in the minority again on the best way to charge lipos , as everyone else seems to want balancers and even balancing chargers.

The exact same principal (that I said "lets drop") is exactly the same for lipos , in fact it is even more predictable and repeatable it isn't funny.