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I use P7 torches that take TR18650 batteries - 2500mAh 3.7V.
To charge two of these in the charger I got with them takes ages, pushing 12 hours.
Does this sound normal? I don't know much about electricity - is there variation in the rate at which chargers will charge the bats? Like I could go out and buy one that did it in half the time?
Sounds like the charger you have is a basic single stage trickle charge. It puts a small amount of current in so it takes a long time to charge, simple and cheap to design and build.
Better chargers (ultrafire etc) put in a higher amount of current to begin with, then as the battery nears fully charged they switch to trickle charge. This protects the battery so it isnt overcharged.
A fast charger should recharge an 18660 in a few hours rather than overnight.
Edit. Something like this; http://www.flashaholics.co.uk/batteries/ultrafire-wf139-charger.html
Thks road warrior. That wf-139 is the exact charger I have as it happens, so I wonder if it's bolloxed. It's been like that since I got it though.