Power packs

[ModMan]

Does anybody know much about these external battery backups? I've seen this one which is highly recommended which can jumpstart a motorbike a few times, charge USB devices and even laptops with it's 19v output and multiple nibs:

http://themicrostart.com/products/micro-starts/ Specifically the XP-1 and XP-10

But then you come across the usual Chinese ones like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311243496908?_trksid=p20...

It has a much larger mAh value (30,000 vs 18,000) and almost all the same things for around a quarter of the price. I'd use it really for charging external USB devices (Tablet/GoPro etc) and as a backup to jumpstart my motorbike when out on my adventures in the middle of nowhere, literally.

Any advice or opinions of these or alternatives.

[slowx]

I've used ones that can charge a notebook ( http://www.mymili.com/Default.aspx ), and used ones that can only give one charge to my Note4.

Power Pack, Power Bank, Portable Charger, External Battery Pack...etc etc they are all the same thing just different names, and it's been widely used since the smartphone came out, very common around my part of the world where you'll see someone charging their phone while walking to work/going home/on the train.

Unheard of chinese brands are best to avoid, their mAh is not what you'd call accurate, and their build quality is a bit dodgy.

I got a 5400mAh one from four years ago for 20quid, it used to give me two charge to my Note2, and now it gives me one and a half charge to my Note4 after four years of use.

Anyway, back to your linked power packs...I've never used one which give that much power, and I don't fancy having one, the massive MiLi one I used for trips to charge notebook is heavy enough, can't imagine one that can jump start a bike...

[gr1340]

I don't think it will start a motorbike but I got one of these ages ago (no longer for sale) as it had the micro USB lead built in so no need to carry a seperate lead:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008TXFPS2?psc=...

[Hoofy]

From reading reviews on Amazon, the Chinese versions will at best vaguely charge your phone once and at worst explode.

[igiveup]

I've got one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AANQLRI very good it is too!

[ModMan]

Thanks, I'll check out the other options. The Antigravity one has great reviews and demos of it starting cars and motorbikes. Looks like I will lean towards it as I don't fancy exploding batteries in my panniers!

[Hoofy]

ModMan said:

exploding batteries in my panniers!

That sounds like it'd sting a bit!

[sgrimshaw]

FWIW, they have a UK site too:

http://www.antigravitybatteries-uk.co.uk/

Found this on Amazon, not as cheap as on ebay but gets very good reviews.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/easyjumper-Multi-function-...

ETA - Just ordered the Amazon one, will update when it arrives

Edited by sgrimshaw on Tuesday 3rd February 19:03

[bulldog5046]

You're going to need fking big panniers to get that in!

Amazon said:

1,650 x 400 x 790 cm

[MarkRSi]

Heard about these as they're under £50 now, any more recommendations?

I could certainly use something that can charge a mobile using a 2A USB supply, and if it can jump start a car/bike too that would be a bonus.

I've recently got a £50 amazon voucher so bonus points/virtual beer etc. if I can get something from there.

[mph999]

I've got one of these ...., well the previous version which is 15000 mAh

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D5T3QK4?psc=...

I've also got this smaller one from Maplins.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/6000mah-portable-power-b...

Both seem very good, no issues.

I'd certainly avoid any cheap unbranded ones, there is so much energy stored in them you really really don't want one going up in flames.