Ten battery boosters in the product test

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Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

Ten battery boosters in the product test

Ten battery boosters in the product test

Ten battery boosters in the product test

Ten battery boosters in the product test

25th pictures

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

1/25
APA Mini Lithium Powerpack.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

2/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery clips for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

3/25
BC Booster K1200.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

4/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables, storage bag.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

5/25
DBPower DJS40.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

6/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, battery clips for jump start, USB cable.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

7/25
Dino power pack 400-12V (MOTORRAD test winner).

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

8/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with three adapters, storage bag.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

9/25
Einhell CC-JS 8.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

10/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery clamps for jump start, USB cable with two adapters.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

11/25
IXS Jump Starter SKF8000-12.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

12/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with eight separate adapters, storage bag.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

13/25
Kunzer Multi Pocket Booster Louis Special Edition (MOTORRAD test winner).

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

14/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables, storage bag.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

15/25
Loadchamp energy station LC8-ES.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

16/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with three adapters.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

17/25
Performance Jump Starter PJS 8000.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

18/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, storage case, protective cover for booster.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

19/25
Revolt 5in1 notebook power bank.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
mps photo studio

20/25
Scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with three adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables, storage case.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
Klaus Herder

21/25
Something bigger is needed: M + S boss Jurgen Osterkamp (far left) and electronics technician Stefan Neumann at Chevy…

Ten battery boosters in the product test
Klaus Herder

22/25
…and Bulldog.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
Klaus Herder

23/25
Loosened plug contacts after a long start attempt.

Ten battery boosters in the product test
Klaus Herder

24/25
Flying sparks during the short-circuit test.

Ten battery boosters in the product test

25/25
The MOTORRAD final ranking.

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Ten battery boosters in the product test

10 battery boosters in the test
Back to life

Admittedly, Grandpa Pasulke’s Herzkasper is a bit more dramatic than the starting problems of the beloved two-wheeler. But the solution to the problem is pretty similar in both cases: electricity helps. The defibrillator for ailing starter batteries is called a battery booster. Ten pieces in the test.

Klaus Herder

10/27/2016

Clack, clack, clack – this ugly noise from the starter area is an unmistakable sign that the journey will be delayed indefinitely. At least when there is no kick starter and pushing is not an option. Jump-starting assistance is the order of the day, but it is often questionable whether man and device – i.e. the neighbor with jump-start cable and donor battery-equipped vehicle – are available at the crucial moment. How practical is it when you can fall back on a handy, vehicle-independent juice dispenser as a self-caterer. Such compact Stromer compete under different battle names: Powerpack, Powerbank, Jump Starter, Battery Booster or also – very German – quick start system.

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The devices intended for private users are usually no larger than a thick paperback book, the smallest representatives of this class have the format of a bar of chocolate. Their basic structure is almost always the same: a plastic housing contains a lithium-ion battery that can be charged via a 230-volt network, an on-board socket or (which takes significantly longer) via a 5-volt USB input. The jump start cables, which are combined in a double plug and are almost always quite short, can be connected via a 12-volt output. That would actually already complete the little starter.

Serious differences in equipment

Since, according to Murphy’s law, starting problems never occur during the day and in sunshine, but always in pitch-dark night, most battery booster manufacturers consider it a great idea to give the device an LED lamp that simply lights up, if desired, wildly flickering or SOS flashing – all devices tested here are equipped with it. There are some serious differences in all other equipment features.

The spectrum ranges from just jump start devices to egg-laying woolly milk sows, which can supply practically everything that requires 5, 12, 16 or 19 volts direct current via countless adapters, i.e. smartphones, notebooks, laptops, radios or travel chainsaws. The following rule of thumb applies: the more functions, the larger and heavier the battery booster.

Read the operating instructions carefully

In advertising for the electricity donors, in addition to the more or less meaningful additional benefits, the supposedly impressive technical data are also highlighted. Forget it! Because whether a device has the promised (and purely arithmetically determined) 8,000 or 12,000 mAh capacity, according to the MOTORRAD test experience, hardly matters in practice. Apparently less powerful devices pulled the starter through much more lively than larger competitors. And there were serious differences in devices that, according to paper, play in the same performance class. What matters is on the pitch!

And so that everything goes as accident-free as possible, it is strongly recommended to study the operating instructions very carefully. Among other things, these deal with the correct connection and disconnection sequence of the jump starter cables, the length of the start attempts and the absolutely necessary cooling phases in between. But since – Murphy’s law, second part – the typical hobby mechanic regards operating instructions as an annoying evil and reading them a pure waste of time, it makes perfect sense if clever protective circuits prevent the bad consequences of massive operating errors. The devices from Dino, Einhell and Kunzer were completely convincing, everyone else should try again when it comes to reverse polarity and short-circuit protection.

Two trials

After completing the practical tests, MOTORRAD tried out what can happen if you bring together what does not belong together without adequate protective circuitry. Result of the grossly negligent amalgamation of the plus and minus terminals: lively fireworks and a battery booster that was completely destroyed within a few seconds. The consequences of mixing up the vehicle battery can be even worse.

With a little bad luck, the engine electronics bless the temporal. In a second attempt, MOTORRAD tried out what can happen if the starting attempts are extended beyond the recommended maximum duration. After 30 seconds of permanent starter organs, the only soldered-on connections of the jump-start cables said goodbye as a result of massive heat development, and at the same time the plastic plug and the housing formed an inseparable connection.

APA Mini Lithium Powerpack


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

APA Mini Lithium Powerpack.

providers: EAL, Tel. 02 02/4 29 28 30, www.eal-vertrieb.com

price: 65.03 euros (plus 4.95 euros shipping), bought from Voelkner

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables

Furnishing: Charging input 12 V / 1 A, USB output 5 V / 2 A, output 12 V / 2 A, output 19 V / 3.5 A, one LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via five LEDs

Country of Manufacture: China

Dimensions (L x W x H): 158 x 75 x 31 mm

Weight: 422 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 12,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time k. A., charging cycles k. A..
  • service: detailed German operating instructions, plug and adapter precisely fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery clamps, jump starter cable a bit short
  • Jump start test: passed very well, device and accessories did not heat up
  • abnormalities: no reverse polarity and short circuit protection; Housing similar to the BC device

Conclusion: Sufficiently compact, but in comparison quite heavy device that does not show any weakness in the jump start test and can also bring larger car engines to life. Very extensive equipment and diverse uses, but unfortunately saved on a foolproof protective circuit. The selling price is okay.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good


APA Mini Lithium Powerpack


€ 62.37 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

BC Booster K1200


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

BC Booster K1200.

providers: BC Battery Controller, Tel. 00 39/02 90 38 50 59 (Italy), www.batterycontroller.it

price: 149.95 euros, bought at Polo

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery clips for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables, storage bag

Furnishing: Charging input 12 V / 1 A, USB output 5 V / 2 A, output 12 V / 10 A, output 19 V / 3.5 A, one LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via five LEDs

Country of Manufacture: k. A. (presumably China)

Dimensions (L x W x H): 158 x 75 x 28 mm

Weight: 394 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 8,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time approx. 2.5 hours, service life three to five years
  • service: detailed German operating instructions, plug and adapter precisely fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery clamps, jump starter cable a bit short
  • Jump start test: passed very well, the device and accessories heat up slightly
  • abnormalities: no reverse polarity and short circuit protection; Housing similar to the APA device; According to manufacturer lithium iron phosphate battery

Conclusion: The striking similarity to the APA Powerpack is also reflected in the test. There is no nakedness in the jump start test and can also bring larger car engines to life. Very extensive equipment and diverse uses, but no foolproof protective circuit. A very ambitious selling price compared to the APA.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good


BC Booster K1200


€ 91.60 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

DBPower DJS40


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

DBPower DJS40.

providers: DBPOWER, no phone number, www.dbpower.co.uk

price: 35.99 euros, bought on Amazon at Unicstar Official

scope of delivery: Accupack, battery clips for jump start, USB cable

Furnishing: Micro-USB charging input 5 V / 2 A, USB output 5 V / 2.1 A, an LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via four LEDs

Country of Manufacture: China

Dimensions (L x W x H): 136 x 79 x 22 mm

Weight: 242 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 8,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 150 A, peak current 12 V / 300 A, charging time approx. Five hours, charging cycles k. A..
  • service: somewhat short German operating instructions, plug and adapter perfectly fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, jump start cable somewhat short
  • Jump start test: failed, car starter hardly turns
  • abnormalities: Incorrect input information in the operating instructions (15 V / 1 A), no reverse polarity and short circuit protection, manufacturer reference to “maximum 2.5 liter petrol engines, no diesel”

Conclusion: Very compact and lightweight device that can do a good job on a motorcycle, but is absolutely overwhelmed with diesel and larger gasoline engines – see manufacturer’s information. Workmanship is above average, but the features are poor and the options for use are very limited. Attractive price.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying


DBPower DJS40


€ 39.99 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

Dino power pack 400-12V


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

Dino power pack 400-12V.

providers: R.D.I. Germany, Tel. 0 23 30/80 50, www.dino-kraftpaket.de

price: 62.59 euros, bought on Amazon

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with three adapters, storage bag

Furnishing: Charging input 14 V / 1 A, USB output 5 V / 2 A, one LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via four LEDs

Country of Manufacture: China

Dimensions (L x W x H): 132 x 76 x 25 mm

Weight: 278 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 9,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time approx. Four hours, charging cycles k. A..
  • service: detailed German operating instructions, plug and adapter precisely fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery clamps, jump starter cable a bit short
  • Jump start test: passed very well, minimal heating of the device
  • abnormalities: very good protective circuit including reverse polarity and short-circuit protection, can be bridged on deeply discharged batteries if necessary; Housing very similar to the Einhell device

Conclusion: Compact, relatively light and very well made device that shows no weakness in the jump start test. Can be charged quickly, is still suitable for motorcycles in terms of size and can also help shaky car engines on the jumps. In addition, a foolproof operation and a fair price – that’s enough for the test victory.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good


Dino power pack 400-12V


€ 79.50 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

Einhell CC-JS 8


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

Einhell CC-JS 8.

providers: ISC, Tel. 0 99 51/9 59 20 00, www.einhell.com

price: 89.95 euros (plus 5.95 euros shipping), bought from Conrad Electronic

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery clips for jump start, USB cable with two adapters

Furnishing: Charging input 15 V / 1 A, USB output 5 V / 2 A, an LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via four LEDs

Country of Manufacture: China

Dimensions (L x W x H): 132 x 76 x 25 mm

Weight: 306 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 27.75 Wh (approx. 8,000 mAh), starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time about three hours, charging cycles k. A..
  • service: very detailed German operating instructions, plug and adapter precisely fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery terminals, jump starter cable a bit short
  • Jump start test: passed very well, minimal heating of the device
  • abnormalities: very good protective circuit including reverse polarity and short-circuit protection, can be bridged on deeply discharged batteries if necessary; Housing very similar to the Dino device

Conclusion: Compact, relatively light and very well made device that shows no weakness in the jump start test. Can be charged quickly, is still suitable for motorcycles in terms of size and can also help limp car engines on the jumps. Strikingly similar to the Dino test winner, but more expensive and a bit leaner.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good


Einhell CC-JS 8


€ 70.59 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

IXS Jump Starter SKF8000-12


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

IXS Jump Starter SKF8000-12.

providers: Hostettler, Tel. 07631/1 80 40, www.ixs-motorradbekleidung.de

price: 119.00 euros, bought at Biker Fashion Arena Hamburg

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with eight separate adapters, storage bag

Furnishing: Charging input 12 V / 1 A, USB output 5 V / 2 A, output 12 V / 10 A, one LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via five LEDs

Country of Manufacture: China

Dimensions (L x W x H): 158 x 75 x 28 mm

Weight: 370 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 8,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time 2.5 hours, charging cycles k. A..
  • service: still sufficiently detailed, but purely English operating instructions, plug and adapter perfectly fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery terminals, jump starter cable a bit short
  • Jump start test: passed, significant heating of device and accessories
  • abnormalities: no reverse polarity and short circuit protection, German operating instructions missing, according to manufacturer lithium iron phosphate battery

Conclusion: Sufficiently compact, but somewhat heavier device in comparison, which performed quite well in the jump start test, but indicated its limits in the test engines. Relatively extensive equipment, but no foolproof protective circuit. In comparison, price is at the upper pain threshold.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Kunzer Multi Pocket Booster Louis Special Edition


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

Kunzer Multi Pocket Booster Louis Special Edition.

providers: Louis, Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de

price: 99.99 euros (plus 4.95 euros shipping), bought from Louis

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery clips for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables, storage bag

Furnishing: Charging input Micro-USB 5 V / 1 A and 12 V / 1 A, USB output 5 V / 2 A, output 19 V / 3.5 A, two LED lamps (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via four LED

Country of Manufacture: China

Dimensions (L x W x H): 171 x 84 x 33 mm

Weight: 404 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 12,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time five hours, charging cycles k. A..
  • service: Relatively detailed German operating instructions, plug and adapter precisely fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, power plug and cigarette lighter cable long enough, robust battery clamps, jump start cable long enough
  • Jump start test: passed with excellent results, no heating of the device or accessories
  • abnormalities: Very good protective circuit including reverse polarity and short-circuit protection, operating instructions that are somewhat misleading in terms of connection sequence when the battery is deeply discharged

Conclusion: Only moderately compact and in comparison quite heavy device, which is absolutely convincing in the jump start test and can also bring larger car engines to life without any problems. Good workmanship, extensive equipment including foolproof protective circuit and many possible uses ensure plenty of points and the (shared) test victory.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Loadchamp energy station LC8-ES


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

Loadchamp energy station LC8-ES.

providers: Loadchamp, Tel. 06 21/46 09 85 33, www.loadchamp.de

price: 38.90 euros, bought on Amazon at Winner batteries

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery clips for jump start, USB cable with three adapters

Furnishing: Charging input 12 V / 1 A, USB output 5 V / 2 A, an LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via four LEDs

Country of Manufacture: k. A. (presumably China)

Dimensions (L x W x H): 138 x 78 x 16 mm

Weight: 220 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 8,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 350 A, charging time about three hours, 1,500 charging cycles
  • service: Relatively detailed German operating instructions, plug and adapter perfectly fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery clamps, jump start cable a bit short
  • Jump start test: Gasoline engine barely passed, excessive heating of device and accessories, diesel engine failed
  • abnormalities: no reverse polarity and short circuit protection, manufacturer’s reference to “only petrol vehicles up to 2.0 liters”

Conclusion: Very compact and very light device that can do a very good job on a motorcycle, but which is quickly overwhelmed with diesel and large gasoline engines – see manufacturer’s information. Processing above average. In view of the low price, surprisingly complete scope of delivery. Top for motorcycle use only.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good


Loadchamp energy station LC8-ES


€ 38.90 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

Performance Jump Starter PJS 8000


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

Performance Jump Starter PJS 8000.

providers: Hein Gericke, Tel. 02 11/9 89 88 88, www.hein-gericke.de

price: 79.95 euros (plus 3.95 euros shipping), bought from Hein Gericke

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery terminals for jump start, USB cable with four adapters, storage case, protective cover for booster

Furnishing: Charging input 15 V / 1 A, two USB outputs 5 V / 2.1 and 1 A, an LED lamp (steady light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display in percentages via LCD

Country of Manufacture: China

Dimensions (L x W x H): 135 x 77 x 33 mm

Weight: 318 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 8,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time four hours, up to 3,000 charging cycles (only 1,000 according to the operating instructions)
  • service: Relatively detailed English operating instructions, plug and adapter precisely fitting, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery clamps, jump starter cable a bit short
  • Jump start test: passed with excellent results, only minimal heating of the device
  • abnormalities: No reverse polarity and short circuit protection, German operating instructions are missing

Conclusion: Sufficiently compact device that is in the middle of the weight range, does not show any weakness in the jump start test and can also handle larger car engines without any problems. The equipment is right, the workmanship is okay and the price is quite fair. When it comes to protection, there is more.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Revolt 5in1 notebook power bank


Ten battery boosters in the product test


mps photo studio

Revolt 5in1 notebook power bank.

providers: Pearl, Tel. 01 80/5 55 82, www.revolt-power.de

price: 79.90 euros (plus 1.95 euros shipping), bought from Pearl

scope of delivery: Accupack, power supply charger, 12 V charging cable with cigarette lighter plug, battery clips for jump start, USB cable with three adapters, eight (laptop) adapters with cables, storage case

Furnishing: Charging input 14 V / 1 A, two USB outputs 5 V / 2 A, output 12 V / 2.5 A, output 16 V / 3.5 A, output 19 V / 3.5 A, three LED lamps ( Continuous light, SOS, stroboscope), charge status display via five LEDs

Country of Manufacture: k. A. (presumably China)

Dimensions (L x W x H): 166 x 80 x 39 mm

Weight: 418 g

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer information: Capacity 12,000 mAh, starting current 12 V / 200 A, peak current 12 V / 400 A, charging time six to eight hours, charging cycles k. A..
  • service: detailed German operating instructions, plug and adapter precisely fitting, jump start cable but with too much play and overall too short, easy switching on and off of the LED lamp, mains plug and cigarette lighter cable sufficiently long, robust battery terminals
  • Jump start test: passed, slight heating of device and accessories
  • abnormalities: no reverse polarity and short circuit protection

Conclusion: Only moderately compact and in comparison quite heavy device, which shows a decent but not outstanding performance in the jump start test. A big plus is the wide range of possible uses, but the (too) easy adjustment of the voltage ranges harbors some potential for operating errors. A more extensive protection circuit would have been nice.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good


Revolt 5in1 notebook power bank


€ 79.90 *
buy from Amazon

* At the time of publication

This is how MOTORRAD tests


Ten battery boosters in the product test


Klaus Herder

Flying sparks during the short-circuit test.

MOTORRAD bought the test devices anonymously and online from motorcycle accessories and electronics dealers in September 2016. The prices quoted are the amounts paid by MOTORRAD and not the non-binding guide prices. After reviewing the equipment and processing quality, the test candidates went to the renowned charger manufacturer M + S, which carried out a similar test three years ago, but broke off because of massive safety deficiencies (missing protective circuits) at the time. After comparing the performance data and preliminary tests, it was clear that all devices would have no problems starting a motorcycle engine and that the verification of the (computationally determined!) Capacity information would not allow any statements about further practical suitability. So something “heavier artillery” had to be deployed in order to determine real differences in performance.

In the first step, the respective test candidate had the task of getting the starter of the 3.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine of a Chevrolet Colorado (built in 2005) going. The Chevy’s 36 Ah starter battery was deeply discharged to 6 V. After three successfully completed, five-second long starter runs with cooling phases of 15 seconds each, this test point was deemed to have been passed. This was followed by test point two, the “Bulldog Test” – a much more difficult task: The 1631 cm³ three-cylinder diesel engine of an IHC McCormick D-320 (built in 1962) with a decrepit 80 Ah battery should run with the help of the battery booster to be brought. Pre-glow, high compression – a stress test for every starter. Finally, MOTORRAD testers and M + S professionals assessed the user-friendliness of the devices and took a detailed look at operational safety – keyword reverse polarity and overvoltage protection.

Interview with Jurgen Osterkamp from M + S


Ten battery boosters in the product test


M + S

Jurgen Osterkamp (59): “Charged within ten seconds”

Jurgen Osterkamp (59), mechanical engineer, electronics tinkerer and managing director of M + S, is already working on the future of jump starters.

MOTORCYCLE: Why didn’t we meet you at this year’s INTERMOT in Cologne?

Jurgen Osterkamp: I preferred to have a look around immediately before that at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, the leading trade fair for the automotive industry. From time to time there are things to discover there that can also be of great interest to motorcyclists.

MOTORCYCLE: What was new to see there in terms of jump starters?

Jurgen Osterkamp: Devices that are called “battery-less starters” and that have a capacitor instead of a lithium-ion or lithium-iron phosphate battery, which is used for external starting.

MOTORCYCLE: What is the advantage of these devices?

Jurgen Osterkamp: The capacitor can be charged from a wide variety of sources in an extremely short time – i.e. immediately before the external start. This can be done via the residual voltage of the starter battery, via a twelve-volt cigarette lighter or, if necessary, even via a USB cable from the mobile phone. That means that even the five volts from the cell phone are enough to charge the capacitor to the point where it causes the ailing starter battery of a two-and-a-half-liter car to turn the starter.

MOTORCYCLE: How long does it take to charge the capacitor??

Jurgen Osterkamp: The charging time with the five volts from the cell phone via USB can be up to 15 minutes. Such a device is charged with twelve volts within ten seconds.

MOTORCYCLE: And what does the fun cost?

Jurgen Osterkamp: At the moment 120 to 150 euros, but there will certainly be a lot more to do in the next one or two years.

MOTORCYCLE: The capacitor chargers only have advantages over the battery boosters?

Jurgen Osterkamp: In principle, yes, but they are made for exactly one task: starting. If you want to supply other devices with power, you can’t avoid conventional batteries. In addition, the capacitor chargers are currently twice as large as powerful battery boosters. So you always have a small – albeit very light – brick with you.

MOTORCYCLE final scoring


Ten battery boosters in the product test

The MOTORRAD final ranking.

Not a high-flyer, but largely decent quality. All test candidates fulfill the job as a motorcycle start helper, but there are big differences when it comes to demands that go beyond this. The two first place winners are the best examples: A rather puristic device in mini format shares the test victory with a powerful almost all-rounder. And the bottom line is that very different devices also receive the same test result in the other places. So this time it is particularly worthwhile to read the data boxes very carefully in order to find your very own personal favorite.

Ten battery boosters in the product test

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The best motorcycle accessories

Overview of motorcycle accessory tests

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