Goal Zero  Switch 8 Portable Recharger

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Small but mighty, the Goal Zero Switch 8 portable recharger breathes life into your phone, music player, or tablet. Bring it wherever your adventures may lead for extra power when you're on the go.

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Features

  • Powerful lithium battery is light and powerful and holds a full charge for up to 6 months; charge it up from a solar panel (sold separately) or USB
  • USB in and out offer a simple and straightforward design for easy use

Imported.

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Technical Specs

Best Use

Backpacking

Charge Time (hrs)

Sun: 6-12 hrs USB: 4 hrs

External Charge

USB

Battery Included

Yes

Battery Type

Lithium Ion

Battery Storage Capacity (mAh)

2200 mAh

Power Output to Device

5V 1000mA

Material(s)

Lithium

Dimensions

5 x 0.75 x 0.75 inches

Weight

3.2 ounces

Reviews
131 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

105 out of 121 (87%) reviewers recommend this product

Review this Product

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Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars
Lowered Expectations
Myk in Seattle
11 years ago
This may be a great product under the right circumstances; but it is not what I expected - though not the company's fault. Just want to provide some clarification and avoid possible confusion. The way the current REI description is written it might seem that the unit as sold allows it to be charged directly from a wall outlet. This is not true. It can only be charged using a USB connector. The unit itself is not supplied with a connector that allows charging from a wall outlet. You must provide your own. One of the earlier reviews makes it also sound like it can be easily charged directly. (I have emailed REI about this problem with their description). Secondly, I've plugged this into the USB outlet on my computer keyboard (using a Mac Pro) and I get error messages that the Switch 8 is drawing too much power and that the computer needs to disconnect some of its USB functionalities. So, be sure to test fully before relying on it too much.
Myk in Seattle
Seattle, WA metro area
21 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars
Lowered Expectations
Myk in Seattle
11 years ago
This may be a great product under the right circumstances; but it is not what I expected - though not the company's fault. Just want to provide some clarification and avoid possible confusion. The way the current REI description is written it might seem that the unit as sold allows it to be charged directly from a wall outlet. This is not true. It can only be charged using a USB connector. The unit itself is not supplied with a connector that allows charging from a wall outlet. You must provide your own. One of the earlier reviews makes it also sound like it can be easily charged directly. (I have emailed REI about this problem with their description). Secondly, I've plugged this into the USB outlet on my computer keyboard (using a Mac Pro) and I get error messages that the Switch 8 is drawing too much power and that the computer needs to disconnect some of its USB functionalities. So, be sure to test fully before relying on it too much.
Myk in Seattle
Seattle, WA metro area
21 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

ldsconvert
Houston, TX, United States
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Great Idea - Poor Follow Through

11 years ago

I love Goal Zero, but these Switch 8's never seemed to work for me. I bought two from the local REI, both of them would not take a charge. I talked to Goal Zero, and their only advise was to take it back and try another. That being said, I actually ended up getting and loving the Guide 10, and so far its been able charge my cell up twice with one full charge. I mainly bought it because it came with the solar panel. If I were not concerned about the solar panel, I would go to walmart and spend 30 bucks for those little quick chargers, my buddy took one last trip, and it charged his cell 3 or 4 times for half the cost.

Helpful?
Melipino13
Santa Monica, CA, United States
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Not for all smartphones

10 years ago

I own a few Goal Zero products and am pretty happy with them, except this one. The description claims to charge smartphones up to one full charge, but unfortunately this is not true for the Samsung Galaxy S5. I received a prompt and excellent response from customer support: "The Samsung galaxy S5 battery is actually significantly larger than the switch 8 battery. This is why you are not receiving a full recharge on your phone. The S5 is 2800mah and the switch 8 is only 2200mah. Unfortunately there isn’t too much we can do in order to get a full recharge you will need larger battery pack." Lesson learned: do your research and make sure the battery pack is large enough for your needs!

No, I do not recommend this product
Helpful?
Auntbliz
Spokane WA
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Only one flaw

12 years ago

I like the portability, and it charges quickly and can charge my iPhone a couple times on one charge. Something I hope they improve for subsequent buyers is the end cap constantly falling off. It doesn't seem to be threaded, and this happened the day after I got it as a gift, first use, if the end is touched on the side it pops right off. Then you have to really fiddle with it to get it to stay on again, and plug it back in so that it will recognize it has a charge. If you don't plug it in to a power source for a couple seconds it won't charge anything after the cap is replaced. I still like it, but that part is pretty annoying.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on Goal Zero
rachel_h
San Francisco CA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great product!

12 years ago

The Switch 8 Portable Recharger recharges my iPhone 5 when I'm running low on power. I've used it in the wild, on transit, and when I'm in a car but don't have a car charger. I love the integration with photovoltaic panels, but generally just plug it into the wall or my computer via USB. It's so flexible! I liked this so much, I bought two for my earthquake kit. The small blue lights that indicate remaining charge are also great.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Jordan Bush
Lancaster, PA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Portable, Versatile, A Life Saver

12 years ago

I have had a lot of iPhone chargers over the years, and this one stands out above the rest. It is reliable, I don't have to worry about it unplugging from my phone while on the go, it is rechargeable, I can charge it on my Mac, any USB port, even while my phone is charging through the device. It is small, light weight, durable, and I can get one full iPhone 5 charge out of the Switch 8. It pairs great with the Nomad 7 or any Goal Zero panel. The LED charge indicator lights are very helpful. I use the Switch mostly when traveling on foot in a rural or urban environment, extending the life of my iPhone substantially. It is a staple in my messenger bag and travel kit.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on Goal Zero
jnborder
Raleigh, NC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great Purchase

11 years ago

This product met my expectations. I use it almost everyday. Charging takes longer than expected but if you charge it over night and leave it in your bag for a day or so it still remains fully charged and is good to go. Perfect for those times when you really need to charge an electronic device and there are no outlets to be found.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Livingupnorth
Minnesota
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Does what it is supposed to do

12 years ago

I bought the switch 8 for backpacking and canoe tripping to charge small devices like cell phones/kindle/mp3. Portable size and ease of use makes it ideal for this application. It charges my smart phone fully in about 1 3/4 hours off of the battery pack. No issues charging the basic cell phone, kindle, and MP3. The only problem I initially encountered was getting the smart phone (Casio Commando) to charge off of the battery. It would not charge using the phone's USB cable. The solution is to use a "charge only" USB cable (no sync/data capability). Overall, well thought out and well designed product.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on Goal Zero
John - Sea John Kayak
California
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Switch 8 a handy stick

12 years ago

Spend time away from the urban environment and conventional power sources. This is my answer to be able to access power and contiue to use computer stored computer resources and file while working in the field. Looking to purchase a second one at the upcoming members sale. Purchased a like set up for nephew who is in service for use when he is deployed.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Crank2
Washington state
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Does exactly as promised

12 years ago

Use it for overnight bicycling touring. Extends the amount of time I can keep track of my times, without finding a place to charge various small electronics.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Thorir Hund
Glendora, CA
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Goal Zero has another great product

12 years ago

After receiving this as birthday present, I have put it through it's paces. The device has recharged my Charge Smartphone fully and has taken my Kindle HD 8.9 to 50% charge for 3% so I am pleased with this product.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
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