
Imported.
Item 851177
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:
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 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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:
I have been looking for a good solar charging product. There are so many out there but few are lightweight and can be rugged. I will be at the 2013 National Jamboree this summer and this product is perfect for my use. REI's unquestionable customer service and return policy make it a no brainer to purchase. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:
I've been using this solar recharger to keep my Droid phone, Kindle, and iPod charged. In full sun, it charges up in just a few hours. The panel and storage battery are light and easy to carry around. I had to buy an $9 cable (w/ mini USB, micro USB, and iPhone connections) to connect it to my devices.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Goal Zero Switch 8 Solar Recharging Kit:
I picked this great little charger up at REI after spending 6 weeks backpacking through the Himalayas and constantly struggling to keep my electronics charged (Camera, ipod, headlamp, GoPro). With sporadic access to unreliable electricity, and with extreme cold temperatures that kill your batteries quickly, this would have been the PERFECT piece of gear for that situation. (I also plan to use it on my cross country motorcycle trips, where I don't have a cigarette lighter charger available).
I chose this particular charger because it seemed to be quite a bit lighter weight than its larger siblings, while still charging at an acceptable rate. (The larger the panels, the faster the fuel cell will charge, but then when you plug your electronics into the fuel cell, it charges at the same rate as the larger panels). I have only been testing it for a couple days now on mostly sunny days and it seems like it takes a good 10-12 hours to charge the Switch 8 (the fuel cell), which in turn gives my smart phone (or camera, ipod, headlamp) a good full charge in just a couple hours. So, this is pretty much the perfect solar recharging gadget for excursions when you are looking to recharge your electronics every few days on long excursions or travles. Small, light weight,sleek and cool. But if you are going to need to charge multiple gadgets a day, then this isn't the one for you. You'll need bigger, heavier, faster charging solar panels.
Lastly, it's pretty awesome that you can charge the Switch 8 before you hit the road or trail simply by plugging it into your wall or any USB charger to give it a nice full charge in just a couple hours.
Displaying reviews 1-4
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