Mini Li-Ion car starters

Downstream · December 29, 2017, 10:48:31 AM

I did a search to see if this had been discussed and found nothing so here I go. I have been interested in these small Li-Ion car starters shown everywhere for less that $100. Seems like a good idea if they work well for multiple uses. Does anyone here actually have one and had success with it starting their vehicle and other uses. Reviews seem pretty good except for periodic bad ones from the factory on units from multiple companies even harbor freight. Curious to hear your comments.

barbender · December 29, 2017, 11:04:27 AM

I've seen some local mechanics start cars with stone dead batteries with one. I was impressed, I think theirs was a Matco unit.

clearcut · December 29, 2017, 11:56:36 AM

I tried a cheap one, about $30, and was not impressed. Could not start a car with a very old, completely flat battery in moderate weather. The car did crank, but would not turn over. It did take several minutes of charging with large gauge jumper cables to get the nice lady next door going though.

Not a fair test, but life isn't fair. It was the only opportunity I have had to try it out so far. A more expensive unit would likely work better.

My lead-acid jump starter has successfully worked a number of times. These portable units are great when the dead battery is difficult to reach with cables.

Also consider that Li-Ion batteries do not like either very cold or hot conditions.

It does work great for charging electronics when the power goes out, which was really the reason I bought a cheap one.

BESTEK 600 amp peak current, 10,000 mAh jump starter.

Claybraker · December 29, 2017, 01:08:29 PM

I've got one, but so far I've only used it to start toys- my Polaris UTV and lawnmower.

DR Buck · December 29, 2017, 02:21:34 PM

I have one. I did a lot of research before I bought. I wanted something that could start a diesel engine if needed. My skid steer sometimes is difficult in the winter.

From my research I found Noco to be one of the most reliable and had lots of 5 star plus reviews all over the internet. Starting amps is the key driver for price range. They have a 1000 amp unit for $99 on Amazon. As I said, I wanted to start a diesel engine so I opted for the bigger 2000 amp unit. It was $199. They also have one that is 4000 amp starting current. It was out of my price range. I have used mine several times and really like it. Twice was starting my skid steer and it worked well.

Here is what I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB70-UltraSafe-Lithium-Starter/dp/B016UG6PWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514574743&sr=8-1&keywords=noco+genius+2000A

gspren · December 29, 2017, 04:06:33 PM

What is the expected life of these things with only occasional use?

starmac · December 29, 2017, 04:53:17 PM

Mine is called a rescue pack. I originally got it to carry in case a battery went bad on a four wheeler when out in the back country. You could even put this little thing in your pocket.
I have used it on a pickup a few times, even one that he battery had gone bad and would not even turn a light in the dash on.
For such a dinky thing, it is amazing what it will do.