LRM VERDICT
Once you get your head around the concept of a booster pack not much larger than a mobile phone, being capable of starting a large engine, you realise how sensible it is to keep one in your vehicle for emergency and leisure use. All six tested delivered a jump start to the sluggish battery on a 2.5d engine, some can even start an engine with a flat battery, such is their high output.
Our Pro Choice goes to the Ring Lithium Phosphate pack. Its superior battery technology is best suited to regular use, such as a sales forecourt or a commercial garage, and the subsequent recharging cycles. It has little in the way of bells and whistles as a kit but it packs a punch you can rely on. Longer booster cables would be welcome, though, and in our opinion, the torch aimed at the cables. Silverline’s tiny jump starter shouldn’t be ignored if you just want a basic emergency pack for under £50. It’s so small it will fit in a pocket, handbag or door pocket. Though not suitable for a fully flat battery, it will get a sluggish battery going again.
Sealey’s high-tech Fuel Pack is a well-designed, high-spec unit. Lithium iron makes this a potential Pro Choice too, though it features a smaller battery than the Ring unit and is more expensive. The scrolling digital display needs to be mastered but isn’t a problem. We like the torch being sited to point towards the vehicle or device being connected to. Apple device users will need additional cables as they’re not included.
Draper’s powerful Jump Starter is very user friendly and does away with the need for holding every button down to turn on/off as on others tested. The switchable voltages will appeal to leisure users who want more than just a decent compact booster pack, which this is. Better still, is Clarke’s very user-friendly 200A Jumpstart. This is another wellspecced unit with twin USB ports, a digital display and three voltage outputs. Even the torch is directed at the booster cables. With enough leads and adaptors to keep most leisure pursuits charged this bags the Value For Money award at under £90.
The Overall Winner is the Lifeline Ampstore. For less than £100 it offers all the functionality, spec and user friendliness of the Draper and Clarke but with the power punch of the Ring. The boost function for flat batteries means it’s capable of kick-starting a flat battery and did so on our 2.5d test engine without hesitation. With two USB ports and enough leads and adaptors to cater for most needs, this clever piece of kit just invites you to use it. Highly recommended.