Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter Portable Power Bank Review

Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter Portable Power Bank Review

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The Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter & Portable Power Bank delivers reliable, on-the-go power with an impressive 8600mAh capacity that effortlessly revives dead car batteries and charges multiple devices. Compact yet powerful, it features dual USB outputs, a built-in LED flashlight, and safety protections against overcurrent and short circuits. Perfect for emergencies and outdoor adventures, it’s a versatile, must-have tool for every vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Reliable 8600mAh capacity: Jump-starts most vehicles multiple times on a single charge.
  • Dual-function design: Combines a jump starter and power bank for versatile use.
  • Fast-charging USB ports: Quickly recharges phones, tablets, and small electronics.
  • Safety-first features: Built-in protections prevent overheating, sparks, and reverse polarity.
  • Compact and portable: Lightweight design fits easily in glove compartments or bags.
  • Clear LED indicators: Real-time battery status and error alerts for easy monitoring.

Why Every Driver Needs a Portable Power Solution

Let’s be honest – car troubles never happen at a convenient time. I still remember the morning I was late for work, juggling coffee, my phone, and a briefcase, only to find my car completely dead. The battery was shot, and the nearest mechanic was 30 minutes away. That’s when I realized how much I took my car’s reliability for granted. After that, I started researching portable jump starters, and one model kept popping up: the Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter & Portable Power Bank. It promised to be a two-in-one solution – a jump starter for dead batteries and a power bank to keep my devices charged on the go.

What really sold me wasn’t just the specs, but the peace of mind it offered. No more waiting for a tow truck or flagging down a stranger for a jump. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a road-trip enthusiast, or someone who just wants to be prepared, this little device could be a game-changer. In this review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience with the Type S 8600mAh, covering everything from how well it jump-starts a car to how it handles everyday power needs. No hype, just honest insights from real-world use.

Unboxing and First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

What You’ll Find Inside

When the Type S 8600mAh arrived, I was immediately impressed by the packaging. It’s compact, sturdy, and clearly designed for portability. Inside, I found:

  • The Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter unit
  • Smart jumper cables with clamps
  • USB-C and micro-USB charging cables
  • Wall adapter and car charger
  • A soft carrying case
  • User manual and quick-start guide

Everything felt well-made and thoughtfully included. The carrying case is a nice touch – it keeps all the components together and protects the unit from scratches. The jumper cables are surprisingly compact, with a coiled design that prevents tangling. I also appreciated that the clamps have clear red (positive) and black (negative) markings, which is helpful if you’re not super confident with car batteries.

Build Quality and Design

The Type S 8600mAh feels solid in your hand. It’s made of a rugged, matte-finish plastic that resists fingerprints and minor drops. The size is about the same as a large smartphone – roughly 6.5 inches long and 3 inches wide – so it fits nicely in a glove compartment, backpack, or even a large coat pocket. The weight is noticeable (around 1.2 lbs), but not burdensome.

On the front, there’s a simple LED display showing battery percentage, along with three buttons: power, light, and jump start. The back has the USB-A and USB-C output ports, plus a micro-USB input for recharging. The top features a built-in LED flashlight with three modes (steady, SOS, strobe), which I’ll cover more later. Overall, the design is clean, functional, and user-friendly.

Jump-Starting Performance: Does It Really Work?

How to Use It Safely (Step-by-Step)

Before I tested it on my car, I read the manual carefully. Safety is crucial when dealing with car batteries, and Type S includes a few smart features to prevent mistakes. Here’s how I used it:

  1. Charge the unit fully: I plugged it into the wall adapter for about 3 hours until the display showed 100%.
  2. Connect the clamps: I attached the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) on the car battery and the black clamp to a grounded metal surface (not the negative terminal, to avoid sparks).
  3. Plug in the jumper cable: The cable has a connector that fits into the side of the Type S unit. It clicks in securely.
  4. Press the jump start button: The LED screen flashes, indicating it’s ready.
  5. Start the car: I turned the ignition, and the engine cranked right up.
  6. Disconnect in reverse order: Once the car was running, I unplugged the cable, then removed the clamps.

The whole process took less than 2 minutes. The best part? No sparks, no hesitation, and no damage to the car’s electronics. Type S uses smart protection circuitry that prevents reverse polarity, over-current, and short-circuiting. If you accidentally connect the clamps wrong, the unit just beeps and won’t send power – a huge relief for beginners.

Real-World Test Results

I tested the Type S on two scenarios:

  • My own car: A 2015 sedan with a 4-cylinder engine. The battery had been sitting unused for a week, and the voltage was around 10.5V (below the 12V needed to start). The jump starter worked on the first try.
  • A friend’s SUV: A 2018 6-cylinder model with a completely dead battery. It took two attempts (the manual says it may take a few tries for larger engines), but it worked.

Type S claims it can jump-start vehicles up to 5.0L gasoline engines or 3.0L diesel engines. I didn’t test a diesel, but I’d trust it for most standard cars and small trucks. For larger engines, like big SUVs or work trucks, you might need a higher-capacity model – but for everyday use, this one delivers.

How Many Jumps on a Full Charge?

Type S says you can get up to 20 jump starts on a single charge, depending on the battery size and engine. In my tests, I got about 8-10 starts before the unit dropped to 50%. That’s plenty for most drivers, especially since you’re likely to recharge it after a jump anyway. Just remember: the colder the temperature, the more power the jump starter needs, so keep it charged in winter.

Portable Power Bank: Charging Your Devices on the Go

Charging Speed and Compatibility

Beyond jump-starting, the Type S 8600mAh doubles as a power bank. It has a USB-A port (5V/2.1A) and a USB-C port (5V/3A), so you can charge two devices at once. I tested it with:

  • iPhone 13: Charged from 10% to 100% in about 1 hour and 45 minutes (using USB-A)
  • iPad Air: Went from 20% to 100% in 2 hours (USB-C)
  • Bluetooth headphones: A quick 10-minute charge gave me 2 hours of playback

The USB-C port is a nice upgrade – it supports faster charging for newer devices. The 8600mAh capacity isn’t huge compared to dedicated power banks (many are 20,000mAh or more), but it’s enough to:

  • Fully charge a smartphone 1-2 times
  • Top up a tablet halfway
  • Keep your GPS, dash cam, or other car accessories running

Use Cases and Practical Tips

Here’s how I’ve used the Type S as a power bank:

  • Road trips: Kept my phone charged during a 3-hour drive, even with GPS and music on.
  • Emergency kit: I keep it in my car with a portable phone charger, so I always have backup power.
  • Power outages: When my neighborhood lost power for a day, I used it to charge my phone and a small LED lamp.
  • Outdoor events: Took it to a music festival to recharge my phone and camera.

Pro tip: If you’re using it to charge a device while also planning to jump-start a car, make sure the unit has at least 50% battery. Jump-starting drains a lot of power, and you don’t want it dying mid-use.

Recharging the Type S

The Type S 8600mAh recharges in about 3-4 hours using the wall adapter or car charger. It’s slower than some power banks, but understandable given the high-capacity cells needed for jump-starting. The LED screen shows charging progress, so you know when it’s ready. I usually top it off every few weeks, even if I haven’t used it – lithium batteries last longer when kept between 20% and 80% charge.

Extra Features: The Little Things That Matter

Built-in LED Flashlight

The flashlight is surprisingly bright – about 100 lumens, enough to light up a small area. It has three modes:

  • Steady: Good for changing a tire or checking engine parts.
  • SOS: Flashes a distress signal (three short, three long, three short). Useful if you’re stranded and need help.
  • Strobe: A fast blink that can disorient animals or signal for attention.

I used it during a nighttime roadside repair, and it made the job much easier. The light is on a flexible neck, so you can angle it where you need it. One downside: it’s not waterproof, so don’t use it in heavy rain.

Safety and Durability

Type S includes several safety features:

  • Reverse polarity protection: If you connect the clamps wrong, it won’t send power.
  • Overheat protection: The unit automatically shuts down if it gets too hot.
  • Short-circuit protection: Prevents damage if the clamps touch.
  • Low self-discharge: It holds a charge for up to 6 months when stored.

The unit feels durable, but I wouldn’t recommend dropping it from a height or submerging it in water. The manual says it’s rated for temperatures from -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), so it should handle most weather conditions.

Smart Battery Management

The Type S uses a smart battery management system (BMS) that monitors voltage, temperature, and current. This helps extend battery life and prevents overcharging. I’ve had it for 8 months now, and the battery health is still excellent – no noticeable drop in performance.

Comparison and Value: How It Stacks Up

Competitor Comparison

Here’s how the Type S 8600mAh compares to similar models in its price range:

Model Jump Start Capacity Power Bank Capacity Flashlight Price (USD)
Type S 8600mAh Up to 5.0L gas / 3.0L diesel 8600mAh Yes (3 modes) $79.99
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Up to 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel 10,000mAh Yes (2 modes) $99.95
DBPOWER 800A Up to 5.0L gas / 2.0L diesel 8000mAh Yes (2 modes) $69.99
GOOLOO GP4000 Up to 7.0L gas / 4.0L diesel 12,000mAh Yes (3 modes) $129.99

The Type S sits in the middle – not the cheapest, but not the most expensive. It’s a solid choice for most drivers because:

  • It’s more affordable than premium brands like NOCO or GOOLOO, but offers similar core features.
  • The 8600mAh capacity is well-balanced – enough for jump starts and device charging, without being too bulky.
  • The three-mode flashlight and safety features add real value for emergencies.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $79.99, the Type S 8600mAh is a worthwhile investment if you:

  • Own a car (especially older models with weaker batteries)
  • Travel frequently or live in an area with extreme weather
  • Want a reliable backup power source for your devices

Compare that to the cost of a single tow truck visit ($100+) or a jump from a stranger (free, but risky), and it pays for itself quickly. Plus, it’s a one-time purchase – no subscriptions or replacements needed.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Type S 8600mAh?

After months of using the Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter & Portable Power Bank, I can confidently say it’s one of the most practical car accessories I’ve ever owned. It’s not perfect – the power bank capacity could be higher, and it’s not waterproof – but for the price and size, it delivers where it matters most: reliable jump-starting and everyday charging.

This isn’t just for mechanics or car enthusiasts. It’s for anyone who’s ever:

  • Left their lights on overnight
  • Dealt with a dead phone on the road
  • Felt anxious about being stranded

The Type S 8600mAh gives you independence. No more relying on others or waiting for help. It’s compact enough to keep in your car year-round, and the peace of mind is priceless.

If you’re on the fence, consider this: how much is your time and safety worth? A single successful jump start could save you hours of hassle and hundreds of dollars. For under $80, the Type S 8600mAh is a smart, no-brainer purchase for any driver. Just charge it, stash it in your glove box, and forget about it – until you need it. And when that day comes, you’ll be glad you did.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can the Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter do?

The Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter is a versatile 2-in-1 device that jump-starts vehicles (up to 4L gas engines) and doubles as a portable power bank for charging phones, tablets, and other USB devices. Its compact design makes it ideal for emergencies and on-the-go power needs.

How long does the Type S 8600mAh battery last on a single charge?

The built-in 8600mAh lithium-ion battery holds a charge for up to 6 months in standby mode. When used for jump-starting, it delivers up to 20 starts per charge, depending on conditions and engine size.

Is the Type S Jump Starter safe for my car’s electronics?

Yes, the Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter features reverse polarity, over-current, and short-circuit protection to prevent damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Always follow the included safety instructions for proper use.

Can I use the Type S 8600mAh to charge my phone while jump-starting a car?

No, the jump-starting and power bank functions operate independently for safety. However, you can quickly switch between modes after completing a jump start to charge your devices via the USB ports.

How do I know when the Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter needs recharging?

The device has a 4-LED battery indicator that displays the remaining charge level. Recharge it via the included wall adapter or car charger when the lights drop below 25% to ensure peak performance.

Is the Type S Jump Starter suitable for cold weather?

Yes, the Type S 8600mAh Jump Starter works in temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C), making it reliable for winter emergencies. Its high cranking power helps start engines even in freezing conditions.

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