ok. these work. but...just a little bit of rough service (and by rough, I mean carrying them along on a trip in a bag) will result in the panels separating from one another (solar panel front and plastic back, creating gap which causes big problems because of the spring loaded connectors). oh sure try to take them apart with a jewelry screwdriver to "fix" it. You will find that the plastic anchors will break. and now you need another one.as long as they don't separate, they work great. I would say they are worth buying one or two, but just keep in mind treat them as if they are faberge' eggs....
These were a good price to get three times the speed on recharging when I'm out and about, and they hook up really easily. Spring loaded hooks hold them to each other, and it comes with the piece to connect them to the XL, although the XL came with one as well.
Checking the connections is easy, just get it in sunlight and start charging, and there's a test button to press on the adapter that goes between the charger and these panels, and it turns a little light on each panel on when they've got a connection.
My problem was the build quality. The plastic is very fragile one of them came already cracked where the metal hook would slip in, so I just ended up putting that one on the "outside" where nothing would have to hook up to it. But that means I need to be careful when using them any other cracks, and I won't be able to use at least one of them.
Charging time has improved drastically, so while I haven't done any timed tests with and without, it was definitely worth it for me.Pros:
1) Simple
2) Works
3) Drastically improved charging time
4) Enable getting full 4 bars on the XL on only solar
5) Tiny LED indicator
Cons:
1) Price
2) Should be included with the XL
The ReStore XL claims to full charge from empty in 11 hours but I was never able to get it to 4 bars even after leaving it in full sunlight for at least 8 hours a day for 4 days. I plan to use this on my bike touring trip so I decided I needed to get the extra panels. So far they work wonders on the XL. I was able to full charge from 1 bar to 4 bars in about 3.5 hours of sunlight. I also like the testing button as well as the tiny LED that indicates when the panels are putting out power. It would flicker when place in the sun.
Installation was easy and because of the way it is designed, it folds nicely into a compact case for easy storage.
I highly recommend this if you have the XL and having trouble getting to 4 bars on the panels itself.I bought this charger and the two solar panel add-on pack. The connection between the main charger and solar add on panels is so pathetically poor it will not make electrical contact.
this item is big. It ls about 4 times the size of my 7000 mah (Non-solar) new trent battery pack (without the add-on panels too). too big to carry to be of any use to me.
unfortunately since i discarded the packaging, I'm told I can't return it now. i would have rather lit my money on fire, at least i'd see some cool flames.
maybe i got a defect but i don't think so. this technology is interesting but it just isn't ready for mainstream.
if you're brave enough to try it, i beg you: save your packaging to return this when you experience your inevitable disappointment.
EDIT 11/6: After posting this review I got a very nice email from Accesory Genie, they took the product back and refunded my money. Still one star for the product but 5 stars for Accessory Genie for stepping up and makign this right for me! I would buy from them again.Haven't had a problem yet and they do help the revive charge in the sun in about 4.5 hours. Charges my iPhone and android tablet before it needs charging again! Great! Now let's see how long this battery bank lasts......
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