Very cool gadget! But, I learned my lesson about buying cutting edge technology more than 38 years ago when I bought my first 2 head VHS video cassette recorder with a wired remote - for over $1,200.00 dollars. So, today, I marvel at the new technology and buy it in a few years when it has come down in price by 50%, or more. And, of course, when I finally do adopt the technology, not only is it more affordable, it is also more refined with more features. So, I win in every respect - except, I'm not the first guy on the block with the new tech.
The only reason I wouldn't spend that kind of money on this is also one that wasn't mentioned in the video. The batteries are not replaceable. Rechargeable batteries all have a limited number of charge cycles, assuming they are using typical 18650 type batteries its about 500 charge cycles then you would have to spend another 400.00 on a new product. I agree with getting rid of the flashlight, but replace it with removable batteries.
It can charge other bateries even if its own battery is dead, i use mine to charge my ice fishing sonar battery, right now im trying to rig to charge a 20 volt ryobi battery for their chainsaw, but im having a hard time adapting the receiver to a new charge controller since i had to rip out the transformer and the original casing for the battery charger is too big... Funny enough i can run the chainsaw right off the solar pannel at a low speed... Its easier to use power than it is to store it sometimes
It'd be better if they'd seal the charge controller inside the bottom of a dry-bag, omit the battery bank and just let you use your own, roll it up inside the dry-bag and have it be completely waterproof ...
Between the portable generator and the power film u don’t have to worry about power if the grid went down. I’m definitely going to be purchasing both here soon. Yes they are pricey but for what they offer and can do u can’t beat it. That’s one of the things I luv about this channel! Thanks for the great reviews and really helping others find great products.
I like that it is amorphus, but like you said, cost is high. I am really commenting just to verify that the Amorphous panels are the way to go with ANY solar setup. I have the harbor freight 100 watt setup. Four sets of those panels. but I use them in a camping van situation. Charging in the shade. I just love that feature. I keep mine covered with a blanket but when I pull the blanket off, the indicator light for charging, lights up brilliantly immediately, even while still in the van.
This is one of the best options you (I) have found with rollable or foldable types. Costly, but is better than carrying a frigging 6 foot solar cell panel into the outback.
I think the rollup is the boom here on this . Redeeming some of the promises hoped for and to long , lets not forget cost has kept it from practicality and this is the pinnacle of efforts so far especially on cost . Where I'm coming from time is getting short turning seventy last week . You guy's young enough to look from your place in life , I say invest as you suggested . Thanks All , Thanks be
I just recently went back and forth between the Max and the F16-1800 paired with a variety of rugged power banks. Ultimately I went with the standalone panel for a few reasons. 1. Less to fail. I've had an FM16-7200 for many years, and it's worked flawlessly in all sorts of harsh environments. If the power bank fails, they're cheap to replace. 2. Not coupled to any particular USB version. I really would have liked to see a USB-C/PD output port instead of the flashlight. 3. Potential issue regarding the current detection. Apparently the output shuts off after 5 minutes with a draw below 400mA. I've got all kinds of little gadgets (headphones, tiny camp lights, "tesla" lighters) I use in the field that draw less than 400mA while bulk charging. Maybe they can change that in a future version. 4. Higher output. I don't like the idea of strapping the Lightsaver to a pack while on the move, and tend to charge up during lunch and in the mornings. The F16-1800 should recover 60Wh in 2-3 hours instead of 6-8. I tested my F16-1800 at 22W a few days ago at 3pm in Ontario (mid-January), which is remarkable. On the other hand, as you noted... this Lightsaver is a much simpler and convenient system to operate. More efficient, and lighter weight, too. I think for most people it's probably the best backcountry/prepping power system on the market, and though I've never used it myself, I imagine it's built with the same ruggedness of Powerfilm's other products.
IMO If they could find a way to keep the high quality of this yet bring the price down to 200$ i could for sure budget to buy 2 hands down ( I am in FL so need something like this for hurricane season for sure!!) BUT with how much it costs for living here ( and in FL AC is a must for us but you pay and arm and a leg for it. ) It makes it VERY hard to then work 2 jobs and tightly penny pinch. Its hard to justify over 400$ even respecting all the work and know how that went into this awesome product even when its needed to assist in Quality of life during times of need. ( or recreation) Mad respect to them for putting goods out to more than just military!!
Looks good to me. I can see a use for a long term Black Out where one is Stuck for a few days, besides taking it into the woods. I'm sure that any of these that are in Puerto Rico are being used HARD. But I have a Mod for your End Cap Issue. Go to the Hardware store and get some PVC Pipe that it could slide into. Glue an End Cap on one end. Shove some Foam Padding down it until it bottoms out. Glue a removable Screw Plug on the other end. Insert the Power Film, screw in the Plug, shove it into the Bugout Roll. Oh, and paint the raised lettering on the end. Use it in conjunction with a Loominoodle Light String, you have Light and Radio and Cell, etc. Hope this helps.
Sweet, little pricey but I want one and I don't camp at all but hike a lot, fish, outdoors so always needing a charge....great product thanks for I,go.
Thanks for the awsome Videos great job. The best Canadian prepping hunting rifle came out this year. The ruger American ranch 7.62 x39. I ll be making a video as soon as we thaw out here in the cypress hills area of alberta
I think with all things considered in the production, that is actually a fair price. Steep as it is, i will save for it. Grid down, power is a hot commodity. Wish your bug out roll was a little more affordable. I understand. Love it
Seems like a great product if the price was between 250 and 300. Most people aren't out in the woods enough to justify the price. But it does look very handy
Great review. Love your honesty. Overall great product and ok price point. Considering this will continue to function after more efficient panels are long dead, not bad. I wish they would upgrade a few low cost things to offset the price. 1. Access to the batteries. Charging spare during long days or swapping dead batteries would be great. 2. As you mentioned, faster USB chargning. Most phones charge as 5w 2a minimum now. Maybe a 2 amp and a 3 amp or selector switch. Both options would be cheap. Other option might be a dim LED to find in the dark if you leave unattended for some reason. (easy ways to rig yourself but...)
Thanks CP. I agree not for everybody (especially at the price). At the rate we are moving with technology, in a few years these type of panels will be a lot cheaper. Guess I'll wait a few more years... I just got to a point where I am comfortable with mono-Cr panels and back up battery banks. These are very cool though! Thanks again for a look at these.
It indeed seems a great product and I like it when you mentioned the cost I find it really way too expensive for the market ..I think you could be probably right..
It's a very cool piece of kit well suited, like you said, to avid backpackers and preppers. The price is steep, but again like you said, it's mostly high quality. I wouldn't purchase at that price point, but if it gets down to 300, I'll give it a second thought. Excellent video as always man.
I did gulp at the price and at the price of its bigger brother but as I'll be cycling across the country next summer (if the S doesnt HTF) I'm going to need something hi-efficiency and lightweight, this seemed perfect. After a lot of back and forth!
Maybe an e-ink/epaper display. I've only seen them in a few battery packs but it has a low power output. Lcd displays work too, like the pny battery packs.
That thing is awesome, however $400 is more than I am willing to pay for something like that. In a grid down scenario I don't think I will need to charge my phone or laptop.
That's nice but omg its damn expensive. Over 4000 zar without shipping to RSA. I have a Polaroid solar 7 paired with a Adata P10000 and for me it works well. It also has a 12v output. I charge mine full with around 6 - 8 hours of sun and gives me almost 44 hours run time from a 1.5w light. I call this my light kit for camp etc and made 4 complete kits and didn't even reached the amount of this. Tested my kit and works for my needs. Good review. I like your videos.
It ia pricie but with the upgrades you recommended it would hike the proce up more like the digital display with led lights is fine. I agree that the rubber endcaps would be better. Thanks for the vid.
It is expensive, but I see it as an insurance policy. We can get lots of power outages, with ice storms, & simply the grid going down. I think it was 10 years ago, when a lot of eastern Ontario power went down for 3 days. So, yeah..I’d get one.
Yeah, that storm was a doozie. Millions were left in the dark for days weeks and even months. 35 fatalities, and the largest deployment of Canadian military since the Korean War - 16,000 Canadian Forces personnel. The same thing could happen tomorrow.
Well I just bought one so, there's my opinion. I've been looking forward to this item for a while. I can understand why they didn't get an IP rating - ratings cost money. The only part that is susceptible to particle or water incursion is the battery itself and likely the electronics are sealed (just a guess). I wouldn't go dunking it, but I suspect that even heavy rain will not be a problem. Which makes me curious - I wonder how well it charges on a rainy day... Flashlight was an unnecessary feature and they could have cut costs there (not enough to really matter to the consumer but it'll be noticeable to PowerFilm). I have the same issue with fuel gauges. A small digital % readout would be much preferred.
Wow very cool bit of kit. Like you say if they can mass produce and get it down to 250 would sell a lot better. Do you think when using the torch the lends cap might act as a defuser or they could design it with a dome cover for that purpose.
Great review. And not attempting to be overly contrary here, CP, ...just giving my opinion. This thing appeals to several markets. Just as many markets as a fully charged battery appeals to. Lol. And $400 isn't that big of a deal compared to half the products sold in the combined outdoor industries. Especially when many are charging a $700 phone outside of a $600 tent in $300 boots while frying trout in $275 titanium cookware. Lol. It will sell just fine.
The Light saver Max is a really sweet piece of kit! Just the convenience of it makes it desirable. But, at $400 bucks, my wife will kill me! It’s just too much for me. I have a feeling that there’s a lot of others that feel the same. I do like it though, and if money wasn’t an issue, I would buy a few of them! Cool product!
Could even design a pancake motor generator out of graphene or graphite with a vacuum spark gap that operates off a solid state electrolyte graphite or graphene power cell bank for a small compact electrical power generating system. Better gear means a better survival rate. 😊
Tom Olofsson They've made rollable panels for years. The whole point of this product is the battery integration. I agree on the price point they are being very brave with that MSRP
Great review! For bright sun solar panel charging, do you find any cycle time difference with the panels laying face up to the sun, rather than angled or vertical?
I am interested, but sceptical. The durability is something i cannot get from monocrystals, but a monocrystal panel still provides 60 to 80% after 20 years, batterys however Just dont last that long. Can they be replaced? And the hard clear plastic caps could be rubber and are great for keeping Sand and dirt out of the connections.
Cool cool cool product!! If I could afford it I would buy it at the current suggested retail, but a little less expensive would be nice, though. I like the fact that you can daisy chain it to other pannels. The size is great as well. Its small enough that you could hide it if you had to or camoflage it if need be. Brad Harris @FullSpectrumSurvival just did a video that asks what would you do if someone jacked up or took your solar array. This would be a good back up solution(for the individual). One could still have solar(if used wisely) after someone(or group) stole or damaged one's array. Just a thought...
In these times, price has gone up to $450-$500, but I’ve got to admit - it is the Boy Scout knife of portable solar for post SHTF on-the-go survival. Out of the box, the device took quite a while to get that last little umph to get over 18,000mAh, but it made it at an average self-regulated draw of 1.7A. Once it hit ~12,000mAh, it’s internal controller started necking down the input current until it hit full charge after about 18 hours. Perhaps the first time charge is consistent with most other devices that are shipped (due to safety concerns) with a no-shit ZERO charge. My test was by no means particularly technical, but rather, to inform myself. Here are the final charge stats in the attached pic if I can figure out how to attach. Notice the time on charge in the pic. I will do this again after a couple discharge events, and let you know the results. I will say that it exhibited around 10,000mAh after 3 hours, if that helps. Well, I guess I can’t attach the proof photos here, but would be more than happy to send to Canadian Prepper for his posting.
Can the 18650s be replaced if they wear out? I would pay that price if the batteries can be replaced. I’m tired of proprietary batteries that manufacturers claim will last “3 years” and actually last 8 months.
If they really embraced USB-C, would´t there be USB-C output as well? From what I can see the output is the "regular" old USB. Please correct me if I´m wrong.
If you are correct, that is strange. However, since USB-C has dual roles, perhaps it supports outputting 5V3A too? If it doesnt, then it is in violation of the USB-C spec.
NeutronPCXT according to the website www.powerfilmlightsaver.com/product-page/lightsaver-max-portable-solar-charger USB-C is for power in only. To bad.
2 year warranty for $339, strikes me as inadequate. Maybe I missed it or could look it up, but didn't hear how many charge/discharge cycles. 1 cycle per day for 2 years is 730 which is $2.15/cycle....?
No one is going to use it everyday or at least very few, most lithium batteries are 500 charge cycles before going below 70% of their original capacity. Your math is off though it would be more 50 cents a cycle if there was 730, if 500 around 75 cents.
REALLY bad math! 50-75 cents is right. That was sort of my point a 2 year warranty is only going to cover the product for realistically for 90 cycles of average use. Which is a 5th of the potential life of the product. I would expect more from the company being on the cutting edge of the industry. I get it though. I would love to have one for ice fishing season alone! Thanks again for all your hard work! I will keep watching.
Looks nice. Unfortunately there`s no info what the Wats are. I have had four of these gadgets that are supposed to produce enough energy. Three were thrown away fast. Looks it`s only ment for mobile phones or such. Well how about a laptop or small TV. With this price can it power a country cabin, camper or houseboat. I don`t think so
I just did a search on amazon for powerfilm and saw a version of it for $98? This to me is an acceptable price seeing that ALL PRODUCTS on the market are DESIGNED TO FAIL at some point. Always take into consideration the planned obsolescence factor. Lifetime warrantees do not mean your lifetime, they mean the product's lifetime. Also product prices are often inflated big at first, way beyond their true value of production. I would say for something like this the max i would maybe pay is $125ish. But generally I would be more likely to consider around $100. Any more and i am more likely to pass it up and decide "maybe later". Then usually i forget as a bigger priority takes over and later never comes.
Maybe i will just wait for powerfilm lightsaver max 2.0 (with Quick charge, larger battery capacity, more efficient solar charging, other quality of life improvements, etc) in a few years down the road if they ever considers making one....
Solar is like TV's , the price continues to drop as quality improves.My needs are power outages,hunting and nights in the back 40's. So while I wish them success and will bookmark them - I'm not in at this price.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Get the Lightsaver max here: amzn.to/2E4avOQ
How is it in the cold conditions as far as the battery exposure?
this is really a great product. Much lighter and smaller than my setup
Which of our products did you use? So sorry to hear you had a poor experience. Would love to hear more. Please email us at shansen@powerfilmsolar.com
Very cool gadget! But, I learned my lesson about buying cutting edge technology more than 38 years ago when I bought my first 2 head VHS video cassette recorder with a wired remote - for over $1,200.00 dollars. So, today, I marvel at the new technology and buy it in a few years when it has come down in price by 50%, or more. And, of course, when I finally do adopt the technology, not only is it more affordable, it is also more refined with more features. So, I win in every respect - except, I'm not the first guy on the block with the new tech.
The only reason I wouldn't spend that kind of money on this is also one that wasn't mentioned in the video. The batteries are not replaceable. Rechargeable batteries all have a limited number of charge cycles, assuming they are using typical 18650 type batteries its about 500 charge cycles then you would have to spend another 400.00 on a new product. I agree with getting rid of the flashlight, but replace it with removable batteries.
It can charge other bateries even if its own battery is dead, i use mine to charge my ice fishing sonar battery, right now im trying to rig to charge a 20 volt ryobi battery for their chainsaw, but im having a hard time adapting the receiver to a new charge controller since i had to rip out the transformer and the original casing for the battery charger is too big... Funny enough i can run the chainsaw right off the solar pannel at a low speed... Its easier to use power than it is to store it sometimes
It'd be better if they'd seal the charge controller inside the bottom of a dry-bag, omit the battery bank and just let you use your own, roll it up inside the dry-bag and have it be completely waterproof ...
Between the portable generator and the power film u don’t have to worry about power if the grid went down. I’m definitely going to be purchasing both here soon. Yes they are pricey but for what they offer and can do u can’t beat it. That’s one of the things I luv about this channel! Thanks for the great reviews and really helping others find great products.
Those seem pretty fantastic. Color me Interested. I need to get my solar Game Up to Par
I like that it is amorphus, but like you said, cost is high.
I am really commenting just to verify that the Amorphous panels are the way to go with ANY solar setup. I have the harbor freight 100 watt setup. Four sets of those panels. but I use them in a camping van situation.
Charging in the shade. I just love that feature. I keep mine covered with a blanket but when I pull the blanket off, the indicator light for charging, lights up brilliantly immediately, even while still in the van.
This and Survival Russia are my two favorite outdoors channels! Keep it up man! Thanks.
This is one of the best options you (I) have found with rollable or foldable types. Costly, but is better than carrying a frigging 6 foot solar cell panel into the outback.
Looking forward to checking one out to see if it meets my needs, and excited for my bug out roll to be delivered later today.
I think the rollup is the boom here on this . Redeeming some of the promises hoped for and to long , lets not forget cost has kept it from practicality and this is the pinnacle of efforts so far especially on cost . Where I'm coming from time is getting short turning seventy last week . You guy's young enough to look from your place in life , I say invest as you suggested . Thanks All , Thanks be
This is a nice addition to those plasma lighters.
If you want good tools I think the price it's ok, a good prepped don't care about price, my personal opinion ✌👍
Well I guess I’ll just forward my audience here lol. I feel the same and video coming soon. I share pretty much the same opinion as you. Good video.
Looking forward to your review man!
Enjoy both of your channels! Keep up the good work guys!!
Sold, Buy once cry once, quality items are pricey sometimes, I'm going to save up for it 👍👍
I just recently went back and forth between the Max and the F16-1800 paired with a variety of rugged power banks. Ultimately I went with the standalone panel for a few reasons.
1. Less to fail. I've had an FM16-7200 for many years, and it's worked flawlessly in all sorts of harsh environments. If the power bank fails, they're cheap to replace.
2. Not coupled to any particular USB version. I really would have liked to see a USB-C/PD output port instead of the flashlight.
3. Potential issue regarding the current detection. Apparently the output shuts off after 5 minutes with a draw below 400mA. I've got all kinds of little gadgets (headphones, tiny camp lights, "tesla" lighters) I use in the field that draw less than 400mA while bulk charging. Maybe they can change that in a future version.
4. Higher output. I don't like the idea of strapping the Lightsaver to a pack while on the move, and tend to charge up during lunch and in the mornings. The F16-1800 should recover 60Wh in 2-3 hours instead of 6-8. I tested my F16-1800 at 22W a few days ago at 3pm in Ontario (mid-January), which is remarkable.
On the other hand, as you noted... this Lightsaver is a much simpler and convenient system to operate. More efficient, and lighter weight, too.
I think for most people it's probably the best backcountry/prepping power system on the market, and though I've never used it myself, I imagine it's built with the same ruggedness of Powerfilm's other products.
IMO If they could find a way to keep the high quality of this yet bring the price down to 200$ i could for sure budget to buy 2 hands down ( I am in FL so need something like this for hurricane season for sure!!) BUT with how much it costs for living here ( and in FL AC is a must for us but you pay and arm and a leg for it. ) It makes it VERY hard to then work 2 jobs and tightly penny pinch. Its hard to justify over 400$ even respecting all the work and know how that went into this awesome product even when its needed to assist in Quality of life during times of need. ( or recreation) Mad respect to them for putting goods out to more than just military!!
CP - the high quality of the product brings the high price, & this unit can be used with same brand panels - I like the 13✌️
Looks good to me. I can see a use for a long term Black Out where one is Stuck for a few days, besides taking it into the woods. I'm sure that any of these that are in Puerto Rico are being used HARD. But I have a Mod for your End Cap Issue. Go to the Hardware store and get some PVC Pipe that it could slide into. Glue an End Cap on one end. Shove some Foam Padding down it until it bottoms out. Glue a removable Screw Plug on the other end. Insert the Power Film, screw in the Plug, shove it into the Bugout Roll. Oh, and paint the raised lettering on the end. Use it in conjunction with a Loominoodle Light String, you have Light and Radio and Cell, etc. Hope this helps.
Sweet, little pricey but I want one and I don't camp at all but hike a lot, fish, outdoors so always needing a charge....great product thanks for I,go.
Thanks for the awsome Videos great job. The best Canadian prepping hunting rifle came out this year. The ruger American ranch 7.62 x39. I ll be making a video as soon as we thaw out here in the cypress hills area of alberta
Kind of cool and I can see that a lot went into it but I am just not going to pay that much.
Too pricey...
I want to be able to replace the batteries and am ok with the light which can come in handy while camping
I think with all things considered in the production, that is actually a fair price. Steep as it is, i will save for it. Grid down, power is a hot commodity. Wish your bug out roll was a little more affordable. I understand. Love it
Great video and great idea. I’m sure the market will be limited until competition kicks in.
Seems like a great product if the price was between 250 and 300. Most people aren't out in the woods enough to justify the price. But it does look very handy
Great review. Love your honesty.
Overall great product and ok price point. Considering this will continue to function after more efficient panels are long dead, not bad. I wish they would upgrade a few low cost things to offset the price.
1. Access to the batteries. Charging spare during long days or swapping dead batteries would be great.
2. As you mentioned, faster USB chargning. Most phones charge as 5w 2a minimum now. Maybe a 2 amp and a 3 amp or selector switch. Both options would be cheap.
Other option might be a dim LED to find in the dark if you leave unattended for some reason. (easy ways to rig yourself but...)
Are the batteries removable 18650s? It would be nice to be able to swap out the batteries when they no longer accept a charge.
I agree, ditch the flashlight and put in a digital numbered percentage power meter.
Full sun will mean a hot battery. Interested to know the maximum temperature the battery can stand?
I think it's pretty awesome. A little steep in price, but I think it's worth it. Definitely on my wish list
Thanks CP. I agree not for everybody (especially at the price). At the rate we are moving with technology, in a few years these type of panels will be a lot cheaper. Guess I'll wait a few more years... I just got to a point where I am comfortable with mono-Cr panels and back up battery banks. These are very cool though! Thanks again for a look at these.
It indeed seems a great product and I like it
when you mentioned the cost I find it really way too expensive for the market ..I think you could be probably right..
It's a very cool piece of kit well suited, like you said, to avid backpackers and preppers. The price is steep, but again like you said, it's mostly high quality. I wouldn't purchase at that price point, but if it gets down to 300, I'll give it a second thought. Excellent video as always man.
I definitely want to get my hands on one, and if you sell it, I'll get it from you.
Did you see a way to access the batteries if needed?
I noticed two hex bolts at both ends. I would assume that would give access to the guts of the unit.
Very thorough review and demonstration of the unit. A little pricey though.
Thanks! I'm sold on it.
I want one that's sick and so light weight 😎💡
I did gulp at the price and at the price of its bigger brother but as I'll be cycling across the country next summer (if the S doesnt HTF) I'm going to need something hi-efficiency and lightweight, this seemed perfect. After a lot of back and forth!
Maybe an e-ink/epaper display. I've only seen them in a few battery packs but it has a low power output. Lcd displays work too, like the pny battery packs.
. Great concept and appears to be a great product, just too expensive. Maybe with time they will adjust the price.
Just one day after searching for the best portable solar panels. Thank you for this.
That would be extremely handy, but that is a bit rough, 200 bones would be more realistic. Excellent review, thanks
Have they up graded this item yet. I need 5 of these for my group. Each can be stand alone or 2 hooked together or more if possible. JMHO
Great product, thanks for this video. Im definitely adding this to my bug out bag.
I’d be interested when the price is less than 250.00
Wow what a great channel. Thanks for making these
That thing is awesome, however $400 is more than I am willing to pay for something like that. In a grid down scenario I don't think I will need to charge my phone or laptop.
Nice setup well thought out.
That's nice but omg its damn expensive. Over 4000 zar without shipping to RSA. I have a Polaroid solar 7 paired with a Adata P10000 and for me it works well. It also has a 12v output. I charge mine full with around 6 - 8 hours of sun and gives me almost 44 hours run time from a 1.5w light. I call this my light kit for camp etc and made 4 complete kits and didn't even reached the amount of this. Tested my kit and works for my needs. Good review. I like your videos.
Excellent product, this is as close to sailor proof as I have seen.
Great video! Keep up the good work, thanks for the advice.
It ia pricie but with the upgrades you recommended it would hike the proce up more like the digital display with led lights is fine. I agree that the rubber endcaps would be better. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you for your thorough and careful review. I
How many amps can this run? Thanks CP you are the man.
It would be great if it could hook up to the Kodiak
Buying one very soon!
It is expensive, but I see it as an insurance policy. We can get lots of power outages, with ice storms, & simply the grid going down. I think it was 10 years ago, when a lot of eastern Ontario power went down for 3 days. So, yeah..I’d get one.
Yeah, that storm was a doozie. Millions were left in the dark for days weeks and even months. 35 fatalities, and the largest deployment of Canadian military since the Korean War - 16,000 Canadian Forces personnel. The same thing could happen tomorrow.
John Campbell Fun times! Lol.
Well I just bought one so, there's my opinion. I've been looking forward to this item for a while. I can understand why they didn't get an IP rating - ratings cost money. The only part that is susceptible to particle or water incursion is the battery itself and likely the electronics are sealed (just a guess). I wouldn't go dunking it, but I suspect that even heavy rain will not be a problem. Which makes me curious - I wonder how well it charges on a rainy day...
Flashlight was an unnecessary feature and they could have cut costs there (not enough to really matter to the consumer but it'll be noticeable to PowerFilm). I have the same issue with fuel gauges. A small digital % readout would be much preferred.
Wow very cool bit of kit. Like you say if they can mass produce and get it down to 250 would sell a lot better. Do you think when using the torch the lends cap might act as a defuser or they could design it with a dome cover for that purpose.
Great review. And not attempting to be overly contrary here, CP, ...just giving my opinion. This thing appeals to several markets. Just as many markets as a fully charged battery appeals to. Lol. And $400 isn't that big of a deal compared to half the products sold in the combined outdoor industries. Especially when many are charging a $700 phone outside of a $600 tent in $300 boots while frying trout in $275 titanium cookware. Lol. It will sell just fine.
sadly all this cool stuff you show i can not buy on amazon EU, great video as always thx man
The Light saver Max is a really sweet piece of kit! Just the convenience of it makes it desirable. But, at $400 bucks, my wife will kill me! It’s just too much for me. I have a feeling that there’s a lot of others that feel the same. I do like it though, and if money wasn’t an issue, I would buy a few of them! Cool product!
This is a product I am interested in even at the high price
Why not a small wind turbine for the field, & camp?
Could even design a pancake motor generator out of graphene or graphite with a vacuum spark gap that operates off a solid state electrolyte graphite or graphene power cell bank for a small compact electrical power generating system. Better gear means a better survival rate. 😊
Ok that's going in my bugoutroll! Could that trickle charge my jeep battery.
Oh wow. I need this.
Very nice product and when the price comes down to $200, maybe a little more then I'll own one.
Nice item. I hope it comes without the battery too. Their $400 suggested price makes the $339 retail look cheap.
Tom Olofsson They've made rollable panels for years. The whole point of this product is the battery integration. I agree on the price point they are being very brave with that MSRP
Great review! For bright sun solar panel charging, do you find any cycle time difference with the panels laying face up to the sun, rather than angled or vertical?
I am interested, but sceptical. The durability is something i cannot get from monocrystals, but a monocrystal panel still provides 60 to 80% after 20 years, batterys however Just dont last that long. Can they be replaced? And the hard clear plastic caps could be rubber and are great for keeping Sand and dirt out of the connections.
Put that cover back over the flashlight and it will make it brighter
Cool cool cool product!! If I could afford it I would buy it at the current suggested retail, but a little less expensive would be nice, though. I like the fact that you can daisy chain it to other pannels. The size is great as well. Its small enough that you could hide it if you had to or camoflage it if need be. Brad Harris @FullSpectrumSurvival just did a video that asks what would you do if someone jacked up or took your solar array. This would be a good back up solution(for the individual). One could still have solar(if used wisely) after someone(or group) stole or damaged one's array. Just a thought...
HELLO, What is the power of this solar panel? for example 15 watts, 20 watts. I'm not talking about the power bank. best regards
Cool item and a nice review thanks! I’m sure you covered this elsewhere before, but what pack is that you are using in most of the video?
How does it compare with the new Bushnell Outdoors panels (which seems to be similar)?
Good review, sir!
I did looked it up the cheapest one for 36.95 thanks.
How many charges can you get over the life of the device.
In these times, price has gone up to $450-$500, but I’ve got to admit - it is the Boy Scout knife of portable solar for post SHTF on-the-go survival. Out of the box, the device took quite a while to get that last little umph to get over 18,000mAh, but it made it at an average self-regulated draw of 1.7A. Once it hit ~12,000mAh, it’s internal controller started necking down the input current until it hit full charge after about 18 hours. Perhaps the first time charge is consistent with most other devices that are shipped (due to safety concerns) with a no-shit ZERO charge. My test was by no means particularly technical, but rather, to inform myself. Here are the final charge stats in the attached pic if I can figure out how to attach. Notice the time on charge in the pic. I will do this again after a couple discharge events, and let you know the results. I will say that it exhibited around 10,000mAh after 3 hours, if that helps.
Well, I guess I can’t attach the proof photos here, but would be more than happy to send to Canadian Prepper for his posting.
Is this a better product than GoalZero products? I need to buy a solar system for backpack camping.
How about in heavy snow conditions though. How does it work in that ?
Can the 18650s be replaced if they wear out? I would pay that price if the batteries can be replaced. I’m tired of proprietary batteries that manufacturers claim will last “3 years” and actually last 8 months.
Oh yes, finally a solar panel battery pack with USB-C!
Finally something that embraces the future!
If they really embraced USB-C, would´t there be USB-C output as well? From what I can see the output is the "regular" old USB. Please correct me if I´m wrong.
If you are correct, that is strange.
However, since USB-C has dual roles, perhaps it supports outputting 5V3A too? If it doesnt, then it is in violation of the USB-C spec.
NeutronPCXT according to the website www.powerfilmlightsaver.com/product-page/lightsaver-max-portable-solar-charger USB-C is for power in only. To bad.
Ok what. Every USB-C devices that I have can either send or receive power, and this one can't?
This is especially dumb for a powerbank.
Great Video As Always!
Very nice! Amazing technology
2 year warranty for $339, strikes me as inadequate. Maybe I missed it or could look it up, but didn't hear how many charge/discharge cycles. 1 cycle per day for 2 years is 730 which is $2.15/cycle....?
No one is going to use it everyday or at least very few, most lithium batteries are 500 charge cycles before going below 70% of their original capacity. Your math is off though it would be more 50 cents a cycle if there was 730, if 500 around 75 cents.
REALLY bad math! 50-75 cents is right. That was sort of my point a 2 year warranty is only going to cover the product for realistically for 90 cycles of average use. Which is a 5th of the potential life of the product. I would expect more from the company being on the cutting edge of the industry. I get it though. I would love to have one for ice fishing season alone! Thanks again for all your hard work! I will keep watching.
Wow, Your improvement ideas are great, but I am afraid it may only add to the already 'shocker' price... no pun intended.
wow that is awesome i want one
Looks nice. Unfortunately there`s no info what the Wats are. I have had four of these gadgets that are supposed to produce enough energy. Three were thrown away fast. Looks it`s only ment for mobile phones or such. Well how about a laptop or small TV. With this price can it power a country cabin, camper or houseboat. I don`t think so
I just did a search on amazon for powerfilm and saw a version of it for $98? This to me is an acceptable price seeing that ALL PRODUCTS on the market are DESIGNED TO FAIL at some point. Always take into consideration the planned obsolescence factor. Lifetime warrantees do not mean your lifetime, they mean the product's lifetime. Also product prices are often inflated big at first, way beyond their true value of production. I would say for something like this the max i would maybe pay is $125ish. But generally I would be more likely to consider around $100. Any more and i am more likely to pass it up and decide "maybe later". Then usually i forget as a bigger priority takes over and later never comes.
Maybe i will just wait for powerfilm lightsaver max 2.0 (with Quick charge, larger battery capacity, more efficient solar charging, other quality of life improvements, etc) in a few years down the road if they ever considers making one....
What is the larger panel that you have hanging up? I saw it in your Kodiak video also
The real big one, which is a huge foldable is over a grand. I'll see if I can't find the model and post it here.
You can get them just under a thousand: www.powerfilmsolar.com/military/products__systems/foldable-and-rollable-solar/
Will you mention the price ?
Can you make a bugout roll with it?
not bad price still worth it
Is it possible to replace the internal batteries?
Solar is like TV's , the price continues to drop as quality improves.My needs are power outages,hunting and nights in the back 40's. So while I wish them success and will bookmark them - I'm not in at this price.