Customer reviews from goalzero.com
GOAL ZERO - Switch 8 Solar-Powered Lithium-Ion Battery/Recharger for Select USB-Powered Devices
Average customer rating
4.2
(101 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 101 reviews
5 Stars
57
4 Stars
28
3 Stars
5
2 Stars
4
1 Star
7
88%of customers recommend this product.
(
84 out of
95)
Customer Reviews for GOAL ZERO - Switch 8 Solar-Powered Lithium-Ion Battery/Recharger for Select USB-Powered Devices
Posted by: Auntbliz
from Spokane WA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I like the portability, and it charges quickly and can charge my iPhone a couple times on one charge. Something I hope they improve for subsequent buyers is the end cap constantly falling off. It doesn't seem to be threaded, and this happened the day after I got it as a gift, first use, if the end is touched on the side it pops right off. Then you have to really fiddle with it to get it to stay on again, and plug it back in so that it will recognize it has a charge. If you don't plug it in to a power source for a couple seconds it won't charge anything after the cap is replaced. I still like it, but that part is pretty annoying.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com
Customer Rating
5
Does what it is supposed to do
on April 17, 2013
Posted by: Livingupnorth
from Minnesota
I bought the switch 8 for backpacking and canoe tripping to charge small devices like cell phones/kindle/mp3. Portable size and ease of use makes it ideal for this application. It charges my smart phone fully in about 1 3/4 hours off of the battery pack. No issues charging the basic cell phone, kindle, and MP3. The only problem I initially encountered was getting the smart phone (Casio Commando) to charge off of the battery. It would not charge using the phone's USB cable. The solution is to use a "charge only" USB cable (no sync/data capability). Overall, well thought out and well designed product.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com
Customer Rating
5
GREAT
on August 13, 2013
Posted by: Jerky
from Maple Shade, NJ
This prodcut is great, ive taken it on a few backpacking trips to vermont. i strap it on to the top of my pack in the morning and just hike and let it charge! My phone never dies now that i have this. Its so easy to use just give it some sun and you got power. what i love the most about it is that it doesnt even have to be in direct sunlight!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com
Customer Rating
1
Zero 8 cable useless
on December 19, 2013
Posted by: No nickname... Neil
from Charlotte NC
Verified Purchase:No
USB cable totally useless, has outward flangs that don't allow it to be plugged into any USB port, not happy
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com
Posted by: GregKras
from Carson City, NV
Verified Purchase:Yes
A gift for my wife on Mothers Day. She keeps it at work, and it keeps her phone charged all day. She likes to have Pandora playing while she works, as well as playing scrabble and other Facebook related games. In the past, her phone would die around 3pm. No longer an issue. Charges from the sun during the morning, and charges her phone in the Afternoon. Her co-workers think it is the "coolest thing".
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com
Customer Rating
4
Great for those on the go
on August 13, 2013
Posted by: SuzieQ
from San Diego, CA
When traveling out of town for conferences, it's always tough to get by on a single cell phone charge. Between tweeting, facebooking, checking emails and what not, I always wish I could charge my phone during the day. Unfortunately, the charge time would be much faster if I just found an outlet, but having the Switch 8 as a backup is better than a dead phone ;)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com
Customer Rating
4
Very useful on and off the trail
on August 14, 2013
Posted by: BearcatBengal
from Cincinnati
Verified Purchase:No
Really loved it! It kept me charged while thru-hiking the Colorado Trail. It does take a few hours to get a charge, but considering the size, I'm ok with it. It would be cool if there was a kickstand to adjust the angle for optimum sunlight. My biggest concern was when charging the Switch Battery while hiking. The mesh zippered pocket isn't large enough to enclose the battery while it's plugged in. I constantly found myself worrying if it was still there. Which meant I would stop and take off my bag to look. Fortunately, I never lost it, but still a headache. Off-the-trail I've been using the battery on the go when an outlet isn't convenient or when I don't wish to be slaved to the wall while it charges. Good buy... USE IT!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com
Posted by: Michael the Prepper
from Venice, FL
Verified Purchase:Yes
Recharge Switch 8 from laptop. I have used it to recharge my Iphone in my pocket. I work at a high school and wireless is spotty and runs down battery quick. I have used this combo to recharge my phone on the boat. Phone battery died quickly. Switch 8 repowered. Solar pack is great insurance. Gave as a gift to a fellow boater who does long distance cruising.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting goalzero.com