We’ve seen and reviewed a goodly number of external batteries; many are increasingly fancy and complex. The Scosche Rockstar GoBat 10K Portable Battery falls on the simpler side of things… So long as you ignore that very obvious branding. And if you can get past the branding, or you like it, then you may find this a good option.
The Scosche Rockstar GoBat 10K Portable Battery is described as a “Heavy-Duty Portable 2-Port Backup battery.” It is under $80 and has a huge capacity battery inside. This USB battery pack is part of Scosche’s Rockstar sub-brand. It is a rugged, portable backup battery that carries an IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating. It also has a Military Spec 810G Drop/Shock construction. Scosche has this to say about it:
This rugged backup battery has been built and tested to endure the rigors of the outdoors. The rigid high-impact polycarbonate housing earned the GoBat a Military Spec 810G Drop/shock rating. We have put this battery to the test. Dropping, kicking, throwing, even running it over with Jeeps in Moab, UT. We have yet found an everyday scenario that may damage the GoBat 12000. IP68 waterproof/dustproof is another great rating this battery has earned. With the watertight flap, this battery is protected from dust ingress, and long-time water immersion up to 3 meters.
With a 10400mAh internal rechargeable battery, the Scosche Rockstar GoBat 10K Portable Battery can charge an iPhone 6 up to 6 times. That means you can “take this battery on any trip and never have to worry about your mobile device dying!” The battery has dual USB ports so you can charge two devices at once. Moreover, while one port is the good old 1A port, the other is a speedy 2.4A port that will get you up and running in no time. Scosche is quick to point out that, “ Some of the latest mobile devices have been designed to charge at 12 Watts, making this rugged backup battery the ideal backup battery for these devices.” Also, the GoBat 10K has optimized charging circuitry that will prevent harm to less powerful devices while charging iPhones and iPods at the fastest speeds possible.
And there is more. When Hurricane Sandy hit, we were without power for days. I kept phones and other accessories charged thanks to having some external batteries laying around. The GoBat 10K is ideal for that purpose thanks to built-in “zero self-discharge circuitry” that allows it to be charged and then “sit on that charge” for an extended period without running down. Charge it, leave it and then use it when you need it. That’s a pretty great battery to have handy.
Finally, as is often the case with external batteries, the Scosche Rockstar GoBat 10K Portable Battery has a built-in LED battery life indicator so you can always tell how much of a charge is left. And when it does run down, a micro-USB cable is included so you can power it up once more.
Specifications:
- Dual USB Ports (2.4a & 1a)
- 10,400mAh Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
- Zero Self-Discharge Circuitry
- IP67 Waterproof
- Pre-Charged
- LED Battery Life Indicator
In all, this is a superb external battery if you are looking for something that is straightforward and rugged. My only complaint about it is the branding. While some people may love using accessories that are co-branded thanks to partnerships between accessory companies and other companies- in this case, RockStar Energy Drink, I hate it. I want my accessories to work. And I don’t mind when my accessories advertise the company that created them, but I don’t love when my accessories are also a walking billboard for something totally unrelated. That noted, if you like branding or you can get past this (EXTREMELY OBVIOUS) branding, this is a great battery. Check it out here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Rugged; Simple; Doesn’t lose power when not used; Two-port charging; One port is a fast charge port; Circuitry protects devices; Comes partially charged
What Needs Improvement: Branding is BIG and LOUD
