Author Topic: talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables  (Read 1000 times)

Stig / Major Tom

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talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables
« on: March 01, 2026, 11:04:40 PM »
Will a $45 jump starter survive sitting in the trunk of a car all winter (at 5 below zero) ?
Or should I just buy a set of cables for my wife's car?

Stig
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randyo

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Re: talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2026, 03:51:38 AM »
a decent set of jumper cables will run you close to $200, if not more, get them at least the full length of the car + 5 or 6 feet, you can't always position the cars nose to nose. next, look for minimum 2 gauge, but preferably 0 or 00 so that the cables don't melt.
I made my set with welders cable 1/0 gauge 25ft in length, about 53 years ago  for about $50 at the time, today, about $300- $400

I have no experience with ownership of a jumper pack I have observed them work perfect and observed failure
« Last Edit: March 02, 2026, 04:13:20 AM by randyo »
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Neil955i

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Re: talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2026, 12:50:26 PM »
Will a $45 jump starter survive sitting in the trunk of a car all winter (at 5 below zero) ?
Or should I just buy a set of cables for my wife's car?

Stig

I've asked my mechanic son for you, I'll let you know what he thinks!
Regards & ride safe,
Neil

Current garage:  Kymco DTX360 & Triumph Street Triple 675R
Past bikes: BSA C15. Honda S/wing (GL500). Kawasaki GPz750. BMW K100RS. Kawasaki GPZ900R. Yamaha FJ1200 x2. Sprint. Triumph Daytona 900. Kawasaki ZX-7R. T595 Daytona. Kawasaki ZX-9R x2. Triumph Daytona 955i. X-Town

Iahawk

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Re: talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2026, 01:36:25 PM »
Stig, I have a Noco 1000A jump starter and also a no name Chinese one (~$30). The Noco lives in the car my daughter will hopefully, someday be driving on her own!

I have only used the Noco once but it worked fine. I remember to recharge it about once or twice each year and it seems to keep at least 90% of its charge in between.

I also like the idea of using it to jump start a bike in the garage, if needed. (haven't needed to, yet). Easier and much safer than jumper cables from a car.

Project Farm (youtube) has done a big test on these. 'Bob Is The Oil Guy' forum has a huge thread on these.

They work well, are very convenient, safe and you don't need to rely on a stranger for help, if needed. (or do a belt and suspenders approach, keep them both in your car!)

edit: I just noticed in the Amazon listing where 30,000+ were purchased in the last month alone..I think they are pretty popular

edit #2: attached pic of other one I own. Purchased due to good reviews and dirt cheap price (maybe $29 at the time?). Haven't used it, yet. Disappointed in that I think my cell phone weighs more than this thing does. The Noco is solid and heavy. This thing is a featherweight and feels like a toy.
« Last Edit: March 02, 2026, 01:43:57 PM by Iahawk »
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Neil955i

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Re: talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables
« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2026, 01:38:45 PM »
I've asked my mechanic son for you, I'll let you know what he thinks!

He reckons there's no reason it shouldn't survive that?  Give it a recharge and see?
Regards & ride safe,
Neil

Current garage:  Kymco DTX360 & Triumph Street Triple 675R
Past bikes: BSA C15. Honda S/wing (GL500). Kawasaki GPz750. BMW K100RS. Kawasaki GPZ900R. Yamaha FJ1200 x2. Sprint. Triumph Daytona 900. Kawasaki ZX-7R. T595 Daytona. Kawasaki ZX-9R x2. Triumph Daytona 955i. X-Town

Iahawk

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Re: talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2026, 01:52:38 PM »
one more point.....not all of these jump starters are able to start a completely drained battery. If they don't detect more than 2 (?) volts some will not allow the jump starter to work. The Noco has an override button you press for this situation (I used it on a neighbor's completely dead battery). I'm not sure about my Nexpow (gotta love these names) but I don't think it has the ability to start the completely dead batteries.
2010 People S200 - sold after 8 wonderful years!
2014 Ninja 300
1996 Honda Helix
1984 Honda Nighthawk 650

Neil955i

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Re: talk to me about 'jump starter' box, vs cables
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2026, 10:29:54 AM »
Thanks Hawk.  Just looking at the Noco starter pack as a potential purchase!
Regards & ride safe,
Neil

Current garage:  Kymco DTX360 & Triumph Street Triple 675R
Past bikes: BSA C15. Honda S/wing (GL500). Kawasaki GPz750. BMW K100RS. Kawasaki GPZ900R. Yamaha FJ1200 x2. Sprint. Triumph Daytona 900. Kawasaki ZX-7R. T595 Daytona. Kawasaki ZX-9R x2. Triumph Daytona 955i. X-Town

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