Bluetti Handsfree1 Review
This is my review and comments of the Bluetti Hands free1. I currently own a AC200 MAX with a B230 and an EB55.
Product packaging was excellent and initial impressions were very favorable. The design and appearance of your products are always top notch and as a customer the appearance of your products helped draw me in. The form factor of this power station was a welcome sight. Previous units have been boxy and bulky, this unit with the new form factor suggests that it will be more likely to be carried and taken due to its narrow, tall shape rather than the cube shape of other units. Initially this product was pitched to me as a backpack unit, I have done a lot of back country/Wilderness camping including 7-day trips deep into the mountains that required us to carry everything in for the week, food, supplies, everything. I don’t see the serious backpacking crowd going for this type of unit as its too heavy. It would mean giving something else up to make room for the size and weight of the unit.
That being said, there are still plenty of reasons that this unit would appeal to others, the form factor being number one. I feel the 300-watt rated output will be sufficient for most tasks although the battery capacity is a little light, its understandable as to the limitations with size and output. You can only pack so much into this size of unit and there will always be tradeoffs. This could easily run/charge a 12VDC cooler, cell phone, Tablet, Laptop, Radio, Drone, TV, Lighting etc. My E Bike charger only draws 150 watts and though there’s not enough capacity to fully charge the battery, coupled with an average size solar panel and using pass through charging, this unit could easily charge my E bikes battery from zero to full.
I see this product being popular with the day trip crowd, going to the beach, a picnic, going to an outdoor event, or any type of outing that puts you away from grid power. This would be perfect for anything that involves automobile travel like a national park trip, overnight camping or a back roads adventure. I would be more likely to pack this and a 100 watt solar panel in my car as opposed to other Bluetti products just because the form factor screams “TAKE ME WITH YOU”.
I don’t ever see myself using the power lifting feature. The turbo charging and silent charging modes are also not likely to be used by me, but I do see value in the 3 charging modes. I’m not sure I would ever use power lifting mode though. I would rather just buy a unit that can handle whatever my power needs are. Sometimes I think that there is a feeling that you have to add every available feature so your product can offer everything even though most people never even use those additional features, plus it adds un-necessary complexity and cost to the product. Of course, Eco mode along with Bluetooth on/off should always be present.
PROS,
• Form factor. A home run
• Charging rectifier built in. no need for a power brick
• AC or DC charging. A must
• Only 1 AC outlet. Allows for a cleaner look and for this type of unit, only 1 is necessary
• No 12VDC cigarette lighter adapter. Its time we moved past that outdated connection
• 12VDC output connection. Not likely to be used a lot but it’s important to have it
• 100-watt USB C. The new standard
• 2 USB A ports with 3 amps total. Still a necessity
• A ground connection. Not all will use it but I’m glad to finally see this added
• All control settings, app and locally controllable. Apps are great but local control should always be included
• Display nicely done
• Owner’s manual covered everything well.
• AC and DC charging port use common connectors
• Solar input of 200 watts and 12-28VDC is a good range
• You didn’t try to over do it and offer more than is needed
CONS,
• Battery capacity is a little low, 200 watt (after reserve and efficiency reductions), Understandable though, and not a deal breaker when unit coupled with a solar panel
Conclusion,
I see myself using this unit a lot, especially with a small 100-watt solar panel. It would cover 95% of my off grid needs if I were travelling and in need of AC or DC power. I can see this being especially useful during a back roads trip into the desert or some other remote but accessible by vehicle area. I would use it for a DC refrigerator or to recharge my drone batteries. The new form factor is the most exciting aspect about this product. Thanks for allowing me to review it. I will also put out a You Tube review, but it will remain un-published and private until the product is actually released.
