TreeLineBackpacker

Be it for recreation, living on the go, or just emergency perpetration, having a backup power source is more important than ever. Delivering 1548Wh with the option to expand, this mobile power station has potential (pun intended).

The Vtoman Flash Speed 1500 is a high capacity, portable power station with the ability to output 1500 watts, hence the name. It has an included 1548Wh batter, with an expansion bay and stackable design that allows it to double capacity to 3096Wh. The battery is the newer LiFePO4 technology, which is rated to last for over 3100 cycles. It sports 3 AC outputs, 4 USB A outputs, 2 USB C outputs, car ports for jumping batteries, DC outputs, and a quick charge AC input that can fully charge the unit in about an hour. It is solar panel compatible, weighs about 42 pounds, and retails for $1400.

What I liked

Let’s start with using the unit, which I’ll just call the FS from now on. It’s dead simple. Just long press one of the power buttons to enable the power output, and things plugged in just work. AC, USB, DC and USB-C all have their own category that can be turned on and off independent to help preserve battery. A single tap of any button will show the battery capacity and current output, which helps you determine how power you’re using and have left. The display even shows you which output category is turned on, so there is no guessing what is on or off. I’ve found that the power delivery has been clean and reliable, with no fluctuations or instability at all. Charging devices stay on while they’re drawing power, and eventually the unit will go to sleep when it’s no longer needed. I’ve used it to charge tools, power lights, speakers, and fans, and act as a battery backup during storms.

When devices are plugged in and being used, it provides a handy readout of total capacity, output, and an estimate of how long the battery will last at it’s current load. This is great for planning and conserving energy, and provides illumination to otherwise mysterious power consumption levels on many devices. Want to see how much energy running that toaster oven really consumes? Plug it in and it will tell you.

Portability is pretty good considering the size of the internal battery. It features two very sturdy handles, one of each side, that allows it to be fairly easily lugged around. It’s a square unit that allows it to fit into corners and niches, and things can be stacked under or over it if need be, as it is a stackable design. Multiple units can be stacked and tied together for extra capacity, which is great for long blackouts and days on the go.

Built quality is overall very good. The system feels like a solid unit, with sturdy, rugged panels, connectors, and buttons that have a nice click to them. The handles have no flex to them at all and install a lot of confidence in the design. The unit is not however waterproof, so if used outdoors with say a solar panel, it will need to be protected and moved inside before it rains. The panels are somewhat scratch resistant, and has done a good job of resisting stuffs and scrapes with gentle use.

Maintaining the unit is fairly simple. It’s recommended to keep the battery above 20 percent charge, and it can slowly lose charge over time when not in use like all portable power stations. The recommendation is that you charge it every 3 months, but I’ve found the drain to be low enough that if you miss an extra couple months it’s going to be fine. Keeping it in a temp controlled environment is definitely recommended as well. While running, it can generate heat and care should be taken to keep the vents and fan clear of obstruction, especially with higher loads. I also recommend a hard surface to reduce heat build up, no carpet, but it hasn’t been an issue for me.

Smaller features like an integrated LED with SOS, storage container on the top, and included USB, DC, and AC cables are nice to have as well. It also functions as a UPS, so anything connected to it when the power goes out stays online. Great as a computer backup, for example.

Operation has been relatively quiet, with smaller devices barely kicking the fan on as it works to keep the internals cool. I haven’t had any coil whine or humming from the LED or internal capacitors, lights, or anything of that nature. It’s a unit that would be quite pleasant to work work right beside of, without it being too distracting.

Charging with solar has been fine. Mine didn’t include the necessary cables or adapters, but I was lucky enough to have those on hand. It uses a fairly standard solar connector so sourcing one should be easy.

What I didn’t like

My FS sample had a panel loose when it arrived. It was the vent covering the side fan that wasn’t properly seated. It was easy enough to pop back in, although it took some pressure, but was still surprising to see that it got through QA with it clearly ajar. It’s never been an issue since, thankfully. Otherwise, it’s been a solid unit.

The unit is heavy, despite being portable. As long as you’re sticking close to the car or home it’s not an issue, but trying to carry it down a long hill or up a climb isn’t going to be fun. At 42 pounds this will be a team lift for some.

Overall

The FS 1500 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a sturdy, reliable power station. It supports solar, fast AC charging, and has every common output available. The LiFePO4 battery should ensure a very long life for the unit, and the stackable and swappable nature adds future flexibility. It’s a little expensive at MSRP, but I’ve seen some very good deals on it, as low as $700, which is a great deal. As someone who both camps and likes to stay prepared, this is a win.

Highly Recommended

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Big thanks to Vtoman for sending this over for review. We couldn’t do this without their help.

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