Starter/Jump Pack - Mini type

[PiperCub]

Considering buying one of those small (glovebox-size type) starter/jump packs fairly soon. Much as I slagged them off when I first saw them ("Oh FRO, no way will that little thing start a car"), they seem to have a good reputation and work well so what does anyone with one recommend?

 

What capacity? The bigger the better? 18Ah seems common. Want ability to start say 2.5 petrol/2.0 diesel if poss (bit of future proofing). 

 

Not interested in bells and whistles and lots of silly-ass features that'll be useful if I never use them! A couple of USB sockets and an LED torch would be nice if they are there but not essential, it's more for emergency car starting than anything else. 

 

Looking for good solid example not the cheapest as want it to last. DB Power ones attract me (£70 - Amazon), anyone got one?

 

Any other rec's? 

[dollywobbler]

I've got one of these. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Power-Bank-12V-16800mAh-Car-Jump-Starter-Pack-Booster-Charger-Battery/142393637382?_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D43781%26meid%3D444be375516a40c0972c225d34978e13%26pid%3D100506%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26

 

Started the Daimler 4.0, just about. 2-litre petrol no bother at all, IF fully charged. Would not start the 2.1 turbo diesel XM. I've been surprised at how useful it has proved in non-jump situations though. Great for charging the phone when camping, or the sat nav if driving a car with no 12v socket. You can charge if from the car as well.

 

So, yes, I'd recommend more capacity for jump starting diesels. That compression ratio is hard work.

[PiperCub]

Appreciate diesels will be hard going, was only using it as an example (I have a full size start pack but want one for the glovebox) as I'm not a diesel chap so really relevent to petrol motors only. 

 

Will check out your suggestion - thanks. 

[Alusilber]

I got a DBPower 12Ah job after I left the sidelights on on my 924 one day. Never actually tried it out for jumpstarting yet, but it seems reasonably well made, comes in a decent case and the instructions are a bit better than the usual Chinglish gibberish.