Topdon JS1200 Review UK (Jump Surge)
We’re back to jump starters; one of our favourite product types to get to grips with, and to talk about.
There’s just something about that roar when the engine comes back to life; call us car geeks (well the clue’s in the name) but it gets us going.
Anyway, this is our Topdon JS1200 Review.
Below, you’ll see the key points to know about it, the specifications. Then check out our full-blown review of how it actually performed and how good, or otherwise, the Topdon JS1200 UK actually is, in action.
Update December 2024:
Topdon appear to have discontinued the JS1200, instead check out the JS2000, or JS1500.
As we give information, tips and advice on car batteries and accessories, naturally our content may contain affiliate links, from which we earn, but there’s no extra cost to you. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. This helps us to continue to make content, which hopefully you enjoy and gain value from.
Fact Check: Verified Specifications
Topdon JS1200
- Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Peak Current: 1200A
- Weight: 0.95kg
- Dimensions: 26.2 x 15.2 x 10.2cm
How did we come to our conclusions in this Topdon JS1200 review?
We tested its ability to jump start various sizes of car.
We rated it for:
- How well it performed the jump start – how long it took for each size of car
- Quality of the clamps – particularly suitability for different battery terminals
- Size and quality of the cables
- Build quality of the unit
- Safety features
- Manufacturer quality and reputation
Rating the Topdon JS1200 Jump Starter
Here’s where we down to brass tacks. How did the Topdon JS1200 UK perform and what are the pros and cons of this 12V battery booster?
Topdon Jump Surge 1200 (UK)
Pros and who needs this 12V jump starter:
Firstly, it’s a “proper” jump starter
What do we mean by this? Well, there are a few jump starters on online marketplaces, in particular, that are little more than souped-up power banks. It’s not that they don’t work, but they require pretty much ideal conditions to work effectively. They’re made by companies who manufacture the power banks you use to charge your phone. It’s not necessarily that easy to tell the difference; luckily, we’re here to spread the word. Topdon certainly ain’t that. They’re a quality maker of 12V battery accessories, with a well established repertoire of testers, chargers and diagnostic devices.
The output power is as described
We found in our tests that the output power matches the manufacturer’s stated values. That’s a lot less common than you might think. In our experience there can be quite a discrepancy. So is it powerful enough for your needs? That depends on the size and condition of your battery. If you’ve got a car with medium-size engine and your battery’s in good condition, we rate the 1200 Peak Amps that the Topdon JS1200 is capable of as being enough for your needs. If you’ve got a bigger vehicle, or a battery that’s not in great condition, you may want to go bigger (like the Topdon JS3000, for example).
It’s *the* value buy in the jump starter market
When we get around to writing an article about the best value jump starters, this one will be top of the pile? Why? Because in terms of the quality of the components used, actual power delivery, and the build quality of the unit itself, the clamps and cables, it’s comparable to NOCO. And the NOCO model with comparable power, the GBX45, costs around £40 more than the JS 1200. That’s almost 50% higher price.
It’s the most full-featured proper jump starter
Of the actual proper jump starters (the ones actually made by car battery tester/charger/jump starter companies), the Topdon jump starters have finally provided models that have BOTH high quality jump starting capabilities AND full-featured power bank capabilities. QC3.0 fast charging, 12V power output capabilities, storage bag, LED lights (and a far brighter one than most, at fully 300 lumens).
Its got far bigger capacity than the NOCO GBX45
10,000mAh capacity. Compared to the GBX’s 2150mAh (according to our estimates). What does this actually mean? It means that, firstly, it has a lot more charge available to power your smartphones, ipads and other electronic devices. And it means, at least in theory, that it should be able to perform more jump starts on a single charge. And potentially should last longer without being charged. That does depend on a multitude of technical factors, however.
Negative aspects and why this model may not be best for you:
It over-estimates its abilities
In defence of Topdon, overestimating your abilities is the hallmark of the entire jump starter market. What do we mean by that? Well, it’s not that it’s not capable of jump starting 6.5L petrol and 4L diesel cars, with 1200 Peak Amps; we believe it can do so. But it will only do so in ideal conditions, and with a flawless, as-new condition car battery. At least, it doesn’t overestimate it’s peak amperage (quite a lot of jump starters do), it has that in its favour.
Its slightly less able to deal with adverse weather conditions than the NOCO jump starters
The Topdon Jump Surge 1200 is IP64 rated. That makes it completely dust tight and entirely protected against solid objects. And protected against water splashes from any angle. That’s enough for most people’s needs. The NOCO jump starters, though are protected to IP65 level. The only difference is that they’re protected against water JETS, as opposed to just water SPLASHES.
Where can you get this 12V booster?
Here’s where to check price and details (of the JS2000), on Amazon.
How to identify a “proper” jump starter?
Quite simply a “proper” jump starter is made by a manufacturer with a ton of automotive history, knowledge and expertise with products that jump start car batteries.
The likes of NOCO, Topdon, Clarke, RAC, for a few examples.
The market has been flooded in the last few years with combined power bank/jump starters, made by consumer technology companies. The better ones do work, but only in perfect conditions.
Just a quick delve into what other kinds of products the company makes will reveal the difference.
Topdon JS1200 Review Summary
Thanks for reading our Topdon JS1200 Review, UK. Hope it was valuable and shed some light!
It’s a really well-made jump starter, and performed well in our tests, starting a variety of cars with ease. It’s got a high-spec modern power bank features, and a much larger capacity, at 10,000mAh (mAh meaning) than you’ll find on even the biggest NOCO jump starters.
Our only real note of caution is that we don’t believe it’ll work with very large-engine vehicles.
Having a good quality jump starter can give you peace of mind, and put off replacing your battery a while longer.
All the best with your jump starting. If it could be the one for you, here’s where to see the Topdon Jump Surge 2000 Amazon price and more info, or here for the JS1500.