4Patriots Sidekick Solar Generator Review - Questionable Marketing, Poor Value? 

Just a bit of clarification. When I did the overload test on the Sidekick, I used settings that produced approximately 355 watts of draw when plugged into the wall, just to be fair/safe. Without changing anything, I unplugged it from the wall and plugged it into the Sidekick. It didn't even hold it long enough for the watt meter to catch up and show the load. When I tested the R300 at 375 watts or so, that was after already confirming that it didn't shut off at the 355 watts. I then turned it down in the video and then turned it back up. Also, the Sidekick does hold 300 watts without shutting down. It just will not hold 350-360 for 30 seconds (as it claims in the specs). It faults out after just a few seconds.

This is by far the best review I have ever seen for this company's products. Well done.

Thanks, had to talk someone out of purchasing the Patriot.

BUT WAIT! THAT'S NOT ALL! NOW you get less for your money than ever before! WOW. BTW, We fired our plastics factory and hired a team of used car salesmen to generate our ad copy! Now how much would you pay?! AND we even include a FREE cardboard box it is shipped in. Other features include the Boat Anchor function, just chuck it overboard and your boat will hardly drift. I was hoping you would pull the covers, and it was quite clear how cheaply and poorly designed the Sidekick is, especially when you load tested it. and the R300 is still the same price on Amazon currently. I was trying to imagine a use scenario, but I guess running laptop and that ilk these would work pretty good. I do not have a need for these currently; if I need to, I have a 2K watt inverter. So, GoLabs it is then.

I had a jolly good laugh over this - thank you 😂. The marketing here definitely one-ups the S7 welder you reviewed with the "I want to spend the rest of my life with this welder" marketing !

You should return it !!

Another great review!

Hi, Thank you for your reply! Yes the Sidekick comes on but only when connected to the wall plug. It's been plugged in for 2 days! Shows 65% but the hours is 00 and the watts show 1.

No it doesn't come on unless plugged in. When plugged in Nothing works. I've been FB messaging someone & someone is supposed to call me Saturday am. Makes me wonder why it's taken a week to talk to someone about my Sidekick. Wish I'd understood that it's basically a rechargeable battery that can also be charged by the sun. Maybe we would have bought something less expensive. Thanks for helping!

Their large solar power station is also a poor value.

What type of battery is it running?

I call it the "SideScam"

Hey bud could you review another hone welder? A 110volt 120amp hone welder called a Sim stick 120

If you've been suckered in... how do you discharge it, so that you can recharge it up all the way? Thats what their tech called "a reset." It says 65% but shows no hours left and it won't charge up more than that after being plugged in for 2 days. AND also 2 more days of being hooked to the solar panels. It will Not run anything, even while plugged into the wall. You can't even turn on the light. At this point it's like a small boat anchor!

I have one. 11 months old. Won't charge, won't turn on. Won't do anything, just sit on a shelf.

My mini sidekick doesn't hold charge. Called customer support and in order fir my concern to be addressed I had to pay $1 to a support staff member. How unprofessional! Cystomer satisfaction VERY POOR! Don't do business with this company. How dare they use the word Patriot in their product.

Its garbage. Dont throw your money away.

4patriots solar are overpriced, JUNK! Save your money and get more power for cheaper! Pecron e600 is a 618wh for $299. And no 4patriots is doing nothing right with their products