I don’t mean figuratively my favorite, I mean literally — I just went out to my garage and took that photo (sorry about the dust) of my own NOCO Genius 2X4 charger/maintainer, which I have three batteries hooked to.
I’ve also got the smaller 2X2 charger for small engine batteries, the big GeniusPro 25 (that’s the 66% off one) and GeniusPro 50 (not on sale) portable 25- and 50-amp chargers for the field, and two of the classic NOCO Boost GB40 Plus starters, one in my Dodge Magnum RT, and another one I put in my mother’s car. I’m pretty sure I have a Genius 10 charger out there as well.
At this point you’re asking, “What’s with you and all the NOCO stuff, Dave?” Well, I was an automotive journalist for 20 years, and I spent two of those years recently testing parts and accessories. For me, NOCO just ended up being some of the best designed hardware of its kind, and right now it’s up to 66% off.
“Boost” models are battery jump starters; and “Genius” models are charger/maintainers. The more you know.
NOCO GeniusPro 25, 66% off. This and the big brother 50 amp battery charger are what I use outside the shop for big, fast charging jobs, like a diesel truck (or 24-volt equipment) battery. They both come in slick semi-hardsided carrying cases, with accessories.
NOCO Genius10, 20% off. If you have one battery to maintain in a car, boat, motorcycle, golf cart or anything else, and want a compact charger you can stick under the hood, I like the Genius 10. It’s very compact but will charge from completely dead at 0 volts.
NOCO Boost GB40 Plus Jump Starter, 20% off. Probably the single most popular portable jump starter in the world. Using it once is cheaper than a single tow truck call, and I use one at least once or twice a year. It doubles as a big USB charger.
NOCO Boost Air AX65, 30% off. A brand-new model that combines a GB70-style 2,000 amp jump starter with air inflator. I have not tried it yet but early reviews are excellent, most battery inflators don’t have this much power.
NOCO Genius2X2, 20% off. A nice, compact little two-battery charger/maintainer that you can mount anywhere. It has modular cables with extensions that interchange with most other NOCO chargers, I mix and match all the time.
NOCO Genius2, 23% off. Currently under $50, the Genius2 is an underhood-sized single battery charger/maintainer that is ideal for both automotive, recreational. and lawn and garden equipment like motorcycles and lawnmowers.
NOCO Boost Pro GB150, 20% off. This is one of the largest non-professional jumps starters in the lineup, a 3,000-amp model that will turn over big V-8s and high-compression Diesels. It also has faster in and out charging speeds than smaller versions.
NOCO Boost XL GB50, 21% off. This is a little bigger and newer than the GB40, and you can’t go wrong with either. If you have a smaller diesel or larger six- or eight-cylinder gas engine, but don’t need the big GB150, you should carry the GB50.
NOCO Genius1, 25% off. A tiny, 1.0-amp trickle charger that you can literally fit in your front pocket, it’s currently $30. It’ll charge anything, just not very fast, but if you don’t need fast charging and don’t have any room, it’s your charger.
NOCO Boost HD GB70, 20% off. If you want NOCO Plus/Pro/HD/XL terminology untangled, see below. At 2,000 amps, this is about the biggest of what I’d call consumer jump starters, before you get into very expensive professional models.
Explaining NOCO Boost Jump Starter Models and Terminology
The Boost line is divided into Boost, Boost X, Boost Air, and Boost Max; with 13 different models within those.
NOCO Boost: Standard jump starter line. Each one has a different name for the size, Sport is the smallest 500-amp model; then 1,000-amp Plus; 1,500-amp XL; 2,000-amp HD; and 3,000-amp Pro.
NOCO Boost X: A higher-powered (but still affordable) line than the base Boost, ranging from 1,250 amps to 4,250. All are called “X.”
NOCO Boost Air: A single brand-new AX65 inflator/jump starter model. I’ll be surprised if there aren’t more models added.
NOCO Boost Max: All called “Max,” commercial/pro-grade 12- and 24-volt jump starters for harsh environments and capable of turning over heavy equipment. The smallest model is the 3,000-amp GB251+.
Why Do You Need a Battery Maintainer?
Many modern vehicles have electrical systems that can drain a battery in just a week or two, potentially shortening its lifespan and even voiding warranties. Using a maintainer helps prevent or weak or dead battery and avoids the risks associated with jump starting, which can damage sensitive electronics. Fully dead batteries often result in a trip to the dealer to reset things like security and audio systems.
Modern smart maintainers also have specialized charging modes for AGM batteries and de-sulfation features to extend the life of traditional lead-acid batteries.
If the battery isn’t in the car, it can safely be kept at 100% charge when not in use.
