A jump starter is one of those bits of gear you don’t think about until you really need it – it’s a bad feeling when you turn the key and hear nothing but silence. The good news is that modern lithium jump starters are compact, easy to use, and powerful enough to get you back on the road without relying on another vehicle or waiting around for roadside assistance.
We have two KickAss jump starters in our range. Both do the core job exceptionally well, but they’re designed for different use cases. If you’re deciding which one is right for you, it really comes down to engine size, vehicle type, and how much backup power you want on hand.
This article will help you decide which of the two is right for your setup.
What to Think About Before Choosing a Jump Starter
Before comparing models, it helps to be clear on how and where you’ll use it.
Start with your engine size and vehicle type. Smaller petrol vehicles and standard 4WDs have very different starting demands compared to large diesel engines, boats, or motorhomes. The bigger the engine, the more starting current you’ll need.
Next, think about how often you want to rely on it. Some people want a compact “just in case” solution that lives in the glove box. Others want a serious recovery tool that can handle multiple jump starts over a long trip, or support other devices at the same time.
Finally, consider whether extra features matter to you. Things like power bank capacity, fast USB charging, emergency lighting, and storage can make a big difference depending on how you travel.
With that in mind, here’s how the two KickAss jump starters compare.
KickAss 12V 1500A Portable Car Jump Starter – Compact and Ready to Go
The KickAss 1500A Portable Car Jump Starter is all about convenience and portability. It’s designed for drivers who want a reliable backup without carrying bulky recovery gear.
Despite its compact size, it can deliver up to 55 jump starts on a single charge, which is more than enough for everyday vehicles and touring setups. It easily fits in a glove box, making it ideal for people who want to keep it permanently in the car without thinking about it.
It also doubles as a power bank, with quick-charging ports for phones and other small devices, and includes built-in emergency lighting for low-light situations or roadside visibility.
This model is a great match if you drive a car or smaller 4WD, want peace of mind for daily driving or weekend trips, and value a small, lightweight solution that’s always within reach.
KickAss Power Boost 3000A Jump Starter – Serious Power for Bigger Engines
If your vehicle setup is larger or more demanding, opt for the KickAss Power Boost 3000A Jump Starter.
With a massive 5500A peak output, it’s capable of jump-starting petrol and diesel engines up to 10 litres, making it suitable for SUVs, large 4WDs, trucks, boats, and motorhomes. It can deliver up to 120 jump starts on a single charge, which is especially useful for long trips, remote travel, or recovery scenarios.
Beyond jump-starting, it functions as a high-capacity 40,000mAh power bank, complete with 100W USB-PD fast charging and a 12V output. That makes it useful not just in emergencies, but as part of a broader touring or recovery toolkit.
Safety features like spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection add extra confidence, and the bright 500-lumen LED light with SOS and multiple brightness modes is a genuine asset during breakdowns or night-time recoveries. Everything packs neatly into a durable PU storage case.
This option suits those who travel remotely, operate larger engines, or want to minimise reliance on roadside assistance. It’s the kind of gear you hope you never need, but are very glad to have when you do.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you want a compact, no-fuss jump starter for everyday vehicles, glove-box storage, and occasional use, the KickAss 12V 1500A Portable Car Jump Starter is a practical and efficient choice.
If you’re running larger engines, travelling off-grid, towing, boating, or simply want maximum power and versatility in one unit, the KickAss Power Boost 3000A Jump Starter is the better fit.
Both options are designed to be easy to use, safe, and reliable. The right choice depends on how demanding your setup is, and how much backup capability you want in reserve.
Either way, having a jump starter on hand means fewer interruptions, more independence, and a lot more confidence when you’re on the road.
Ready to take the plunge? Shop the range online, drop into one of our retail stores, or give us a call on (07) 3123 4715 – our team of 12V experts are always on hand to chat.