120Ah USEABLE Capacity?! Testing the NEW iTech120X Pro Lithium Battery from iTechworld
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2024
- Putting the new iTech 120X Pro lithium battery to the test to see if we can actually use it's advertised 120Ah capacity.
iTech 120X Pro (use promo code EXPLOREBOUND for 5% off):
itechworld.com.au/products/it...
💻 www.explorebound.com.au
📸 @explorebound on Insta for pics of the setup/camping trips.
#lithium #offgrid #electrical - Авто та транспорт
Thanks for doing the test. It's always good to know what to ask and to look out for when buying a Lithium battery. 👍
Thanks mate 🙂
@@explorebound Do you know if their X Pro batteries can be wired in a parallel setup? If so, up to how many batteries?
How did the older tech battery fare in comparison? Did the older one cut out at an earlier voltage? I'm wondering if they just have bigger cells or a better grade BMS onboard (I'm guessing slightly larger cells with the weight). What was the resting voltage after the test because 10.3V is dead dead for an LFP4 and it's not great to drop it that low.
I took a punt on a Beyond LFP4 to run my fridge and it's all good so far.
Great video. Could you please please do another test using their 'drop in replacement spiel?' Be good to see how many Ah you get out once fully charged from flat, straight from an alternator, no DCDC or dedicated charger Thanks.
Id love to know what charge current limiting they have implemented for this, because charging a low internal resistance battery like lifepo4 can and usually does burn out alternators really fast, particularly when the engine is idling so the alternators internal fan isnt at its optimal speed
That's better - real numbers not just marketing claims! Thanks.
Nice review mate...a couple of questions which I don't think we're mentioned in the video...
What was the fridge temperature set at ?
After how many hours did the battery fully drain and cut out ?
Hi mate, the fridge was set to -20 and ran for approximately 3 days, although the runtime isn’t overly relevant as it was completely empty, and wasn’t opened at all during the test.
Nice vid mate, should do a give away on the old battery.
Would you test the battery at a constant drain at 25 amps?
I just ordered the "NEW 120X" which is the smaller footprint of 260 long to fit in Hilux and Prado etc. Its not yet on their website.
Cant wait to replace my 30kg under bonnet AGM with this new 10kg one.
You can’t use it as a cranking battery lol.
@@wizzylizzy69 Who said you could? Im replacing my AGM as I said above, not my cranking battery. Been going great for nearly 12 months so far. LOL
Great review, short and sweet.
Do you know if you can mix and match the 120X with the 120x Pro? I already have a 120X and would like to add a second battery. Seems the extra bucks would be worth it to go to the Pro.
Thanks
Hey Jack, I did raise this question with iTech and they advised that while it would technically work, you wouldn’t see the full benefit of the 120X Pro that way so they recommend running the same style for both batteries 👍
Thanks man, good to know.🙂
They will be doing this by slightly over specing the battery, this should result in a slightly higher discharge and charge rates and increased durability.
You always make great content thanks brother
What’s the SmartShunt brand or maker what’s the model call ?
I want the same so handy
Thanks mate! It's the Victron SmartShunt 🙂
Very informative. Do you know if their other Ah size batteries in the "X Pro" series are the same? That is being able to use 100% of the capacity?
Hi mate, I’ve only been able to test the 120X Pro, however the 100% useable capacity claim is the same across the new ‘Pro’ range so I would confidently say so. 🙂
@@explorebound Thanks. The question was more with your dealings with iTech, if they're claiming the rest in the X Pro series all have 100% useable capacity. But as you've said, since you'e proved it on the 120X Pro, its looking good that their claim for the rest of the X Pro series, should perform the same. Cheers.
I remember when I brought my 2x120x batteries there was a lot of discuss about their usable ah rating. A lot of people mentioned the weight should have been more and interesting to see the new pro version adding on a few more kgs to achieve to performance!
When are we gonna see a camping/4wding vid?
Wondering what batt monitor you used. I bought the itech one and doest seem to work
I'm using the Victron SmartShunt
The Itech120x was always falsely advertised and sold as a 120ah it was only 10kg and was 105ah to 10v which means Its a 105ah battery it never was a 120ah battery. But they happily sold it with a 120ah title for many years till one guy did a tear down and review on it on a 12v facebook page which exposed what was inside. Then a few others did some basic capacity tests following that original post with the lid off.
They now advertise on the voltage curve chart vs battery percentage, that 0% capacity is 9.5v which is obviously below 2.5v per cell, so they're potentially allowing damage to the cells in order to get the full capacity. Plus most inverters and fridges wont run down that low so im really not sure what they're getting at with that chart
How many days did it run the freezer for?
Hey Jim, it ran for about 3 days but it was empty inside and it wasn’t opened at all during the test - so not a very real world use case I’m afraid
@@explorebound hey! Great to hear. Appreciate the response.
4000 cycles at 100% refers to the depth of discharge which means that the battery is theoretically capable of being completely discharged 4000 times prior to reaching end of life. This specification DOES NOT mean that the battery will retain 100% capacity (120AH ) after 4000 cycles which is impossible. As always, thanks for your content
With LiFePO 4 the discharge times IS NOT until end of life. It's until first meaningful capacity loss. Which can be (depending on the battery) only about 20% loss in many circumstances.
Wrong. It means it will still be at a minimum of 80% after 4000 cycles 100% DOD
@@LiamMarcon thanks for clarifying
yeah that what i was thinking..4000 cycles that battery should be about 80% or lower depends how he use it and climate weather ect effects lifespan ....
@@cyclemoto8744 no worries, it's pretty badly explained by manufacturers tbf
Power Paul has tested itechworld battery’s and the usable capacity was much lower and I Agree mine does not perform as it claims, power Paul also had the owner off itechworld ringing and abusing him and threaten to send people to power Paul’s house
You’re absolutely correct about the previous version of the itech batteries but their new “pro” version actually has 120ah cells in it instead of ripping people off like they were before.
@@shanenorwell8580 only because they got caught out, hopefully there will be a big law suit coming
@@shanenorwell8580 Once bitten twice shy mate. Like many other people. Would not even think about products of them anymore
@@jackturtle131 yep, absolutely. I won’t even install their gear for customers anymore…it’s more hassle than it’s worth.
That name = quality Power Paul.
Honestly, I've switched and wow. Actual size for Ah is excellent.
iTech has hooked us up with a 5% discount off everything on their site - use code EXPLOREBOUND 🙂
120X Pro ➡ itechworld.com.au/products/itech120x-pro-120ah-12v-lithium-battery?sca_ref=4020437.TcSNwMVtnh&
A long time ago the industry standard for LFP cells was 2.0v but everyone came to understand that this was not without consequence. The lower you take the cells in voltage the lower the cycle count, but you also get a higher amp hour rating by discharging to that lower voltage. The current industry standard is 2.5V. Ever wondered why LFP cell cycle life time suddenly went up to 2000 back then? This is why.
Now look at what itech is doing.
Take a look at the specs for the battery. BMS low voltage cut off is 8.5 to 9 volts, at least from what is stated on itech's web site. That equates to 2.125 to 2.25 volts per cell, assuming well matched cells but we can safely assume that when any single cell reaches that voltage the BMS will cut off. I'm not saying you won't get 120AH out of the batteries, but it will come at a cost. I'm guessing itech is relying on people not actually discharging down to BMS cut off regularly and in turn keep the cycle life up.
Beware of claims of 4000 cycles. For the record 100% does not mean you can do 4000 cycles and still have 100% capacity. It means you can do 4000 full discharge cycles and then the battery is considered EOL. There can be some slight of hand going on with end of life though. Notice how the determination for 'end of life' is not specified. The industry standard is when the battery capacity has fallen to 80% of the label capacity. There are some battery manufacturers that state it as 70%. A lower remaining capacity figure equates to more cycles on the label. Trojan has gone that way unfortunately. What is the end of life point for the 120X Pro? Without knowing about these aspects of the batteries you don't really know what you are buying and can't make a legitimate comparison with other batteries you might be considering.
I'd want to see some proper independent accelerated aging performance of the batteries. I have to stress that I'm not saying this battery is junk, just that it pays to be wary. As always _caveat emptor_.
Great product but still out of my $$$ range, agm for awhile yet
What's the price difference
The newer one is $999. only about 100 bucks difference.
@@MrThuggery That's right - the old one is on their site listed at $849. Compare the iTechWorld with say Aussie Batteries and Solar Giant 140AH at $759 and you have to wonder what happy aid the iTW crew are sipping.
Wonder how my Kings Lith 120 compares ($600)
@@BenMitro I'd take the itechworld any day. Discharge and charge rates much better compared to the mentioned GIANT battery.
@@scoooootyFair enough. Personally I wouldn't spend the extra $250, but you mentioned that you have very high discharge rates in mind. Mine is just powering leds and the fridge and occasionally charging a phone in the car. My 5kW inverter in the camper is powered by 16 x 280AH prismatics - that will have plenty of current available.
That is a good point though, it really is horses for courses.
Nice clip Daniel, but they still don't convince me to buy their products No matter what the story is.
Why? Ive never seen a bad review of their products.
@@1Coolbanana Because they delete them immediately.
@@AlanLow They are still for sale and still a good under bonnet option at a good price.
Aside from a model number being misinterpreted as a 120ah battery by people whom didn't bother to read the specs clearly stating 105ah usable, there is nothing wrong with the original 120X product.
I'm pleased to report I utilise a 120X in our caravan, have done so without issue since Dec 2021. Interestingly I record all my battery details.
I logged the Itech 120X as a 105 ah battery at installation.
1). Remco 100ah AGM.
Dec 06 to Apr 13 = 6.5 years
2). Amp Tech 120ah AGM
Apr 13 to Dec 19 = 6.5 years
3). Xcell 135ah AGM
Dec 19 to Dec 21, still utilised at home.
4). Itech 105ah Lithium
Dec 21 to ???
As you can clearly see, each new battery was an upgrade over the previous as our reliance on each battery increased with additional tech added over the years to our van.
Whilst I still have the Xcell unit powering a water pump at home it just wasn't coping with invertor powering coffee M/C, toaster, sandwich press etc, so it was time to opt into Lithium.
The Itech 120X was water resistant IP rated, a necessity as our battery is stored externally, it was rated far better for initial hi discharge than others in price range.
Now going on previous experience I figured the 105ah usable was more than we currently required and I'm now able to confirm I figured correctly, the 120X's 105 amp hours has never let us down. Only time we've had an issue, overcast for 5 days under trees, hence minimal solar input, voltage down to 11.9v but still powering all required items with cautious usage but the day that weather cleared, our 120X roared into action again and let's be honest, 5 days heavily overcast isn't that common an occurrence so I consider that a pass for the Itech 120X, as I know the previous AGM units would have failed.
I also know how well Itech support the product as my brother opted into 2 X 120X's.
Unfortunately 1 failed, returned to Itech by their return policy, BMS had failed, replaced BMS, returned battery to us, then credited my bank account for the frieght costs as there was a genuine issue/failure of the product, now that is commitment by Itech to stand by their product.
I can not say a bad thing about Itech from our experience with their products.
1420CA Pro Cranking battery, ✔️
3 X 54ah auxillary batteries ✔️
120X auxillary battery ✔️
30ah charger ✔️
3000w invertor ✔️
And I'm still in the market for more of their products, as I know the stuff is good and should it fail, they'll stand by their product.
Hope this helps anyone else pondering over lithium, just go for it.
And no, I'm not paid to promote or do I get any kick backs, I'm just a very happy client.
So your getting what's advertised now? About time. But not for $1000 thanks
yup rip off and false saying 100% battery life span in 20 to 30 years the battery will be degrading and not hold 100% capacity in 20 years .. this guy is full of BS ..just marketing the battery as hes a paid ad
Rated to put in the engine bay? No way!!!
Sure is and many reviews under bonnet and the work great. Its where mines going when it arrives
This guy does not understand cycle life at all, it's 80% remaining capacity at 100% Dod after 4000 cycles not 100% capacity.
Aside from a model number being misinterpreted as a 120ah battery by people whom didn't bother to read the specs clearly stating 105ah usable, there is nothing wrong with the original 120X product.
I'm pleased to report I utilise a 120X in our caravan, have done so without issue since Dec 2021. Interestingly I record all my battery details.
I logged the Itech 120X as a 105 ah battery at installation.
1). Remco 100ah AGM.
Dec 06 to Apr 13 = 6.5 years
2). Amp Tech 120ah AGM
Apr 13 to Dec 19 = 6.5 years
3). Xcell 135ah AGM
Dec 19 to Dec 21, still utilised at home.
4). Itech 105ah Lithium
Dec 21 to ???
As you can clearly see, each new battery was an upgrade over the previous as our reliance on each battery increased with additional tech added over the years to our van.
Whilst I still have the Xcell unit powering a water pump at home it just wasn't coping with invertor powering coffee M/C, toaster, sandwich press etc, so it was time to opt into Lithium.
My considerations prior to purchase.
1). Moisture, the Itech 120X was water resistant IP rated, a necessity as our battery is stored externally
2). Discharge, it was rated far better for initial hi discharge than others in price range.
3). Amp hours, now going on previous experience I figured the 105ah available was more than we currently required and I'm now able to confirm I figured correctly.
Confirmed use thus far.
The 120X's 105 amp hours has never let us down. Only time we've had an issue, overcast for 5 days under trees, hence minimal solar input, voltage down to 11.9v but still powering all required items with cautious usage but the day that weather cleared, our 120X roared into action again and let's be honest, 5 days heavily overcast isn't that common an occurrence so I consider that a pass for the Itech 120X, as I know the previous AGM units would have failed.
Support.
I also know how well Itech support the product as my brother opted into 2 X 120X's.
Unfortunately 1 failed, returned to Itech by their return policy, BMS had failed, replaced BMS, returned battery to us, then credited my bank account for the frieght costs as there was a genuine issue/failure of the product, now that is commitment by Itech to stand by their product.
Satisfaction.
I can not say a bad thing about Itech from our experience with their products.
4WD.
1420CA Pro Cranking battery, ✔️
3 X 54ah auxillary batteries ✔️
Caravan.
120X auxillary battery ✔️
30ah charger ✔️
Home.
3000w invertor ✔️
And I'm still in the market for more of their products, as I know the stuff is good and should it fail, they'll stand by their product.
Hope this helps anyone else pondering over Itech lithium, or their other products, read the specs, if it complies to your usage then just go for it.
And no, I'm not paid to promote or do I get any kick backs, I'm just a very happy client
@@ianweal3081 all good. Not really worth talking about. Deleted and will delete this shortly
Cheers.
Ha ha ha .. Chuck more cells in there and label the same 120ah capacity is all they have done .. But agree 100% they should by law have to label there usable capacity.. The BMS shuts them down well short of 100% to protect the cells .. As using 100% of the cells power has the same effect as it does on AGM battery.. Just not as servier.. Question is how much extra 20 amps cost you . And interesting how your excited about you 11 years in cycle life . But only get 5 years warrantee .. You would think with the price they charge and all the promise they give .. A decent warrantee would be on the cards .. I got 5 years on my AGM and was 1/4 the price ...
The falsely advertised thr 120x as a 120ah battery. It was only a 105ah battery. to 10v which is dead flat, but they lied the battery shut off with 20% left in it to save face. but 10v is not 20% left its dead flat. so yeh total false advertising to claim its 120ah. it only weighed 10kg and the new 120ah weights 12kg. 20% more weight. Funny that eh.
I have to say i'm disappointed in the direction of the channel recently. They didn't listen to feedback on the old batteries, or it wasn't just a 'down side'. They have straight up been caught out for fraudulent behaviour by advertising a battery with 105ah in cells as 120ah and only making changes now its catching up to them. Hence the increased weight in the new battery for the added capacity in cells. They rated the old battery as if it was a 120ah agm drained at a C5 rate.
Industry standard for life cycled is it retains 80% of original capacity after x ratings. Looking on their website it says 4000cycles at 100%dod and 8000 cycle at 50% dod. Nowhere does it speciy holding 100% capacity after 4000 cycles.
I feel its not unreasonable to expect key factors in the decision making of purchasing an expensive battery to be correct especially when fact checking such things would take a fraction of the time it takes you to create these high quality videos. Especially when you come on as a brand ambassador with a kickback code then state its an unbiased review.
Hi mate, I honestly just try to provide as much info as I can for these reviews, and test products out in the way I’d want to see them tested to try and help people who might be considering them. If you have a pre-existing opinion of any of the brands that’s absolutely fine, I’m not trying to get anyone to buy anything. Just to clear up your false accusations, I am not an iTechworld brand ambassador, I’ve never signed a contract with them the extent of our arrangement is that they provided this battery (as I made clear in the video), and in return I put together a video to run through my thoughts - they didn’t even see this video prior to publishing. Secondly the promo code is certainly not a ‘kick back’ code, I don’t get anything from that, I purely asked them to provide that in the interest of helping out my audience who might be interested in buying their gear…
Explore advertising 😂😂😂
This channel has lost all credibility
Hi mate, you made your opinion clear on a recent video stating that installing a battery monitor I purchased myself was “advertising”, so it perplexes me that you’re still here watching and commenting. No one is forcing you watch these videos. 👍
@@explorebound no you’re right I’m not forced to watch them
Because of the nature of your channel, or what it used to be, it shows up in my UA-cam feed. I did ask you on my last comment wether your channel has become fully focused on advertising but you never answered the question.
Actually myself, Bianca and others all replied to you on that thread too. We try to take on board all feedback, but you don’t seem capable of a constructive discussion so I think we’re just wasting our time. Reviews have always been a part of this channel but if you’re not happy with the content that’s fine, at the end of the day if I had to keep everyone happy I’d never release any videos.