Are these the only cables you’ll ever need?
| Pros | Cons |
| Rugged braided cable Every connectivity option covered High quality presentation | Bulky connections inCharge X lacking a way to keep the cap on, or an actual key ring mount |
When every device in your backpack has a battery, there is a high chance that you will be carrying around at least two, maybe more cables to charge them all. This takes up space, which we all know is a premium, and is a messy solution to a problem. This is where the team over at Rolling Square come in. They have created a set of cables known as the “inCharge XL” line, which aims to solve this very issue.
Pick ‘n’ mix
What is so special about these cables? We are glad you asked. The inCharge XL cables are not your ordinary charging cables. They have been dubbed “the Swiss Army knife” of cables, and it is not hard to see why. By bolstering two inputs (USB-A and USB-C) and three outputs (Lightning, USB-C and MicroUSB) users will be spoilt for choice when it comes to what to plug into what. Part of the magic here is how RollingSquare has combined the MicroUSB and Lightning connection, with the MicroUSB pins sitting inside the tip of the Lightning connection. It is an extremely sleek design which begs the question as to why nobody else tried this before.
To swap between connections, users just simply pop back the outermost connection and the other option is visible below. This allows for quick and easy swapping between devices but does add its problems into the mix. Not every device has the charging port flush to the outside of the product, this is where the inCharge XL cables struggle. Although every attempt has been made by RollingSquare to make these cables work with as many items as possible, sometimes the cables are just too bulky to make a solid connection. If users are using the USB-C connection (located unit the MicroUSB & Lightning one) they can not only flip back the top connection but fully remove it from the cable via the hinge. This does mean that two little bumps are left on the outside and in testing, these had to be forced through the available gap on our devices so they could make a full connection. It did not leave us feeling confident about the longevity of the device if this was how they had to be connected.
Quality & quantity
That said, the rest of the design of these products is amazing. The cables available come in 30-cm, 2-metre and 3-metre varieties. RollingSquare also provided us with an inCharge X cable which comes in a tiny 4.5cm length, but more on that later. The 2-metre and 3-metre options come in a handy carry case and have a velcro strap attached to ensure they can be bundled up easily. All of the inCharge XL lines of cables have attached plastic caps for the connections to sit in when not in use too, which is handy and ensures that users will always be able to safely store their cables.
When it comes to the quality of the cables, it cannot be faulted. Each one is braided and feels rigid and sturdy, exactly what you want from a cable that is designed to go everywhere with you. The carry cases feel a little less premium, but that could be due to how good the cables themselves feel. Holding the ends of the cables together is a strong magnet which just again, ensures the device takes up as little space as possible when not being used. Included with the two longer cables is also a desk organiser which will hold the cable in place whilst in use, handy if you wish to not have your desk covered in cables that only get in the way.
Tiny but powerful
As we mentioned earlier, we also were given an inCharge X to test. This key ring-sized cable is incredibly portable and exactly what you want if you find yourself in a pinch and haven’t got your backpack of cables with you. This device has two major flaws, however, one is that the cap which covers the connections when they are not in use is not attached to the cables in any way. Meaning that, once it has been taken off the user has to keep it safe else they risk losing it. A minor inconvenience but one nonetheless. Secondly is that there is no actual key ring loop or hole to attach them to the set of keys. They simply fold over an existing key ring. This sounds fine, except all the trust must be placed in the magnets to not come undone. Maybe this is more of a personal preference, but it is something that users should be aware of.
All that said, each cable does have the ability to supply power up to 100W which is more than enough for any portable device. This means that users really can bring just one cable to get the job done.
Final thoughts
Overall, it has to be said that the inCharge line of cables, both the X and XL, are no gimmick. RollingSquare has created some amazing technology here. The MicroUSB & Lightning connection alone is a genius idea, let alone how they have managed to bundle it all into such a high-quality package. A side note, the cables all come in fully recyclable cardboard packaging which is a huge bonus, especially in this day and age. Users will not go wrong if they purchase these cables, just make sure your device’s charging ports are easily accessible and things will be smooth. A great high-quality product that puts other cables to shame.
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