KICK POWER USB-C To Lightning Cable 2022 REVIEW

MFI Certifed USB-C to Lightning Cable for your Lightning friendly iPhone.

As an Apple-centric home, we have several generations of iPad mini, an iPad Pro 12.9”, MacBook Pro, Airpods Pro and an iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.  I loved when Apple moved away from the 30-pin cable to the lightning adapter and bought all sorts of dongles.  However, as the world has moved unto USB-C, I was a bit frustrated to find the latest iPhone 13 line, AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd Gen), and AirPods Max still required lighting cables. 

Perhaps the latest recommendations out of the EU will spur Apple into upgrading the iPhone 14 line and subsequent devices to using USB-C cables.  At least for now, I can utilize USB-C chargers with USB-C to lightning cables or USB-C to USB-C cables for my gear.  Eliminating USB-A cables/dongles may allow me to lighten my on-the-go BUBM organizer.

The KICK POWER USB-C to Lightning cable (MFi-certified) arrived in a visually appealing hanging style package.  My eyes were immediately drawn to the neon green/black KICK POWER name at the top of the cover panel.  I loved the clean white background and that the company chose to wrap the features around the other packaging panels. 

The top-right white-colored segment provided a stark visual contrast to the lower black segments.  The thin neon green accent border between the white/black segment and the thicker strip between the black/black segment provided a sensation of movement and visual flow.  The image of the white-colored, braided cable stood out against the black base, as did the MFI logo at the bottom, and the “5ft” logo at the top left.

The right side panel displayed the www.kickpower.com address within a lower black segment and the KICK POWER name in green/black within the upper white segment.  As discussed above, the segments flowed directly back to the cover panel.

The left side panel provided a neon-green bordered clear plastic window atop a black-colored base.  The lower segment provided the generic product name in neon-green and the cable length in white.  When it comes to packaging display, I am a huge fan of clear window presentations.  I enjoy the ability to see my prize and to inspect the device rather than an image representation.  Like the right-side panel, the neon green borders provided a flow/connection back to the cover and a visual “look at me” cue. 

The trend continued with the rear panel.  It provided the KICK POWER name along the top and provided a large 2 1/4 inches wide by 2 9/16 inches tall neon-green bordered plastic window with a small cutout with “Feel Me” instructions.  The opening will allow you to touch the cable, and understand the quality of the device.  Along the bottom of the panel, you will find information about the USB-C to Lightning cable MFI certification, within a green-bordered grey box.  Lastly, along the bottom of the panel, you will find contact information, a few product-defining logos, and an SKU barcode.    

I lifted the top panel (with a black hanging tab), slid the clear plastic inner tray out from the packaging, and then removed the 0.8-ounce, 59 1/2 inches long USB-C to Lightning cable from the packaging.  The 1/4 inch long metallic USB-C and lightning prongs were attached directly to a 1/2 inch wide by 1/4 inches thick oval/boxy white plastic base.  The 9/16 inches long base segment tapered into a 1 1/16 inches long by 1/4 inches wide neck segment (total 1 5/8 inches long).

To test the strength of the neck segments, I gripped the plastic in one hand, the Lightning cable in the other, and I pulled in opposite directions.  I was pleased that both ends of the cable retained their shape and did not slip.  I gripped each prong and bent the cable forward/backward a total of 100 times, then side to side 100 times, and finally attempted to rotate the segments.  I was again pleased to find that the cable ends were securely affixed and did not slip or elongate. 

Repeat measurement of the Lightning cable with two additional measuring tapes provided the same 59 1/2 inches long cable length, which was short of the promised 60-inches long length.  The cables braided midsection provided a robust frame for the inner wiring.  I liked the included 3/8 inches wide black velcro retention strap and that the braided cable seemed to maintain a degree of memory.  Coil the cable, position the black velcro strap where you want it, attach the cable strap, and enjoy the cable management system. 

I tested the cable output between a Kick Power 36W USB-C/USB-A car adaptor and my iPhone 13 Pro max using a Klein Tools Multimeter.  I plugged the USB-C end of the cable directly into the multimeter and found the connection to be secure.  Unfortunately, the boxy lightning prong base proved to be a tight fit for my iPhone 13 Pro Max within a Catalyst Active Defense Vibe Series Case.

I checked a few other cases from UAG and Atom and found the charging port connection to be a bit tight as well.  When I removed the case, I found the lightning cable attached as securely as the USB-C cable.  Unfortunately, many cases require a slightly narrower lightning attachment base than the one provided with this setup.  Do not misinterpret my meaning, however. 

The cable did attach to the case/phone, and did charge my phone. However, it was a rather tight fit and required extra pressure to ensure the charging icon appeared on my phone.  Once the connection was established, the multimeter displayed 5.04V/1.37A. I had no problem charging my iPhone 13 Pro Max or Airpods with any of the Apple-branded charging blocks.

It is often difficult to review cables because they are designed as simple conduits of power and often have few distinguishing features.  The white, braided, Kick Power USB-C to Lightning cable provided a refreshing visual appeal.  I loved the included cable management, the coloration, and the robust neck segments. 

Additionally, the well-designed Kick Power USB-C and lightning prongs and neck segments survived several hundred bend/flex cycles.  I loved the design of the segments and would rate those features at 10/10. Unfortunately, the slightly over-widened base may cause some to think their phones charged, when in fact, they did not make an adequate connection.  This limitation dropped my rating from a 10/10 to a 7.5/10 due to the potential for heartache. 

The packaging design earned 10/10 thanks to the visual flow and clear window presentation and the cable management/shape allowed for increased portability within my BUBM organizer.  Despite the pros/cons mentioned above, there was one major glaring issue with the cable.  After measuring the cable with three different measuring tapes, I found the cable did not meet the labeled 5-foot length.

This resulted in a design and ease of use score of 7/10. Lastly, the $20 price tag may be a bit too high when compared to similar devices on Amazon (JSAUX). Interestingly, I found a variety of 2 and 3-packs MFI certified USB-C to Lightning for under $15.

Despite the last few negatives, the company delivered a quality packaging experience and a very durable cable. The prong design, neck design, braiding features, and cable management screamed premium design/quality. The cable would earn a 9+/10 rating if the bases were just a bit smaller and if the cable measured up to the 5-foot promise.

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