Like many in this modern age of technology, I’ve gone through a fair share of power adapters, charging blocks, and wall chargers; from stock/purchased, single/multi, and brand-name/aftermarket options, most people have their own preferences when choosing their selection.
Personally, I’m a fan of tried-and-true products that operate as marketed, and meet/exceed expectations; the TORRAS FlexLine 40W Charger Block certainly lives up to this. The primary areas that I gravitate towards are:
Power/Speed
- The main focus of any charging block is its charging capabilities, so my thoughts are based on personal experience with various products within the range; this excludes low-power (i.e. 5-15W stock block) and high-power (i.e. 65+W power adapter) options.
- This TORRAS Charger Block immediately raises the standard of single-line chargers, doubling the average 20W USB-C charger to push 40W output. However, it’s the consistency of output across the product that impressed me.
- Not only is the retractable built-in USB-C cable capable of 40W output on its own, but the additional USB-C port is as well (assuming an appropriate cable is used).
- When used concurrently, the output is still 20W + 20W, displacing the need for having 2 separate blocks.
- I can’t comment on the durability of the built-in cable, but they’ve noted thorough testing; however, it “feels” slightly fragile, likely due to its flat shape for retractability.
- It’s also a bit short, measuring at 26.8”; although a longer cable can be used with the USB-C port, I’d still prefer my “short” cable length to be closer to 3’, and use the port for 6’ cables.
- I’m also not particularly fond of how the built-in cable is accessed, even though it looks clean and compact. There’s 2 ways that feel most natural to me, but neither seem ideal for the connection tip: either push-slide the connector upwards (scraping the tip against the block), or pulling the connector down (directly grabbing the tip).
Portability
- As much as I’d like a longer and/or “stronger” built-in cable, I’m a HUGE fan of its compact and portable size, and would not want a different cable at the expense of its portability.
- Most charging blocks I’ve used either similar in size with weaker output, or similar output with much larger and oblong dimensions; some don’t have a way to fold or cover the plug, and nearly all don’t have a way of storing a cable (or even come with one).
- Its dimensions are slightly larger than 2 AirPod Pro cases stacked against each other. BUT the best part is the optimized structure and folding plug placement; this connects to any wall outlet WITHOUT covering the other outlet, leaving room for other things.
- Far too many wall chargers take up outlet space, or require use of the bottom outlet to save room for top outlet use. This is a non-factor with this TORRAS FlexLine.
- One minor “nice-to-have” detail (that I’ve also mentioned on another review) is having a carrying case/bag included. This charging block may be durable, but other items it’s potentially carried with may not be, especially with the ends of the plug and connector tips partially protruding.
Expansion
- As mentioned above, this charger comes with a built-in retractable USB-C cable and an additional USB-C port. This allows expansion across a wider range of charging options. While the built-in cable covers the widely-used USB-C that MANY portable electronic devices utilize, the additional port can be used for other cable types that connect via USB-C to charge (i.e. lightning cables).
- It’d be nice to receive an additional longer ~40W USB-C cable packaged in the box as well, but I understand why there isn’t.
This well-developed charging block from TORRAS has definitely made a strong case to consistently follow me on every trip, from days at the office to extended vacations. Paired with their MiniMag Power Bank, Magnetic Stand Phone Case, and any of their other quality products, all bases are fully covered before walking out the door.