Powercap problems?

[gasmansteve]

Hi all
Today I was on the verge of ordering a JSP Powercap and while checking out prices on various web sites I came across `The Toolpost` web site who apparantly have withdrawn these from their shop quote -

"We hope that this withdrawal will be temporary but only the manufacturer's actions will decide that. Whilst there is much that we like about these product in terms of comfort, effectiveness and ease of use, the customer service which we receive from JSP Ltd of Witney, Oxfordshire is quite the worst that one can possibly imagine - more accurately described as non-existent. This has now reached a stage where it is having an impact upon our customers, which is something that we are not prepared to accept. Certain examples of the PowerCap Lite, in particular, has thus far proven to be unreliable and JSP have shown no interest whatsoever in overcoming the obvious problems in anything like a reasonable time. Not only are their efforts negligible in terms of action but they are totally incommunicative about the status of the problems and any efforts they may - hopefully - be taking to overcome them. It is an utterly disgraceful state of affairs and one is ashamed to admit that this is a UK manufacturer Hence our decision, not lightly taken, to withdraw these product from the site." unquote

Anyone confirm this standard of customer service please? I had heard good things about the Powercap before!
Thanks
Steve

 

[big soft moose]

mine works fine - i would guess that peter from toolpost has had a falling out with JSP - fault could be on either hand as we are only hearing peters side of the story here - for example I know hes had similar problems with axminster before and their customer service is generally first rate.

 

[gasmansteve]

mine works fine

Hi BSmoose
Yes I had heard good things about them but suddenly reading stuff like that makes you have second thoughts, not exactly a glowing endorsement :?
Steve

 

[SVB]

With a post like that on a customer facing web-site I expect it is unlikely they will be re-stocked / re-supplied.

Sounds like some toys have been cast many yards from the pram and as has been said, it is impossible to really assign fault other than to infer there have been some issues that are unresolved.

Back to the product, I have a power-cap and have been very happy with it and would recommend it to others. I would have to check at home which model it is as it seems the 'lite' model is the one in question in this instance. Having said that, not having had a problem I have not had to try any sort of customer service back-up though.

For what it is worth I chose this product over some of the other popular choices as the air filters are standard industrial filters so easy to replace, the power pack is worn on the belt making the unit of the head lighter and also because it came with two power packs, one rechargeable and one for normal batteries so if the rechargeable one gave out during a job I had an immediate back-up option to keep going.

Simon

 

[richburrow]

I am very happy with mine, it works well and is comfortable to use for long periods.
My only slight problem is not of the cap but my shed, I bang the top of the hat on my light sometimes.
Rich

 

[penman]

I have had a powercap for over 2 years and have had no problems with it

Good luck
Malcolm

 

[wizer]

I like the look of the PowerCap but am worried about the filter rating. I don't just turn in my workshop and use a fair amount of MDF. I'll probably end up going for the Trend version, even tho I'm not sure how comfortable it will be over long periods.

I must say that Peter's comments about JSP would have also put me off their products.

 

[gasmansteve]

Following a similar thread on the forum it appears that Powercap and Aircap (similar product but much cheaper) share the same post code/address so one would assume are the same firm?? which begs the question "Whats the difference between them?" which is what started the other thread off.
Regards
Steve

 

[wizer]

can someone bring a powercap along to the bash? Would be interested in comparing it to the airshield.

 

[big soft moose]

can someone bring a powercap along to the bash? Would be interested in comparing it to the airshield.

If you mean the 5th sept bash i'll bring mine - I'm not coming to the 22nd august.

By the way I've had dealings direct with JSP (not over my power cap but for work) and they have always been fine.

Peter H is a nice bloke to deal with as a customer but he does suffer from teddies out of the cot syndrome when there are issues with suppliers, if i was JSP I'd be taking legal advice because that kind of posting is very close to defamation unless he can absolutely prove every word beyond reasonable doubt.

 

[wizer]

yep Paul's bash. Cheers Pete

 

[boysie39]

I have the JSP power cap I bought it from Rutlands about 18mnts.ago and it has the 8 hour battery which fits in the cap. I have not had any prodlems with it. I would recommend it and indeed have on this forum before. REgards Boysie.

 

[RATWOOD]

can someone bring a powercap along to the bash? Would be interested in comparing it to the airshield.

I will bring my one

 

[Frank S]

Wizer,
I have had my Trend Airshield for about two years now and wear it almost every day for about two hours at a time. I find it quite comfortable and sometimes forget I`m wearing it. The bits and pieces are expensive, But what price a new pair if lungs?? I would recommend it to anyone.Frank S.

 

[TobyB]

I have a Powercap Lite - and WHEN it's worked it's been a pleasure - comfy, effective, quiet and the additional advantage that I can stand up in my basement with it on - I couldn't use the Trend flipped up as there's not ceiling height.

It is, however at the Toolpost again awaiting repair - and that's not happening because JSP won't get on with it. Had a long chat with Peter about this - his letter copied above is not throwing teddies, it's despair. The wiring loom on the Lite has repeatedly failed, and he's had a major problem getting them repaired at all, and they won't admit there is a problem. Perhaps the earlier models with the belt packs were better - but the Lites have caused so many problems Peter has gone over to the Trend - sad, because it could be a good product.

 

[gasmansteve]

Hi Toby
Is the `lite` version the one with the battery contained in the helmet?.
Looks like thats the one Peter is having problems with. Maybe the other version is more reliable??
Regards
Steve

 

[TobyB]

It is - very good WHEN it works ... but poor wiring loom connections mean it's had a loose connection and then died completely repeatedly - and very poor repair service (JSP - NOT the Tool[ost!).