Gear Review
QiSa S86 Pro 40,000mAh Solar Power Bank
Three ways to charge. Built-in cables. A hand crank. And a capacity claim that needs a closer look.
Claimed Capacity
40,000 mAh
Likely actual: 25,000-30,000
Fast Charge
22.5W QC / 20W PD
Weight
1.52 lbs
689 grams
Charging Methods
3
Wall + Solar + Hand Crank
Overview
What It Is
The QiSa S86 Pro is a multi-function solar power bank that throws everything at the wall: a claimed 40,000mAh battery, four built-in charging cables (USB-C, Lightning, Micro-USB, and USB-A for input), a single solar panel, a hand-crank dynamo, a four-mode LED flashlight, a compass, and a bubble level. It charges devices via USB-A at 22.5W QC3.0, USB-C at PD 20W, and a 10W USB-A port. QiSa claims IP67 waterproofing and builds the casing from ABS engineering plastic.
The hand crank is the headline. Among the dozens of solar power banks sold on Amazon, this is one of very few that offers a third charging method: human power. The dynamo generates a small amount of electricity when you turn the handle, which QiSa openly labels as an emergency-only function.
The manufacturer is Shenzhen SYJ Gift Co., Ltd, sold under the QiSa brand through the TaiLun Amazon storefront. QiSa also makes the 38,800mAh wireless solar bank and several non-solar power banks. The brand carries a 4.3 average rating across more than 11,000 Amazon reviews, according to third-party analysis by FindThisBest.
Model number is S86 Pro (also listed as C80 on some retail channels). ASIN is B0DPH4B75V.
The Case For It
Why It Works
The hand crank is genuinely useful in one very specific scenario: when the battery is dead, the sun is not shining, and you need to make one phone call. A few minutes of cranking generates enough current to power a brief call or send a text. That is a real capability, and it distinguishes this product from every other sub-$50 solar power bank on the market.
The built-in cables are the second real advantage. Four integrated cables mean you can charge an iPhone, an Android phone, or a tablet without carrying any separate cord. For a go-bag or a car glove box where you want a single device that charges anything, that convenience is worth something.
QiSa deserves credit for honesty in one area most competitors dodge: the product listing explicitly states that both the hand crank and the solar panel are emergency functions only and should not be used as primary charging methods. That is accurate, and saying it up front is more than most brands do.
The flashlight with four modes (bright, soft, SOS, strobe) is functional, and the IP67 waterproof rating, if accurate, makes this a reasonable stash-it-and-forget-it backup for a vehicle or a storm kit.
Owner Experience
What Owners Say
Across Amazon and third-party retailers, owner sentiment skews positive but thin. The product had about 149 reviews at last count, with Fakespot rating 80% as high quality. Most praise centers on the number of features packed into a single device and the convenience of built-in cables.
The hand crank gets the most novelty attention. Owners describe it as fun and reassuring to have, though no reviews include a measured test of how much charge cranking actually delivers. Several owners mention using it during camping trips and power outages, but the reports are qualitative rather than quantitative.
The critical signal worth noting: one owner on a third-party retailer reported hearing an electric buzz and smelling a smoking battery during charging. The owner immediately disconnected the device. This is a single report and does not establish a pattern, but for a product with no published UL or other safety certification, it is worth knowing.
CNN Underscored tested a different QiSa model (the 38,800mAh wireless solar bank) and found it would shut off after a minute or two of solar charging, despite generating usable voltage. That test was not on this specific model, but it speaks to the brand's solar charging implementation across products.
The Bottom Line
The One Thing to Know
The hand crank is real but limited. Research on hand-crank generators shows a fit adult sustains about 0.12 to 0.2 watt-hours per minute of cranking. At that rate, 12 to 18 minutes of continuous cranking adds roughly 1% to a modern smartphone battery. That is enough for an emergency text or a brief call, which is exactly what QiSa says it is for. Cranking will never meaningfully recharge the power bank itself, and it is not a substitute for plugging in.
Capacity Check
Does It Really Hold 40,000mAh?
Probably not. Here is the math.
The unit weighs 1.52 pounds (689 grams). But the battery is not the only thing contributing to that weight. The S86 Pro contains a hand-crank dynamo with gears and a folding handle, four built-in charging cables, a single solar panel, a flashlight LED, a compass, a bubble level, multiple circuit boards for charge management, and an ABS plastic shell. Conservative estimates put the non-battery components at 300 to 350 grams.
That leaves roughly 340 to 390 grams for the battery cells. At the maximum energy density of current lithium-polymer technology (about 250 to 270 Wh/kg), the battery can hold 85 to 105 Wh. At 3.7V nominal, that translates to 23,000 to 28,400 mAh.
Call it 25,000 to 30,000 mAh in realistic terms. That is still substantial: five to seven full charges for a modern smartphone and enough to keep devices running through a multi-day outage. But it is 60 to 75% of what the label says.
For comparison, the QiSa YD-820W (their 38,800mAh wireless solar model) weighs 1.41 pounds (640 grams), which tells a similar story: these units are heavier than budget brands making the same claims, but not heavy enough for the full claimed capacity.
Honest Assessment
How It Fails
Capacity inflation. Claiming 40,000mAh when weight analysis suggests 25,000 to 30,000mAh actual is misleading. The product works, but the spec sheet overstates what you are getting.
Solar panel output is decorative. The single integrated panel produces roughly 1 to 2 watts in direct sunlight, based on the physical area and monocrystalline efficiency limits. QiSa is honest about this being emergency-only, but a buyer reading "solar charger" on the box might expect more. For meaningful solar charging, the Hiluckey T11W with four large folding panels producing 5 to 6 watts is a different class of product.
Airline compliance problem. The label says 40,000mAh at 3.7V, which calculates to 148 Wh. FAA and IATA rules allow power banks under 100 Wh in carry-on luggage without restriction. Between 100 and 160 Wh, you need airline approval and are limited to two per passenger. Even if the actual capacity is closer to 25,000 to 30,000mAh (92 to 111 Wh), airline security will go by the printed label, not your estimate. This power bank may cause problems at airport screening.
No published safety certifications. We found no evidence of UL 2056, FCC, or other independent safety testing for the S86 Pro. This does not mean the product is dangerous, but given the smoking battery report on this model and CNN Underscored's solar shut-off findings on a sibling QiSa product, the absence of third-party certification is a data point worth weighing.
More features means more failure points. The hand crank mechanism, four integrated cables, compass, and bubble level all add moving parts and potential failure modes. Cables integrated into the body cannot be replaced if they fray. The compass and level are novelties that add weight without adding much to actual preparedness.
Long-Term Value
Cost Over Time
The S86 Pro sells for roughly $25 to $40 on Amazon. At that price, the cost per actual watt-hour (using the 25,000 to 30,000mAh estimate, or about 92 to 111 Wh) runs about $0.25 to $0.43 per Wh. That is in line with the budget solar power bank category.
Lithium-polymer cells lose capacity over time, especially with frequent deep cycling. Plan on 70 to 80% of original capacity after 300 to 500 charge cycles. If this sits in a storm kit, charge it to about 50% every three to six months to preserve cell health.
There are no replacement parts. If a built-in cable fails, you lose that output permanently. If the hand crank mechanism breaks, there is no repair path. For a $30 product, this is expected, but it means the unit is disposable rather than repairable.
Fit Check
Who Should Skip This
Frequent flyers. The labeled 148 Wh exceeds the FAA 100 Wh carry-on limit. Even if you could explain the actual capacity to a TSA agent, you probably do not want that conversation at the security line.
Anyone who needs real solar charging. If solar input matters to your plan, the Hiluckey T11W produces three to four times the solar wattage. For serious solar, a dedicated panel like the BigBlue 28W paired with a plain power bank is a better architecture.
Buyers who prioritize verified capacity. If knowing exactly what you have matters, the Riapow 26,800mAh has weight-consistent capacity and wireless charging, or the Hiluckey has field-verified capacity from OutdoorGearLab testing.
Anyone building a primary emergency kit. For a kit where reliability is the priority, a dedicated power bank from a brand with UL certification (like Anker or INIU) paired with a separate solar panel gives you better-tested components with replaceable parts.
Preparedness Context
Readiness Fit
Where It Fits
The hand crank makes this a Sustain-tier backup in the NWS readiness framework. When grid power, solar, and your primary power bank are all exhausted, the dynamo gives you one more option. That last-resort capability has value in extended outages.
Domain: Energy
Hazard relevance: Power outages, severe storms, winter storms, hurricanes
Tier: Supplemental backup
What It Does Not Replace
This does not replace a dedicated power bank for your primary kit, a dedicated solar panel for renewable charging, or a portable power station for anything beyond phone charging. It is a multi-tool, and like most multi-tools, each function works but none matches a purpose-built single-function device.
Other Options
Alternatives Worth Considering
Hiluckey T11W 25,000mAh
Best solar performance in the category. Four large folding panels produce 5 to 6 watts, enough to add 15 to 20% daily in direct sun. No hand crank, but the solar actually works. Read our review
Riapow 26,800mAh
Honest capacity, wireless Qi charging, and IPX6 waterproofing. Single decorative panel like the QiSa, but with weight-verified capacity and 5W wireless output. Read our review
BLAVOR Solar Power Bank with Hand Crank 20,000mAh
A closer competitor: also offers a hand crank and solar panel, plus 10W wireless charging, in a 20,000mAh package. Reviewed by Consumer Reports (who called the solar panel "fairly ineffective"). Read our BLAVOR review
BigBlue 28W + Any Plain Power Bank
For serious solar: separate the solar panel from the battery. The BigBlue 28W produces 28 watts in direct sun and charges any USB power bank at near wall speed. More bulk, but five to fourteen times the solar output of any integrated-panel product. Read our BigBlue review
Upkeep
Maintenance and Storage
Charge to about 50% before long-term storage. Lithium-polymer cells degrade fastest when stored at full charge or fully depleted. Top off every three to six months.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The ABS housing resists heat reasonably well, but prolonged UV exposure degrades any plastic over years. Keep it in a bag or drawer if it lives in a vehicle, and move it indoors during extreme summer heat.
Inspect the built-in cables periodically. Since they cannot be replaced, a frayed cable means a permanently lost output. Keep the cable storage slots clean and avoid bending cables at sharp angles.
The hand crank mechanism has gears that can wear over time. Occasional use keeps it functional. If you are storing this for emergency use only, test the crank once a quarter to make sure it still turns smoothly and produces current.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the hand crank actually charge a phone?
Yes, but slowly. Research on hand-crank generators shows a fit adult sustains about 0.12 to 0.2 watt-hours per minute. That means roughly 12 to 18 minutes of continuous cranking to add 1% to a modern smartphone. It is enough for an emergency text or a brief call. It will not meaningfully recharge the power bank itself.
Can I take the QiSa S86 Pro on an airplane?
The labeled capacity of 40,000mAh at 3.7V calculates to 148 Wh, which exceeds the FAA/IATA 100 Wh carry-on limit. You would need airline approval and may face refusal at security. Airline staff go by the printed label, not by weight-based estimates of actual capacity. As of March 2026, travelers may carry a maximum of two power banks per passenger, and they must remain in carry-on luggage (never checked bags).
Does it really hold 40,000mAh?
Weight-based analysis suggests 25,000 to 30,000mAh actual, after accounting for the hand crank mechanism, cables, solar panel, and housing. That is still five to seven full smartphone charges. See our capacity analysis section above for the full calculation.
How does it compare to the Hiluckey T11W?
Different strengths. The Hiluckey has four large folding panels that produce 5 to 6 watts of genuinely useful solar, enough to add 15 to 20% charge per day in direct sun. The QiSa has a much smaller panel but adds a hand crank as a third charging method. For solar performance, choose the Hiluckey. For charging method diversity, the QiSa offers more options.
Our Take
NWS Recommendation
Consider for backup power diversity
The QiSa S86 Pro is not the best solar power bank (that is the Hiluckey T11W) and not the most honest about its capacity (that is the Riapow). What it offers is something no other product in this price range does: a third charging method. When the battery is dead, the sun is not out, and you cannot reach a wall outlet, you can still generate enough power for an emergency call by turning a handle. That matters.
The capacity inflation, the lack of safety certifications, and the airline compliance issue are real concerns. This is not a product we would put in a primary emergency kit. But as a secondary backup in a vehicle glove box, a storm kit, or a camping bag, the hand crank adds a capability no other device in the lineup matches.
If you want one device that does many things adequately rather than one thing well, the S86 Pro earns a conditional recommendation. If you want the best solar power bank, buy the Hiluckey.
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