You may have seen the Armour Charge Stainless Steel MFi-certified charging cable we have for sale on our MacTrast Deals site, and wondered if it is as durable as it’s advertised to be. Well, I just happened to get my hands on a sample, (funny how that happened, right?), and I’ve been putting it through its paces.
Overview
The Armour Charge cable is made of 100% stainless steel woven cable, with an aluminum housed Lightning connector on one end, and the same type of housing covering the USB 2.0 plug on the other end. The cable measures in at 2 meters long. (That’s around 6 feet for those of you doing the U.S. measurement thing.)
The manufacturer of the Armour Charge, Fuse Chicken, says the cable is designed to prevent fraying and breaking, and I must say the cable has lived up to its advanced billing. I have been using the Armour Charge for around a month now, and I’ve used it at my desk, on the living room couch, in my bedroom, in the car, and carted it around in my briefcase when I’ve been on the go. So far, the Armour Charge shows no signs of wear.
To add to the fun, we have a new kitten in the house, as well as a three-year-old cat who both think cables are for one thing, and one thing only… Chewing! The Armour Cable has stood up well to their razor sharp teeth, frustrating them enough that they have both went in search of easier prey.
The Armour Charge will run you a bit more than any run-of-the mill MFi Lightning cables, even at our discounted MacTrast Deals price, but it will also likely last at least two to three times longer than even an Apple first-party cable, so in the long run, it’s a great investment.
Verdict
I would use the Armour Charge Stainless Steel Cable even if I had to pay for it. The cable is strong and durable, and stands up well to the daily hazards of life. It passed the cat test, as well as being able to travel well, and it looked damn good while doing it. The shininess of the steel cable, along with the brushed aluminum connectors, just looks really sharp styling much better than your standard white charging cable.
While the Armour Charge isn’t cheap, it is durable, and should outlast any standard Lighting cable, likely paying for itself over the period of a few years. (Sorry, but I didn’t have the luxury of taking two years to try it out, although I’m sure it seemed that long to my Fuse Chicken contact.)
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $24.95 for the 1 meter cable, and $32.95 for the 2 meter length. Both are currently available on our MacTrast Deals website. If the MacTrast Deal is over by the time you read this review, the cable is also available at the Fuse Chicken website, and Amazon, albeit at a higher tariff.
Pros:
- Strong, durable, and long.
- Looks great, the stainless steel cable adds a certain zing.
- The 2 meter length I tested offers a bit more usable distance from the charger.
Cons:
- The price isn’t cheap, likely turning off some of our more budget-minded readers. But, the added durability will likely pay for itself in the long run.
Disclaimer: I received a 2 meter Armour Charge MFi-certified cable at no cost for review. I have not received compensation for the review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Photos are courtesy of Fuse Chicken, because my photos are always crappy, and I wanted you to see just how good this thing looks.
