REASONS TO BUY
12V Connection
Lots of different adapters for the DC outlet
REASONS TO AVOID
Can't charge multiple devices
Powertraveller Falcon 21 Review
This solar panel has the one bright side of a 12-volt connection and a DC outlet. However, that didn't save the panel from its poor performance
Credit: Powertraveller
RELATED: Best Portable Solar Charger of 2023
Our Verdict
Along with lackluster performance, the Powertraveller Falcon 21 also has a substantial price tag for what it does. While it has a DC output and a 12-volt connection, the actual value of the panel is a bit off. Many less expensive options performed better.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Powertraveller Falcon 21 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $175 List | $100 List $72.96 at Amazon | $65 List $64.98 at Amazon | $63 List $59.99 at Amazon | $42 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | 12V Connection, Lots of different adapters for the DC outlet | Inexpensive, efficient, user-friendly, great charging speed, excels in partly cloudy conditions | Good charging speed, lots of places to clip carabiners, highly affordable | Impressive charging speeds, can charge multiple devices simultaneously, affordable | Large battery capacity, LED back panel |
| Cons | Can't charge multiple devices | Bulky, lacks portability, and the storage pouch is only semi-secure | Hard to reach pouch makes the panel lay crooked, just a solar panel with no battery pack, | Poor interruption recovery | The small solar panel makes charging hard |
| Bottom Line | This solar panel has the one bright side of a 12-volt connection and a DC outlet. However, that didn't save the panel from its poor performance | This speedy solar charger handles multiple devices and offers reliability at a reasonable price | This low-priced, incredibly efficient solar panel converts the sun into charges while saving on costs | A powerful, fast charging machine, capable of charging multiple devices, complete with a reasonable price tag | Where this device lacks in its ability as a solar charger, it makes up for as an affordable battery pack |
| Rating Categories | Powertraveller Falc... | BigBlue 3 | X-Dragon 20W | Ryno-Tuff 21W | OEUUDD 25000mAh |
| Direct Solar Charging Speed (35%) | |||||
| Indirect Solar Charging Speed (35%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Multiple Device Charging (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Powertraveller Falc... | BigBlue 3 | X-Dragon 20W | Ryno-Tuff 21W | OEUUDD 25000mAh |
| Panel Size (watts) Power Output? | 21W | 28W | 20W | 21W | <5W |
| Weight (measured) | 18.4oz | 21.8oz | 21.1oz | 17.5oz | 18.6oz |
| # of USB outlets | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Max USB Output Current (amps per port) | 3 amp | 2.4 amp | 3 amp | 2.1 amp | 2 amp |
| Size folded | 11" x 6.2" x .4" | 11.1" x 6.3" x 1.3" | 12.1" x 7.2" x .51" | 5.9" x 11.8" x 0.8" | N/A |
| Size opened | 26" x 11" x .12" | 33.1" x 11.1" x 0.2" | 23.3" x 12.1" x .12" | 18" x 11.8" x 0.1" | 7" x 3.75" x 1.25" |
| Battery? | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Charge capacity (mAh) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 25,000mAh |
| Charge tablet? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charge laptop? | No | No | No | No | No |
| Charge iPhone/Smartphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Panel outside material | Plastic case | PET Polymer Fabric | PTFE | PET Polymer Fabric | PET Polymer Fabric |
| Panel type | Mono-crystalline | Mono-crystalline | Mono-crystalline | Mono-crystalline | Mono-crystalline |
| Battery input (Volts / Amps) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5V/2A |
| Direct USB Plug? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daisy Chain? | No | No | No | No | No |
| 12-Volt connection | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| DC Output | Yes | No | No | No | No |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
This solar panel performed poorly in terms of collecting sun directly or indirectly. It also lacks a second USB outlet, making up for that with a 12-volt connection and DC output. It's not particularly portable and it's a bit expensive. Overall this solar panel performed poorly in our review. It'd be best to check out other solar options.
Performance Comparison
Though it's designed as a foldable travel panel, the Nomad 50 is bulky and large.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Direct Solar Charging Speed
The Powertraveller Falcon 21 performed poorly compared to other models we tested. The three mono-crystalline panels received 810 mAh while in direct sunlight making Powertraveller Falcon 21, making this panel a poor choice for collecting sun.
Indirect Charging Speed
The Powertraveller Falcon 21 did poorly in this metric as well. In total coverage, it produced 13 mAh, which was one of the lowest outputs for any of the chargers. It essentially didn't charge. In partial coverage, it produced a mere 37 mAh. This barely makes a dent in terms of solar chargers.
This panel needs some serious work if it should be considered a panel for an average user to buy.
The kickstand on the Nomad 50 increases efficiency, but we were still underwhelmed by the charging speed.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Multiple Device Charging Speed
This device only has one USB port making it a grim choice for people looking to power up multiple devices. It does have a 12-volt connection as well as a DC output but those additional plugs weren't enough to sell this panel in terms of its ability to charge multiple devices. The inability to charge more than one device definitely turned down our ratings on this model.
Our testing grounds were a great place to subject these panels to daily wear and tear. With its coated cells and reinforced canvas exteroir, the Goal Zero excels in this metric.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Portability
The Powertraveller Falcon 21 is a midrange panel size in our review. It can handle some backcountry work. This panel weighs in at 18.4 oz. Folded this panel comes in at 11" x 6.2" x .4". Unfolded it's 26" x 11" x .12". There are more portable models that provide more charge though.
With so much surface area, it's no surprise that this panel excels in this metric.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Should You Buy The Powertraveller Falcon 2?
The Powertraveller Falcon 21 comes with a high price and less than ideal performance. The DC output and the 12-volt connection fail to justify the price for this panel. We would look to other models that have a better price-to-performance ration.
With a standard panel design, but in a super-sized package, the Nomad 50 is a niche item. We appreciated the materials used in its construction, like the reinforced pocket shown above. That said, it's a serious investment.
Credit: Jane Jackson
What Other Solar Chargers Should You Consider?
The Powertraveller Falcon 21 is an expensive solar charger that did poorly when it came to charging speed, portability, and multiple devices charging speed. This solar panel may be best suited for when you need a charger with a DC output or a 12-volt connection although there are better options for panels still.
If you're looking for a similar size charger check out the X-Dragon 20W SunPower which is significantly less expensive or try the Big Blue 28W which charges better, works better with multiple devices, and is less expensive.—
James Lucas
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