There was a time when capturing those crucial moments with my action camera was constantly hindered by a dying battery. Picture this: you’re out on an adventure, the perfect shot is lined up, and *beep* â the low battery warning flashes. It’s incredibly frustrating and can ruin an entire day’s filming. This persistent power problem needed a reliable solution to ensure I never missed another epic scene. Without ample power, the camera is useless, and those irreplaceable memories remain unrecorded.
- This Wasabi Power kit includes 2 batteries and 1 charger for the GoPro HERO3+ or GoPro HERO3
Choosing Your Power Solution: What to Consider
Before diving into a specific product, it’s essential to understand what a good camera battery and charger setup should offer. The primary reason anyone seeks alternatives or additions to their original batteries is the limited runtime provided by the manufacturer’s single battery. An ideal candidate for a third-party battery solution is an avid user who shoots frequently, often in situations where recharging is difficult or impossible, like during travel, outdoor activities, or long events. If you only use your camera occasionally for short bursts, investing in multiple batteries and a charger might be overkill; a single spare original battery might suffice. When considering options like the Wasabi Power KIT-BB-AHDBT302-01 Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger, think about compatibility with your specific camera model (like the GoPro Hero3 or Hero3+), the number of batteries included, the type of charger (dual is a big plus), charging speed, overall cost, and crucially, user reviews regarding reliability and lifespan.
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- 2 Fully Compatible Spare Batteries: 2 replacement batteries with a larger capacity of 2600mAh and a dual slot charger to ensure your camera is always ready to shoot.
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Introducing the Wasabi Power Kit
The Wasabi Power KIT-BB-AHDBT302-01 Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger is designed as a comprehensive power solution specifically for GoPro HERO3 and HERO3+ cameras, including compatibility with original GoPro AHDBT-201, AHDBT-301, AHDBT-302, and AHBBP-301 batteries. It promises to provide reliable, long-lasting power with the convenience of charging two batteries simultaneously. When you purchase this kit, you typically receive two replacement batteries and a compact dual USB charger. Compared to the single original battery that comes with the camera, this kit immediately doubles your power capacity and allows for efficient charging. While the original GoPro batteries are often seen as the benchmark for performance and reliability, third-party options like Wasabi Power aim to offer a more budget-friendly alternative with comparable, though sometimes slightly less, runtime. This specific Wasabi Power battery pack and charger is ideal for users who need extended shooting time and want a convenient way to keep multiple batteries ready to go without breaking the bank. It might not be the best fit for someone who only wants to stick strictly to OEM parts or has concerns about potential long-term durability issues reported by some users.
Here are some potential pros and cons based on product information and user feedback:
Pros:
* Includes two batteries and a dual charger, offering great value.
* Allows simultaneous charging of two batteries.
* Charger can power up original GoPro batteries as well.
* Uses a standard USB input for flexible charging options (wall, car, power bank).
* Generally performs well initially and provides significant extra runtime.
Cons:
* Battery life may be slightly shorter than original GoPro batteries.
* Some users have reported issues with batteries bulging or chargers failing over time.
* The product received might occasionally differ slightly in appearance from photos.
* Batteries may lose charge faster when stored compared to original ones.
Deep Dive: Exploring the Features and Their Advantages
Having used the Wasabi Power KIT-BB-AHDBT302-01 for an extended period, I can share insights into how its key features perform in real-world use. This kit addresses the fundamental issue of limited battery life, a common pain point for anyone shooting with action cameras like the GoPro Hero3/3+. The ability to swap out a dead battery for a fresh one means the difference between capturing that critical shot and missing it entirely.
Dual Battery Power
The most significant advantage of this kit is the inclusion of *two* replacement batteries. When you’re out filming, especially in remote locations or during prolonged events, a single battery simply doesn’t cut it. Having two spares immediately triples your potential shooting time compared to relying solely on the one battery that came with your GoPro. In practice, this translates to much less anxiety about power levels and the freedom to shoot more creatively and for longer durations. While the individual battery capacity might feel slightly less enduring than a brand new original GoPro battery based on my experience and some other users’ feedback, having three batteries total (the original plus the two Wasabi Power ones) provides substantially more flexibility. I’ve found that keeping all three charged means I rarely, if ever, run out of juice during a typical day of shooting.
Efficient Dual Charger
The included dual charger is incredibly convenient. Instead of having to charge one battery at a time in the camera or with a single-slot charger, I can drop two batteries onto the Wasabi Power unit and get them both juiced up simultaneously. This saves significant time, especially when preparing for a full day of filming. The charger is compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack. It features indicator lights that show when batteries are charging (usually red) and when they are full (usually green), which is straightforward and helpful. The fact that this charger also works with original GoPro batteries is a massive plus, making it a versatile charging hub for your entire battery collection. Being able to charge via a standard USB port (input voltage 5 Volts, current rating 2 Amps for output) is also very flexible; I can plug it into a wall adapter, a portable power bank, or even my laptop, adding to its practicality when on the go. The stated charging time of 2 hours for the batteries is quite reasonable for getting back up and running quickly.
Compatibility and Communication
Wasabi Power states that these batteries are designed to communicate seamlessly with the camera and are compatible with all firmware updates. In my experience, I haven’t encountered any compatibility issues with my GoPro Hero3+. The camera recognizes the batteries, displays their charge level, and functions normally. This is important because some third-party batteries can cause camera errors or fail after firmware updates. Knowing that the Wasabi Power batteries are designed with future compatibility in mind adds a layer of confidence, although it’s worth noting that technology can always change. The physical size and specs (Output Voltage 4.2 Volts) are designed to match the original AHDBT-302/301/201 batteries, ensuring a proper fit in the camera battery compartment.
Real-World Performance and Longevity
When I first started using the Wasabi Power kit, the batteries performed admirably, providing solid runtime comparable to a moderately used original GoPro battery. The dual charger worked flawlessly, making it easy to always have fresh batteries ready. However, over longer-term use (multiple years), I’ve started to notice some degradation. As mentioned earlier, the runtime per charge does seem to be slightly less than a new original battery. More concerning, and something echoed by other users, is that after extensive use and many charge cycles, the batteries don’t seem to hold a charge as well when stored. This means if they sit fully charged for a few weeks, they might be partially depleted when you pick them up. This isn’t a dealbreaker if you charge them right before a shoot, but it’s something to be aware of. While I personally haven’t experienced the severe issues reported by a small number of users, like batteries bulging or the charger melting, the mention of these issues in reviews does highlight a potential risk associated with non-OEM products and is a significant disadvantage to consider, especially if planning to leave the charger unattended. Reliability over many years might not be as consistently high as with original equipment, but for the price point, the initial performance and convenience are excellent. I’ve used these batteries in various conditions, including cold weather, and they’ve generally held up well, although extreme temperatures always impact battery life.
Hearing from Others: What Users Are Saying
Looking around online, many users have found the Wasabi Power KIT-BB-AHDBT302-01 to be a practical and cost-effective solution. Positive feedback often highlights that the kit works well right out of the box, is convenient for charging multiple batteries, and even charges the original GoPro battery without issue. Some reviewers specifically noted the value proposition and satisfactory performance, including reliability even in cold conditions. However, it’s important to mention that a few users have reported concerning experiences after using the kit for some time, including batteries swelling to the point of being unusable and, in rare cases, the charger unit overheating or showing signs of melting, sometimes after several months or a year of use. One user shared a story of smelling burning plastic and finding the charger melted, emphasizing the potential danger if left unsupervised. Another mentioned receiving a charger that looked different from the one pictured but found the batteries themselves acceptable. Overall, while the majority of users seem satisfied with the product’s initial performance and value, these intermittent reports of failure, particularly regarding safety, are worth taking into account.
Wrapping It Up: Is This Power Kit Right for You?
Running out of battery power is the nemesis of capturing those perfect action shots and precious memories with your GoPro Hero3 or Hero3+. This problem absolutely needs a robust solution, as failing to solve it means perpetually missing out on potential footage due to power constraints. The Wasabi Power KIT-BB-AHDBT302-01 Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger offers an appealing way to tackle this issue. It’s a great fit because it provides two extra batteries and a convenient dual charger in one package, significantly extending your shooting time compared to just using the original battery. The versatility of the USB charger and its compatibility with original batteries are also major selling points. While there are some reported long-term reliability concerns, for many users, the initial performance, convenience, and competitive price make it a worthwhile investment for keeping their GoPro powered up. If you’re tired of short battery life, the Wasabi Power KIT-BB-AHDBT302-01 Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger could be the power solution you need. Click here to check the product out and see if it meets your needs.
Last update on 2025-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API