Scosche strikeLine and strikeDrive Lightning cables for Apple iPhone: Review

I like my iPhone 5 on Verizon, and am a fan of the Lightning connector. It took a while to find Lightning cables available from Apple, and now there are alternatives from third-party vendors, such as the strikeLine Pro and strikeDrive ones from Scosche.

StrikeLine Pro

In the past, I used quite a few retractable mini-USB cables to charge up my devices, and found the clean design convenient for taking along in a bag. The strikeLine Pro provides you with a 3-foot cable in a small form factor about 4 inches long when retracted.

Unlike my old cables, this one has a thicker, more durable cable that gives me a sense that it will last for quite some time. There is a caution sticker on one side that reminds you to pull both ends of the cable at the same time when extending it out. While it extends out to 3 feet, you don't have to pull it all the way, so there is some flexibility in how you use the cable.

One end is USB and the other has the Lightning connector that supports the iPhone 5, iPad, and iPod touch devices with Lightning ports. It is available now for $24.95. Apple's standard Lightning to USB cables are $19, so paying $5 more for a well-designed retractable one is worth it.

StrikeDrive 12W

I like to use my iPhone for navigation, and having the ability to charge up my devices in a vehicle is important to me. When I travel on business, I usually have a rental car and spend lots of time getting to different destinations. The strikeDrive 5W is a car charger accessory with a Lightning connector.

While I tested out the 5W model to charge my iPhone 5, there is also a 12W model that provides more wattage to charge up your iPad and every other Lightning device. The 5W model does charge up the iPad mini at a slightly reduced rate.

The coiled cable is 3 feet long, but retracts to a length that works well in your vehicle. I like the low-profile end that plugs into your vehicle charging port as it gives a cleaner look to the arrangement in your vehicle.

The strikeDrive 5W is available now for $24.95. Another option for your car is to purchase its reVolt c2 USB vehicle adapter with a cable like the strikeLine pro.

These two Scosche Lightning cable solutions are well designed and constructed to last. Apple doesn't make a retractable cable or a car charger with a Lightning connector, and these are great options for Apple mobile device owners.

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