The winder itself is identical between the two versions if any of you are wondering, the only difference is that the usb-c version comes with an alternate cable. As shown in the photo, the original type c cable comes out horizontally, and it will be bent by a large angle to make the cable fit into the wheel, which could damage the cable, so you will have to use the right angle cable by Fuse to solve this problem. There’s a lot of criticism about the quality of that cable in the review, I’ll have to use it for a while to know that.
For the price, they are not using the best plastic on this thing, the build is pretty sturdy but I really doubt it could bare a single fall on the floor without breaking, I’ll try not to do that.
Despite all the cons, I have to admit that the design of this is by far the best solution I have used for cable management. It makes your cords neat and sleek, not some mess you wanna hide from the desktop anymore.
I read the reviews before purchasing and the only thing that concerned me were the comments about the included cable being a lower quality. I have dealt with a lot of USB 3.1 (10gpbs) and Thunderbolt 3 cable (40gpbs) issues because, the plain and simple fact is that they are expensive. To keep the cost down manufacturers must lower the quality. I don’t expect to get a high-quality cable without paying for it.
If you read the product description and reviews, the included cable is needed because it has a 90-degree connector at one end to fit into the winder, an no doubt, to take some stress off of the cable given that it will wind up side-ways (in relation to the plug end). I want to use the original Apple cable so my solution was to purchase a small 90 connector which fit nicely. I am using the original Apple USB-C charging cable that came with my MacBook Pro. I purchased it from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077XL7Q7H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The device itself is high quality. The magnetic closure/locking is very strong. I have no concerns about it opening or coming apart. The size of this unit is about as small as it can be while keeping everything tightly wrapped. It fits in my backpack better than the cord by itself and it is lot easier to pull out when I need it.
My only issue with this device is that although it is easy to wind up the cables, it is more difficult to unwind them and takes a little more effort than I like (note unwinding the device is the same with the supplied cable and with the Apple cable).
I ordered three Side Winders for three different Mac laptops. The packaging for all three was the same, though I ordered two different Side Winders to accommodate the different size chargers. Once I opened the packages, I could see that the appropriate inserts were included in one of the packages, but I had no way of knowing that until I opened all three packages. The packaging issue would make giving one as a gift a big challenge.
That said, everything else about the product is great. The instructions are clear. The packaging is easy to open. The product is easy to set up with your chargers -- all three of our chargers were easy to get in place with the appropriate inserts. I am very pleased with the product. It's a definite improvement for our daily Mac use.
The Sidewinder is a must-have for MacBooks. I've gotten many compliments on it, but the compliments don't even compare to the actual convenience of having my cables properly wound and neat in my bag, instead of flopping everywhere like they used to.
I purchased the USB-C version of the Sidewinder which was a lifesaver because, fun fact: Apple does not include the USB-C cable needed when you purchase their (nearly $100) adapter. Luckily FuseReel includes a special USBC cable with the USBC version of the Sidewinder, which saved me probably another $20 from buying one at the Apple Store. Thank you FuseReel!
I've been wanting to get this product for a long time, and I regret not getting it sooner. This thing is well worth having, especially if you have multiple cables in your backpack and don't want things to get too messy.
There are only two problems that I have with this product:
1) At least one time since I've owned it in just two days, the little part that snaps close can come apart when pulling the cables. I guess depending on the angle that you're pulling the cables, it might actually unlock/unsnap the part, and you have to close it again. So for this, I wish it actually had a more secure snap/lock mechanism.
2) The USB cable provided with the product absolutely sucks. It's thicker, and does not "snap" into the laptop's USB-C port like Apple's USB-C cable. Any little movement and it'll stop charging the laptop. I know for a fact it's not the laptop since I've never had this happen using the OEM provided USB-C cable. That gets extremely annoying. I have to make sure I don't touch the USB-C cable; otherwise, it'll stop charging if it's not 100% pushed in.
Feature Product
- PLEASE SEE SIZING GUIDE IN THE IMAGE SECTION BEFORE CHECKING OUT!
- The USB-C model does not fit the 45W MacBook Air Charger. Please purchase the MagSafe model Side Winder.
- USB-C Model includes right angle USB-C charging cable to replace Apple's USB-C cable *The Side Winder does not include charger or fat extension cable*
- PORTABLE: The Side Winder fits easily into any pocket or bag with its sleek and low-profile design.
- FAST: Quickly wind up your MacBook charger in under 5 seconds
Description
Product Description
PLEASE SEE SIZING CHART IN THE IMAGE SECTION BEFORE CHECKING OUT! The Side Winder allows the user to wind, protect, and store their MacBook charger in under 5 seconds. The patent pending design was 1600% funded on Kickstarter, and is hands-down the best MacBook accessory. It's perfectly engineered for every MacBook user looking to organize, and store their existing charger, without wrestling it's unwieldy length.
It works by using revolving rings that can wind up your charger with ease, eliminating the risk of the cable bending in strange ways. Just follow the simple instructions to install your charging cable inside, and you'll be able to gently pull to release the exact amount of cable you need, and simply turn the crank to wind it back in again. It even features a sleek, simple, monochromatic design that perfectly complements your laptop or other Apple products, and will slip easily into any bags or pockets.
The MagSafe option works with the standard magnetic Apple chargers for:
15" and 13" MacBook Pro (Pre-2016) and MacBook Air (45W, 60W, and 85W)
The USB-C option works with the newer USB-C Apple chargers for:
15" and 13" MacBook Pro (Post-2016) (61W, and 87W) (DOES NOT FIT THE 29W 12" MacBook Charger)
Instuctional Installation Videos
45W Charger: https://youtu.be/H5fCq8ZUaFg 60W and 61W Chargers: https://youtu.be/IfZ31zpLuTM 85W and 87W Chargers: https://youtu.be/9_okd1_m5YU
I travel a lot for work, and the number of times I couldn't charge my MacBook due to lack of space on a shared power outlet is countless. Not only does this gadget eliminate that issue, it also keeps all the wires nicely wound together. The ability to extend the cords just to the right length you need is awesome. It is very easy to put together and is totally worth the money. I just wish they would have sold the extra extension cable that is needed with this in a bundle, instead of me having to purchase it separately. It is not a big deal as Amazon always shows that cable in the 'related items' section. Very happy with my purchase.
I have just received my Side Winder and I am pretty impressed with it. This made my rat nest of power cable that sits behind my laptop into a clean, organized spool. Instructions were easy to follow, setup was done in a minute (inside the Side Winder, there were inserts that held the Apple Power Adapter in place, depending on which Macbook Power Adapter you have, you may have to change these inserts to fit the Power Adapter. Fortunately, Fuse had my 60W/61W inserts pre-installed) and I was back to work without missing a beat. The Side Winder sits nicely in my backpack, it takes up less room than before. It is made of durable hard plastic, and it is held closed by magnets and locks together with a sturdy latch. Please note: YOU NEED THE POWER ADAPTER EXTENTION CORD FROM APPLE. It says this in the description of the Side Winder. I use the new Apple MBP with the USB-C ports, so the included right angle USB-C cable that came with my Sidewinder was key, it is a must to use rather than the original Apple USB-C. The included USB-C cable feels sturdy, but only time will tell.
I'll update if anything changes, but overall it is a great product!
I was worried it would add bulk, but it does the opposite. My bag is so much more organized and has a lot more freed up space. It fits the charger perfectly. Almost makes it look like it was built onto the charger.
The single reel fits every charger! It comes with easy to remove inserts that adapt to the MagSafe and USB-C chargers. I had to remove the inserts because I am using the 87W USB-C charger, and it fits great! Great design! There was a lot of thought put into this design. From the magnets inside to the handle on the outside.
So far no negatives, but I will update my review with some more use!
Yes it’s slightly clunky, but compared to the alternative - which is throwing a mess of charger and cables into a bag - this is ideal. Highly recommend. The only annoying part was buying the wrong version first that didn’t come with the 61W right angle cable. After returning and purchasing this version, I’d say it works exactly as described. I hope the fuse right angle cable charges just as well as the original Mac one.
I contributed to the Kickstarter campaign to launch this item, so I had to wait for my first one a lot longer than I would have liked, but when I got it, ordering more for colleagues was a no-brainer. The challenge of managing my MacBook's charger cord has been a real bugaboo in my life for many years. I cobbled together various solutions with mediocre results and had largely resigned myself to a tangle of cords that eventually had to be replaced when they wore-out from the daily use. Five minutes after I had the sidewinder in my hand I literally felt a giddy sense of relief. The sidewinder is so solidly constructed, so easy to use, so simple and elegant in design that my work life is just easier every day for having it. With the cord wound-in it's so compact and solid that it doesn't clutter my bag. Winding the cord is easy. If you have a MacBook and you travel with it you must have this!
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