Don't Call the Austere VII Series Power a Powerstrip

Question: When is a powerstrip not a powerstrip? Answer: When it is the $179.99 Austere VII Series Power delivery system. Yes, the VII Series Power would be an extremely pricey powerstrip if it were just a powerstrip, but, of course, it is not. It’s a refined, aluminum power supply system that offers top-level protection to your pricey electronics.

The Austere VII Series Power comes in a six and an eight outlet configuration. I was sent the six outlet version. The price tag of $179.99 shocked me, but that was nothing compared to the shock I experienced when I pulled the device out of the box. It weighs a ton! That’s because, unlike the cheap plastic power strips you can get at Target or on Amazon, this power delivery system is made from aluminum.

As the company explains:

The power system combines the strong aluminum housing with a WovenArmor power cord that is thicker and more durable than pretty much any power cord I have ever seen.

In addition, serious thought went into the spacing between the outlets to let you plug in as many different devices as needed. The company calls the, “SmartFit” outlets and while I love power strips with rotatable plugs, this gets the job done too.

Distinctive by design: Carefully selected aluminum materials and meticulous engineering make Austere Power lightweight and durable. The classic brushed housing is subtly enhanced by design details to be one of the most desirable and functional power products on the market. Our signature braided, WovenArmor power cord couples uncompromising flexibility and strength with the smallest bend radius available to fit in the tightest spaces. Feel confident that the SmartFit outlets were manufactured with the precise spacing between plugs to give you the fit you expect.

They believe so completely in their product that they offer a lifetime guarantee that it will perform to the purchaser’s expectations.

Now you might be asking yourself why anyone would want to pay more for a powerstrip that’s they otherwise need to. There are a few reasons. The first has to do with the power delivery options this device offers. In addition to the six (or eight) US outlets, it has two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports and one USB-C PD port that can deliver 45W of power for charging many of today’s laptops. After all, “Your laptop is part of your entertainment system.” All of these are connected to and enhanced by Austere Power’s “Isolated PureFiltration.” As they explain,

This advanced EMI/RFI filtration will insulate the power signal from external disturbances to deliver video and audio clarity to your HDTV and sound system. In addition, Austere’s Omniport USB provides rapid charge and protection for low-voltage devices.

If that level of protection weren’t enough, Austere Power devices also employ state-of-the-art fire protection technology. “We are,” they proudly state, “redefining how power should perform and protect with flameless MOV circuits and thermally protected outlets, keeping you safe from a home electrical fire.”
But lest you think you need to simply take the company at their word, they include a “Component Guarantee.” If any equipment is damaged while plugged into an Austere Power product the company will replace it; regardless of the device’s value. There are other companies that offer device protection but few seem to offer the combination of USB-C, USB-C PD and “unconditional” device replacement.

Features:

But while all that is true, you could purchase seven of the power strips on Amazon for the price of one Austere Series VII Power device. But… and this is a huge but… the surge protector I’m looking at on Amazon offers no guarantee if a device plugged into it is fried during a power surge while Austere is clear they will replace any device… of any price… damaged while plugged into their product. That’s a huge deal and might well make this product worth considering. I mean, think about this. My Vizio television is about $800, the Sonos Playbar and Sub are $1400, my Nest Router is $150; my Apple TV is also $150, and I could go on but you get the point. My main home entertainment area is filled with devices that are worth well north of $2500. And with the Series VII Power, they are fully protected. If something happens to them, it is Austere’s responsibility to replace them. So one might think of the Series VII as a $50 power strip that offers a ton of connection and protection options AND a $125 insurance plan that is good for the life of the Series VII Power. Is the peace of mind that comes as a result of the added expense worth the high price of admission? Time will tell. As much as I think the Series VII Power looks amazing and offers a nice range of connection and protection, I’m not sure I’m going to the expense of getting one to protect the entertainment devices in our bedroom. I like the device, but this is clearly a luxury play. For those who love their home entertainment and for whom price is not a concern, this product is ideal. For the rest of us, I think the premium over other gadgets that offer similar functionality may be a bit much. So in short, it is a great product, but it is pricey as hell. Check it out here.

What I Like: Beautifully crafted from aluminum; Offers a wide range of connectivity options; Offers serious protection both with regard to power surges and interference from other devices; Offers a full guarantee to replace any item damaged while plugged into it
What Needs Improvement: Pricey!

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