Retra has announced a new lithium-ion battery pack for Flashback: the Energy storage. Compared to one Increase– powered by eight Eneloop PRO AA batteries—currently the highest-power configuration for a Retra Flash—the Power Vault doubles battery life and improves recycle times by more than 10%. According to Retra, that should give you up to 4,000 shots at 25% power and up to 2,000 shots at half power on a single charge.
Housed in an anodized aluminum housing, the Power Vault works with the latest 4th generation models (Flash Pro Max, Flash Prime+And Pure Flash), but can also be used with 2nd and 3rd generation models using an adapter (which adds $20 to the purchase price). The battery pack has a USB-C port for charging, although no charging cable is included in the box.
To our credit, alongside the release of the Power Vault, Retra is introducing a “lifetime battery exchange program.” This means that when your Power Vault reaches the end of its life, you’ll be able to send the battery pack back to Retra for a replacement (service and shipping costs apply). Retra says the old battery will then be sent to a “state-of-the-art battery recycling plant to ensure minimal (near zero) contamination.”
To celebrate the launch of the Power Vault, Retra is knocking $50 off the regular price—$400 instead of $450 for the 4th gen version or $420 instead of $470 for the 2nd/3rd gen version—if you pre order before July 8. Note that shipping is scheduled for late November. You can also purchase the Power Vault as part of a special bundle called Retra Flash Power Supplyincludes Retra Flash Pro Max, Power Vault, Booster, and two USB battery chargers for $2,100. All prices exclude VAT.
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