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If you’re shopping for an 85-amp engine starter from Schumacher, you’ve probably noticed the SC1307, SC1362, and SC1308 all look similar on paper. They all deliver that 85A starting power (the SC1308 actually bumps it to 100A), charge at 6 amps, and work with 6V and 12V batteries including AGM and deep-cycle types.
I’ve spent time comparing these three 6-in-1 battery chargers and engine starters to help you decide which one makes sense for your garage. The real difference comes down to a few key specs and how they’re built — and I’ll show you exactly what I found.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Schumacher SC1308
Highest 100A engine start power and over 14,000 reviews with a 4.4-star rating — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Schumacher SC1307
Solid 85A starting power with a 30A boost and a slightly larger 11.77-inch width — Check Price →
Best Budget Pick: Schumacher SC1362
Same 85A engine start and 30A boost as the SC1307 but in a slightly more compact 10-inch wide body — Check Price →
I’ve laid out all the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three Schumacher chargers compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Schumacher Electric 6A Ca | Schumacher Electric 6A Ca | Schumacher Electric 6A Ca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Current | ✅ 6A | 6A | 6A |
| Engine Start Current | 85A | 85A | ✅ 100A |
| Boost Current | ✅ 30A | 30A | 30A |
| Voltage Compatibility | ✅ 6V/12V | 6V/12V | 6V/12V |
| Battery Types | AGM, deep-cycle | AGM, deep-cycle | — |
| Functions | ✅ 6-in-1 | 6-in-1 | 6-in-1 |
| Maintain Current | 2A | ✅ 6A | — |
| Engine Start Current 2 | 85A | 85A | ✅ 100A |
| Boost Current 2 | ✅ 30-12A | 30A | 30A |
| Charge Current 2 | ✅ 6-2A | — | — |
| Model Number | SC1307 | ✅ SC1362 | SC1308 |
| Color Options | — | — | ✅ Black, Gray |
The biggest spec difference I noticed is that the SC1308 delivers 100A engine start power compared to the 85A on the SC1307 and SC1362, making it the stronger choice for bigger engines.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each charger for starting power, build quality, and ease of use to give you an honest take on where each one shines and where it falls short.
Schumacher Electric SC1307 6A Car Battery Charger and 85A Engine Starter
85A Engine Start | 30A Boost | 6A Charge | 12.6 lbs
- Advanced 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests batteries and...
- Immediate Charging Power – Delivers 85-amp engine start, 30-amp to 12-amp...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
The SC1307 is a solid 6-in-1 charger that delivers 85A of engine starting power and a 30A boost for quick battery restoration. I like that it includes desulfation mode for reconditioning old batteries, which the specs confirm works with 6V and 12V standard, AGM, and deep-cycle types. On the downside, customer reports mention the cable Use and wire wrap plastic can arrive damaged, so inspect yours right away.
✅ Pros
- 85A engine start handles most cars and trucks
- 30A boost charge gets a dead battery going fast
- Built-in battery and alternator tester for diagnostics
- Desulfation mode helps extend battery life
❌ Cons
- Cable Use and wire wrap may arrive damaged
- Unit may fail to turn on or display lights
- Only 328 reviews, less proven than SC1308
Schumacher Electric SC1362 6A Car Battery Charger and 85A Engine Starter
85A Engine Start | 30A Boost | 6A Charge | 12.6 lbs
- 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests, and reconditions...
- Immediate Charging Power - Delivers 85-amp engine start, 12-amp to 30-amp...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
The SC1362 is essentially the same 6-in-1 charger as the SC1307 but in a slightly smaller body measuring 10.13 x 10 x 6.75 inches instead of the SC1307’s 10.63 x 11.77 x 7.8 inches. It still delivers 85A engine start and 30A boost for fast charging, plus the same desulfation mode for battery reconditioning. The catch is that customer feedback notes units may arrive damaged, so you’ll want to inspect it carefully upon delivery.
✅ Pros
- 85A engine start with 30A boost for fast cranking
- More compact than SC1307 at 10 inches wide
- 50 state DOE compliant for energy efficiency
- Reverse polarity protection prevents accidental damage
❌ Cons
- Multiple reports of units arriving damaged
- Lower 4.3-star rating from only 247 reviews
- Only 1 port compared to SC1307’s 2 ports
Schumacher Electric SC1308 6A Car Battery Charger and 100A Engine Starter
100A Engine Start | 30A Boost | 6A Charge | 12.6 lbs
- Advanced 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests batteries and...
- Immediate Charging Power – Delivers 100-amp engine start, 30-amp to...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
The SC1308 stands out with 100A of engine starting power — 15 amps more than the other two — making it the best choice for larger engines or cold-weather starts. It’s also the most proven model here with over 14,000 reviews and a strong 4.4-star rating, and 300+ were bought in the past month alone. Like the others, it includes desulfation mode and a built-in battery and alternator tester, but the specs show it uses alligator clamps instead of the cable clamps found on the SC1307.
✅ Pros
- 100A engine start is the most powerful here
- Over 14,000 reviews with a 4.4-star rating
- Desulfation mode reconditions weak batteries
- CSA certified for safety compliance
❌ Cons
- Uses alligator clamps instead of cable clamps
- 10-hour charge time is slow for a full charge
- Only 2 ports may limit simultaneous use
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, your choice really comes down to how much starting power you need and whether you want the most proven model. Let me break down exactly who each charger is built for.
Schumacher SC1308 is right for you if…
- You want the most starting power at 100A for larger engines or cold-weather cranking
- You prefer buying a model with over 14,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating that’s proven reliable
- You need a 6-in-1 charger with desulfation mode and built-in battery and alternator testing
Schumacher SC1307 is right for you if…
- 85A starting power is enough for your car or truck and you want a 30A boost option
- You want 2 ports for connecting multiple devices at once, unlike the SC1362’s single port
- You prefer cable clamps over alligator clamps for a more secure battery connection
Schumacher SC1362 is right for you if…
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want the same 85A engine start and 30A boost as the SC1307
- A more compact 10-inch wide body fits better in your garage or toolbox
- You want 50 state DOE compliance for energy efficiency standards
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only need a simple battery maintainer for a motorcycle or seasonal vehicle and never need engine starting power, these 12.6-pound units are overkill. A smaller, dedicated trickle charger like the Battery Tender Junior would save you space and money.
For most people shopping for an 85A engine starter, I’d grab the SC1308 — that extra 15 amps of starting power and the massive 14,089 reviews make it the clear winner in my book. Check its current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the SC1308 or the SC1307?
I’d pick the SC1308 every time. It delivers 100A engine start compared to the SC1307’s 85A, giving you more cranking power for bigger engines or cold mornings. The SC1308 also has over 14,000 reviews with a 4.4-star rating, while the SC1307 only has 328 reviews — that real-world track record matters to me.
Is the SC1308 worth the extra money over the SC1362?
Yes, absolutely. The SC1308 gives you 100A starting power versus 85A on the SC1362, and it’s backed by 14,089 reviews compared to just 247 for the SC1362. That extra starting power alone makes it worth it if you ever need to crank a larger engine or deal with cold weather.
What’s the difference between the SC1307 and the SC1362?
They’re nearly identical in specs — both have 85A engine start, 30A boost, and 6A charging. The SC1307 is slightly larger at 11.77 inches wide versus the SC1362’s 10 inches, and it has 2 ports compared to the SC1362’s single port. The SC1307 also has a higher 4.5-star rating from 328 reviews, while the SC1362 sits at 4.3 stars from 247 reviews.
Can these chargers handle AGM and deep-cycle batteries?
Yes, all three models work with standard, AGM, and deep-cycle batteries in both 6V and 12V. They also include desulfation mode to help recondition older batteries and extend their life. Just make sure you select the right battery type on the charger before you start.
How long does it take to fully charge a dead battery?
The SC1307 and SC1308 both list a 10-hour charge time, and the SC1362 uses the same 6-amp charging rate. That’s for a full charge on a deeply discharged battery — but if you just need to start the engine, the 30A boost mode will get you going much faster. For a quick jump, use the 85A or 100A engine start setting instead.
Do these chargers have reverse polarity protection?
Yes, all three models include reverse polarity protection that prevents damage if you accidentally connect the clamps backward. That’s a must-have safety feature in my book. They also have a built-in battery and alternator tester for quick diagnostics.
My Final Verdict
After comparing all three, the Schumacher SC1308 is my clear winner. It delivers 100A engine start power — 15 amps more than the SC1307 and SC1362 — and it’s backed by over 14,000 reviews with a 4.4-star rating, proving it’s the most trusted option here. The SC1307 is a solid runner-up if you prefer cable clamps over alligator clamps and want that extra port, but the SC1308’s extra starting muscle and proven track record make it the one I’d buy.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the most starting power and the most customer feedback to back up your purchase? If yes, stop overthinking and grab the SC1308. Check its current price on Amazon — it’s the safest bet for most people.
Best Overall: Schumacher SC1308
- Advanced 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests batteries and...
- Immediate Charging Power – Delivers 100-amp engine start, 30-amp to...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
Perfect for anyone who wants the most starting power at 100A and the confidence of over 14,000 positive reviews. The desulfation mode and built-in tester make it a true 6-in-1 workhorse.
Runner-Up: Schumacher SC1307
- Advanced 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests batteries and...
- Immediate Charging Power – Delivers 85-amp engine start, 30-amp to 12-amp...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
A great choice if you prefer cable clamps over alligator clamps and want 2 ports for connecting multiple devices. Still delivers solid 85A starting power with a 30A boost.
Best Budget Pick: Schumacher SC1362
- 6-in-1 Device - Starts, charges, maintains, tests, and reconditions...
- Immediate Charging Power - Delivers 85-amp engine start, 12-amp to 30-amp...
- Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time...
Best for tight budgets who still want 85A starting power and 30A boost in a slightly more compact 10-inch wide body. Just inspect it carefully upon delivery for damage.
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