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Stefan Fischer, who owns and runs AllOffroad 4×4 Adventures TV on YouTube, has worked with Deep Cycle Systems (DCS) for several years. In fact, DCS provided him with free batteries for a long-term review. Upon publication of his findings, DCS filed a defamation lawsuit against Fischer.
WHO IS DEEP CYCLE SYSTEMS?
Taken from their European website: “Established in 2014, Deep Cycle Systems (DCS) is a well-known Australian technology company with the mission to provide quality services to its clientele across global markets. With its advanced lithium battery range, battery management systems, active cell management systems and in battery chargers. DCS is the market pioneer in providing quality battery products that are designed using the latest battery cell technologies, robust materials, high-end features and safety measures to provide our clients with the best in the market.
As of 2023, Deep Cycle Systems has expanded into the European market, distributing our most popular lithium batteries. With years of experience working with end users, government departments, designing vehicle fleet systems and working with OEM marine and RV manufacturers, we pride ourselves on our professionalism and dedication to our customers. Deep Cycle Systems now provides lithium batteries to various customers across different industries throughout Europe. Our focus is currently on the 12V Emergency Services market along with Marine & RV’s.
Our batteries are similar-sized to lead-acid batteries, which makes upgrading to DCS Lithium Batteries a simple task whilst significantly improving the battery life. DCS Lithium Batteries are lightweight yet durable and long-lasting due to their superior construction. Our products are designed to be used in a variety of applications, including military, emergency, marine & motorhomes and other RV’s. We manufacture our products with care and attention to detail so that they can provide maximum service life.
We strive to meet these goals by offering our customers only the best products available in the market today. Our team has been working hard since our inception to ensure that we are at the forefront of innovation in this industry while continuing to offer high-quality products at competitive pricing. We design and engineer each battery pack with attention to detail to ensure efficiency and reliability in performance along with maximum service life with precise cell management.
Our mission is to always provide reliable, durable and cost-effective products for individuals and businesses looking for a long-term investment that will last decades without needing any major maintenance or repairs.”
WHO IS STEFAN FISCHER?
Ten years ago, retiree Stefan Fischer launched AllOffroad 4×4 Adventures TV as a hobby on YouTube.
From the outset, his primary goal was to share his overlanding experience as he explored the Australian outback, and to test, review and discuss a broad range of products and to determine their suitability for remote adventure 4×4 travel.
In essence, Stefan encourages viewers, followers and like-minded enthusiasts to get off the couch and go out and explore. Having said that, Stefan’s backyard is the relentless Australian outback, and knowing your vehicle and having reliable gear are a prerequisite for venturing out into the remotest, most unforgiving regions and returning safely.
Stefan has grown his following to more than 60k followers because of the way he packages his information and, more importantly, because of his objective and frank manner when it comes to discussing products he has to rely upon.
WHY IS DCS TAKING ACTION?
DCS provided Fischer with some batteries for testing at their expense. Whilst the batteries performed satisfactorily from the outset, Fischer raised questions after a three year period and published his findings in a video review.
The videos that sparked DCS’ discontent can be seen here:
In a recent statement, Stefan Fischer says, “I honestly reviewed these batteries over a three-year period. After thorough testing, I shared my concerns about their suitability for off-road and camping use in two videos in 2023. DCS have now taken legal actions against me in the District Court of Queensland, Proceeding Number 1169 of 24, alleging that my reviews are defamatory, made maliciously and have cost them significant losses.”
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CONTENT CREATORS
YouTubers and bloggers around the world are, more often than not, no more than one person speaking to their audience. They are individuals with limited financial resources and certainly not in a position to fight lengthy legal battles in court.
This scenario doesn’t just raise awareness for the risks content creators can be confronted with, it also has a huge impact on what they are willing to say. Imagine if a creator is reluctant to speak out because of potential repercussions—then independent, unbiased reviews will soon be lost in a sea of paid articles…and, let’s face it, paid articles can never be truly objective.
When we look for practical reviews, we turn to people with a similar mindset to ourselves and ask for their opinion. Not every review is positive and not every product is suited to every person or application. Imagine buying something and discovering that it doesn’t perform as you expected, you’d probably feel obliged to share that information with those around you to prevent them from experiencing a similar disappointment and unnecessary expense.
YOU CAN HELP
Freedom of speech is hugely important to all of us, and Stefan Fischer is leading by example in standing by his reviews and defending himself vigorously. He is confident that he has a strong defence, which includes honest opinion and publication in the public interest.
Stefan Fischer anticipates costs in the region of AUS$ 200,000 and has launched fundraising campaigns on GOFUNDME and PATREON.
If you are a content creator and feel it is important to be able to speak openly and share your opinion, please support this campaign.
If you’ve watched his channel in the past and found value in his videos, support this campaign so you don’t miss out on future content.
Editor’s Note: We had hoped to hear from DCS and reached out to them via their European website, but so far they have refrained from responding.
