The Solar Crank Flashlight takes LED technology and makes it reliable as adventures require. The flashlight/floodlight combo can be powered by its built in solar panel, AC/DC input, or a hand crank. As a versatile product, the solar crank flashlight by goal zero has a comfortable grip handle and a hands free hook.
Product Features
- Powerful led flashlight
- It is recharged from 12 Volt, dynamo crank, solar or wall plug
- Features led technology in both floodlight and flashlight options
- Be prepared for any emergency with the option to use the hand crank generator to power the built-in rechargeable battery
- Convenient hook means you can be hands-free
Clever concept and well crafted This flashlight has four methods of recharging: solar, crank, car charger [DC] and home wall charger [AC]. The flashlight is a little more than a foot long and made of a lightweight composite material that is easy to grip and appears secure enough to be water resistant. There are two lights on the bottom that indicate that the device is receiving a charge either from cranking, or from the sun. There is no indicator for ACDC charges–this was a complaint on the GoalZero website, but I don’t see this as a design problem since you don’t normally require confirmation that it’s charging in your car or home. The solar indicator is helpful when you’re not sure you’re getting enough sun, or if you’re not sure your cranking it the right way [whichever direction you crank it, it will charge, but without the light you wouldn’t know that]. When you plug it into the wall or your car, rest assured that it is actually charging like every other appliance.As I mentioned, the flashlight is sturdy and lightweight, and appears to be ideal for backpacking. I will however note the design of the crank, as it always protrudes from the flashlight. It would be nice to fold it inside or even detach it. I’m a little worried it might break off if I shove it in a pack and I’m not careful. The solar panel snaps into the side securely. I don’t know why the designers didn’t tuck away the crank also–it’s as though the crank feature was an afterthought, which seems odd since this is one of the most appealing features of this flashlight. Who needs a flashlight if you can charge it in the sun?As my title suggests, I think this is a brilliant device, and like other GoalZero products I’ve purchases on AMZ, well crafted.I will be sure to update in the coming months. Reply to the review if you have specific questions I can answer.02/16/2012 $30
Nice but bulky Great concept but okay execution. Has its own solar charger and a hand crank if no sun is around professing that 1 minute of cranking equals 15 minutes of light. I like this but my only complaint is that it is really quite large and bulky although fairly well constructed with the rubberized finish being a nice addition. If they could make this smaller and more portable, I would have given it 4.5 stars for sure. Output is not digitally controlled for constant brightness which means that its useable light output declines over time which would have been another half star off if I could rank this by half stars. Starting on a full charge, I noted a decent 5 – 6 hours with the lamp mode before the light started to be notably dimmer and less useful. Overall, would still recommend for a good emergency preparedness light for the family.
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