Customer Reviews

Hand Crank Illuminator Wind-up LED Flashlights - 2 Pack

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

We purchased two units. Our kids love reading in bed, and they sometimes prefer using a flashlight rather than a reading lamp. Plus, there are all the other good reasons to have dependable emergency lights.

These units provided a moderate amount of light - a bit dimmer than typical 2 D cell flashlights. And, that was OK with me.

However, the amount of time that the unit would provide light quickly decreased. After just 5 or 6 uses, light output would last only 90 seconds or so, and the brightness level also decreased. It soon became too much hassle to try to sustain light output for more than a few minutes - the frequent cranking was annoying, and every use further decreased battery life and light output.

The light's concept is appealing - but the implementation is poor. The light might be OK for a few uses, but based on the quick deterioration of performance I would not feel very confident that it would dependably work when needed and as long as needed in an emergency. Maybe the best use is in a car when you are unlikely to need light for a long period.

Another OPTION, if also less than perfect: Amazon is selling slow self-discharge rechargeable NiMH batteries. These cells retain 85% of their charge level after 1 year of sitting on a shelf. So, there is the option of buying Sanyo Eneloop (or similar) AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries and adding them to a few quality flashlights. Recharge once per year, and you have viable emergency lights, and perhaps keep some extra batteries around. These long shelf-life batteries are selling like hotcakes to photo enthusiasts, because you can immediately shoot photos even if your camera has been stored for 12 days or 12 months.

Back in 2006/07, I bought two each of Illuminator Wind-up LED Flashlight, Garrity Power Lite, and Duracell Crank Light. The Illuminator lights worked great in the beginning - able to shine for nearly one hour after one minute of cranking. But after a few months, their run time has dropped to under 10 minutes. Lately, they can hardly sustain 10 seconds of dim light. The Garrity lights are marginally better, in that they can still provide 1-2 minutes of useable light. The two Duracell lights, on the other hand, are working just fine.

The difference is due to the rechargeable batteries used in those crank lights:
- The Illuminator contains a single 3.7V Lithium-ion battery with very low capacity (around 36mAh)
- The Garrity uses three 1.2V NiMH cells with slightly higher capacity (80mAh)
- The Duracell uses three NiMH cells with the highest capacity (300mAh)

All rechargeable batteries must die eventually, just that some sooner than others. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are particularly delicate and will be damaged when over-charged, or over-discharged. But over-charging is inevitable in a crank light, since the user has no way to know when the battery is fully charged. That explains why the two Illuminator lights failed so quickly. In contrast, the NiMH cells used in Garrity and Duracell lights are more robust and can withstand more abuse. But sooner or later, the lower capacity battery in Garrity light will became damaged. The Duracell lights are still doing well, mainly because I have been slow-charging the battery through USB port, instead of fast-charging with the crank.

Knowing its short lifespan, I cannot recommend the Illuminator crank light. Unfortunately, the Duracell crank light has been discontinued. So your only choice left is the Garrity. Personally, I have mostly given up on crank lights. It is more reliable to use low-self-discharge batteries (such as SANYO eneloop) in LED flashlights that accept two AA cells.

You get what you pay for. This light has such tiny bulbs it barely casts any light in a dark room. A lighted match casts more light. If you want an extra bright hand crank light, buy the Garrity. Has ten times the illumination.

This Nifty little light will never need a bulb or new batteries. This unit is about 5.5 inches long and 2 inches wide and deep. It fits into your hand quite comfortably and cranking it up is not a strenuous execise.

The key to obtaining longevity in this product is not to over-crank it, nor under-crank it. Keep the cranking time always to about 1 minute. Additionally, allow the light to go almost completely out before re-cranking. This technique will optimize the life of the internal rechargeable batteries.

This is a pretty rugged device, however care should be taken not to break off the cranking handle.

Highly recommend the flashlight to everyone...can't look for a battery when the old flashlight doesn't work!!!! Bought one many years ago...it finally gave up...so purchased these two for the same price I originally bought one. It's like having a second hand after dark. Best idea in a long, long time.

well made product,good looking,gives off good light,good price, put in vehicles in case needed.glad I bought them.

This wind up flashlight really does work. It actually will last a long time after winding it up for 1 minute. We put one in each glove box, and another at home for emergency lighting and no worry about having batteries. A real winner!

FAST shipping and exactly as described. Nice to keep in the car glove box and know it WILL work; unlike my last
battery powered one that when needed, the batteries were dead!

These flashlights are my second crank flashlight purchase; I was very satisfied with the first item and wanted more for occasional use around the house. When these flashlights arrived, I cranked them for a full minute (each) and stowed them near my son's bedroom and in the living room. Later that evening, neither produced any light until they were cranked again -- the battery literally doesn't hold a charge. (Compare to my original flashlight which is still providing light for occasional midnight diaper checks off the initial crank.)
I will be returning these for a refund.

This is the one to get. Why? Because it actually works!

The materials used a well designed and the generator is strong.

The size is easy to handle.

Buy without hesitation.