Customer Reviews

Type S Rechargeable Flashlight

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This appears to be a decent rechargeable flashlight for use in my SUV, and I would probably have happily accepted this technology 10 or 12 years ago. The problem? It uses a Ni-Cd rechargeable battery. Ni-Cd batteries are less efficient in extreme temperatures (which commonly occur inside automobiles) and do not hold a charge as long as the more modern and more efficient Ni-Metal Hydride batteries which most manufacturers now use in this type of flashlight.

Furthermore, Ni-Cd batteries have a "memory effect" which causes the battery to lose some of its storage capability when it is frequently "topped off" by recharging it before the battery is completely used up by running it until the battery is completely drained. This frequent recharging before the battery is used up is exactly what occurs when the flashlight is left in the cigarette lighter socket so that it is always recharging. You can reverse the "memory effect" and restore the battery to full efficiency if you use the flashlight until the battery is completely drained and then give it a long full recharge. But this is a hassle, and most users want to be able to put the flashlight in the socket and then forget about it until it is needed. Ni-Metal Hydride batteries do not have this memory effect problem.

Not only are Ni-Cd batteries less efficient, they can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Since the battery is built in, most users will simply throw the flashlight in the trash (after the battery eventually quits working) instead of taking it to a dealer (like Radio Shack) who disposes of Ni-Cd batteries properly. If the advertisement copy for this product had stated that it uses a Ni-Cd battery, I never would have ordered it. Now that I have received it and read the description on the package, I am returning it without opening it.

I recommend you read the descriptions of several other rechargeable flashlights which Amazon sells, and select a model that uses a Ni-Metal Hydride battery. Unfortunately, many of the flashlights sold through Amazon do not have a description which tells the battery type. This is important information which should be included in descriptions of all rechargeable products.