Solar Powered Flashlight - What's the best?

[jhideout]

I bought a cheap plastic solar/battery hybrid flashlight from wal-mart, but I'm not confident of how long it will last under hard use..I'm trying to get away from anything that requires batteries in my BOB.

So, I'm basically looking for mag-light quality all metal/durable solar powered flashlight. It can be 100% solar or battery hybrid..Any Suggestions?

[NannerAirCraft]

http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/83/To...ashlight/10:1/

Its a solar and crank flashlight made by goal zero.

[SharpDog]

Have not found a mechanically generated or solar powered flashlight that's worth a darn. My advice is to get a good flashlight, some rechargeable batteries and a solar or hand-cranked generator.

Check these threads:

http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...ght=flashlight

http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...ght=flashlight

http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...ght=flashlight

http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...ght=flashlight

http://www.survivalistboards.com/sho...ght=flashlight


I have a Goal Zero 10W solar and a K-tor hand crank.

Amazon.com: K-TOR Pocket Socket Hand Crank... Amazon.com: K-TOR Pocket Socket Hand Crank...
Amazon.com: K-TOR Pocket Socket Hand Crank...

Amazon.com: Goal Zero 19006 Guide 10 Adventure... Amazon.com: Goal Zero 19006 Guide 10 Adventure...
Amazon.com: Goal Zero 19006 Guide 10 Adventure...

Here are some chargers:

Amazon (Thumbnails) Amazon (Thumbnails)
Amazon (Links)

Amazon (Thumbnails) Amazon (Thumbnails)
Amazon (Links)

And make sure to get good quality batteries:

Amazon (Thumbnails) Amazon (Thumbnails)
Amazon (Links)

[TDFbound]

Why would you want Maglite quality? I purposely avoid cheap products with terrible performance.

Also, a 100% solar powered flashlight? Really? *facepalm*

[NannerAirCraft]

if you get the goal zero adventure kit don't get that one get the 19010 models because 19006 is an outdated one, also its a 7 watt solar panel

[jhideout]

Originally Posted by TDFbound

Why would you want Maglite quality? I purposely avoid cheap products with terrible performance.

Also, a 100% solar powered flashlight? Really? *facepalm*

As far as mag-light quality I meant the "shell"..

As far as 100% solar I was referring to something with an internal power storage source..

[TDFbound]

Originally Posted by jhideout

As far as 100% solar I was referring to something with an internal power storage source..

lol you mean like a battery?

[jhideout]

Originally Posted by TDFbound

lol you mean like a battery?

Lol..Yes smart ass..But not a traditional "AA" or AAA..Something that is built in and lasts a long time..

[NannerAirCraft]

Originally Posted by jhideout

Lol..Yes smart ass..But not a traditional "AA" or AAA..Something that is built in and lasts a long time..

Did you read my post? Its the first one That flashlight has an internal battery.

[SharpDog]

Originally Posted by jhideout

Lol..Yes smart ass..But not a traditional "AA" or AAA..Something that is built in and lasts a long time..

Why would you want a fixed battery instead of a replaceable one ? All batteries wear out.

[jhideout]

Originally Posted by NannerAirCraft

Did you read my post? Its the first one That flashlight has an internal battery.

Yes sir I did..It is in my Amazon "wishlist"..Thanks

[jhideout]

Originally Posted by SharpDog

Why would you want a fixed battery instead of a replaceable one ? All batteries wear out.

Good Point...I was just under the assumption that fixed batteries held a long life..

But I intend to have more than one flashlight..I already have battery operated lights..I just want something a little different

[SharpDog]

Originally Posted by jhideout

Good Point...I was just under the assumption that fixed batteries held a long life..

But I intend to have more than one flashlight..I already have battery operated lights..I just want something a little different

Battery life is more related to four factors:

1. the technology: Nicad, lithium, Nimh, etc
2. The quality of the battery
3. the quality of the charger
4. the environmental conditions.

The LaCrosse charger I linked to you might be a little pricey for a charger but it will let you get the most out of your batteries. Independent tests and reviews have shown Sony batteries to be superior in terms of life. If you store your batteries in dry conditions and avoid extremes in temperature you will get the most useful life.

The only advantage of a non-replaceable battery is being able to store more battery in less space (or a particular spatial configuration). IMHO this 'advantage' is more than outweighed by the fact that when the battery dies, you throw out the appliance. Of course, if you're getting one with a built-in solar panel, it may be the panel that wears out first. It will be a race to the bottom.

IMHO a modular system where you can replace a worn out component with another (esp. as the technology advances) has a great advantage.

[SharpDog]

Left to Right:

SureFire E2D LED Defender Dual-Output LED (200 Lumens)

Surefire Saint Minimus LED Headlamp

Surefire E1B Dual-Output LED Flashlight





I have others but these are my EDC / BOB / INCH / SHTF go-to lights

[DeltaS]

Originally Posted by jhideout

I bought a cheap plastic solar/battery hybrid flashlight from wal-mart, but I'm not confident of how long it will last under hard use..I'm trying to get away from anything that requires batteries in my BOB.

So, I'm basically looking for mag-light quality all metal/durable solar powered flashlight. It can be 100% solar or battery hybrid..Any Suggestions?

100% solar? I heard the polish invented those.

[5col]

SharpDog is right on with his comment about solar and hand-crank models being garbage. We've gone through several hand crank models here at the house, and are currently being disappointed by combination radio/flashlight with both solar cells and hand crank.