Hand Crank Solar Hiking Flashlight

UPDATE: Adding a star for 5 star total, due to durability and having found uses for the low light setting. I have one of these on my desk, as I mentioned, and I found that when I need to see smaller print things, the low light button is actually more than adequate and since it's just a 1 press of the button, it's quicker to use, too. Just all sorts of little things, like searching a drawer or seeing serial #s on bills or other products I keep a record of for insurance/warranties. Just a seriously handy, versatile light. The one on my desk has been used nearly daily and has kept up well to the demand. I find that whenever I watch a video like on a friend's page, I just pick it up and crank and that couple of minutes charging keeps the light bright. -------------------------------------- Original review: These things are pretty good. We have 2 now and plan on getting more. The best thing is, for us, that they require no batteries. Hand crank or solar charge are the only truly reliable things, for an object that may sit on a shelf for years before needed. I find the crank to be easy to use, I like that it tucks away when not needed. The charge will last as long as you cranked, of course, but I find I really don't have to crank often. (Haven't yet used the solar option) I gave it 4 stars for a combined reason: 1. The 'low' setting is fairly useless. I suppose one might use it if they're trying to save power, but with a solar/crank source, why? 2. I'm not a fan of having to cycle thru all the functions from one button. (However! If that's part of what kept the price down, I'll deal with it) 3. There's no real flange on the crank to pull it out of the storage position. It's easy enough if you have nails, but I don't always. Edit: We now have 4 - these were originally for emergency use, but I'm finding I use them a LOT. I had once wanted to add lights to all my closets, cuz they're all deep or wide or both, and very hard to see into, but til then I started using these flashlights and now I put closet lights way down the to-do list and may drop them altogether. Also use one on my desk to see small print (1 thing is series dates on bills - I use WheresGeorge.com and enjoy it a lot ;) We live in the mountains so power goes off fairly often, and we also use them at nite in the side yard when the dogs go out (cuz we have bears/coyotes/elk/etc. Side yard is smaller than the 1/4 acre upper yard, where they really wouldn't do well, if that gives you an idea of power). Put 1 on the coffee table during a nite power outage and you can see your way to every wall (and it's a great room-style, and few windows all with awnings so no ambient light) And these are sturdy! Already dropped them on laminate floor several times and no problems. Nice slot at the top for a lanyard, too. Let me mention again how really comfy and easy the crank is to use, and tucks away perfectly. Gonna getting even more of these, cuz they're going to be seriously useful in a real emergency. The more powerful a light, the heavier it is. These things are, imo, a great amount of light for the size/weight. Fits perfect in hand (I don't care for head lamps, for several reasons), is plenty bright enough for normal stuff, and is light enough you don't wear yourself out just lighting your way. Oh, and the crank itself is fairly quiet, which is somt that might be needed. Ya never know.