Suggestions Please: Quality wind up torch?

Hello peoples.
I am trying to find a very high quality wind up/crank torch.
Something that is long lasting, high powered, preferably led, preferably waterproof, not going to loose its intensity quickly etc..

I am asking because I have not been able to find much and anything I do find looks dodgy. I am hoping someone here will be able to suggest something they have used themselves.

Thank you!

My current wind up tourch is called Shark, can't remember the company but if you search for "Shark wind up touch" you should find it on the net. I paid about £30 or so for it and I'm very happy with it. It's waterproof and can be used to charge mobile phones. Doesnt take to long to wind up maybe about a minute or so. Quite sturdy and one of the better lights I have seen on a wind up.

Mainly use a mini maglite but, keep the Shark with me in my car or out camping etc.

I've never come across one that is made properly out of metal parts and an armored case like you'd expect to see the military using. Everything I've seen has been made out of dollar store like plasticy junk. Hopefully someone here can point one out. If not I think I'll have to design one.

You may want to ask at Candlepower forums. If the folks there can't help you then probably no one can.

I've never had much luck with any crank light to be honest. I think it all depends on the battery used to store the energy. Most still use NiMh batteries which suck when compared to Lithium Ion varieties. I'm on my second battery for my Eton crank light/radio.

They have their place in any situation for short term light. However, For long term I rely on paraffin oil or kerosene lanterns when the lights go out. Don't put all of your faith in one light.

These are the best that I'm aware of
shopetoncorp.com...

Here is the inside of a light that uses a small 3.6v Li Ion battery. Might be worth checking out
www.stmental.net...

Here is the new version which has a solar charge option
www.llbean.com...

reply to post by jibeho


The reason most batteries for these devices fail quickly is because of nonexistent charge circuit design. The manufacturer never implements circuitry to properly manage the charge current going into the battery. Instead the charge current is pumped from the generator directly into the battery which is very hard on the cell chemistry. The upside is that the manufacturer gets to sell you a much cheaper flashlight and then gets to sell you another one soon after when the batteries fail prematurely.

reply to post by dainoyfb


Good information!! That's why I like ATS so much.