Hand Crank flashlights are very unique products on the market. This is because when it comes to shopping for most of the other products on the market; you tend to always look for the latest technologies. However, the technology behind the crank lights dates more than two centuries back. If you knew how to choose the best hand crank flashlight 100 years ago and is fortunate enough to have the strength of going around the markets, you will probably still be able to get the best hand crank flashlight today
Hand Crank flashlights mainly feature five parts namely: the magnet, the wire coil, the crank, the light bulb and the energy storage device. In addition to being used for lighting, hand crank flashlights often come with additional capabilities such as a clock, weather report, a radio and can be used as a power bank for charging your mobile phone. When shopping for a crank flashlight, there are a number of things you must consider. To begin with, let us review five of the best hand crank flashlight there are on the market.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Best Hand Crank Flashlights
a) Accessories
One of the main reasons as to why people buy the hand crank flashlights in any case is because of the accompanying accessories rather than the lighting feature. There are a number of additional accessories that always come with these devices with the radio and phone charging capabilities being the most prominent. Others are a clock, solar charging capabilities and weather reading devices among others. It is because of these different accessories that it becomes difficult to consider one hand crank flashlight as being an outright winner on the market. If I need one product with superior phone charging capabilities and someone else fancies radios, chances are that the product I consider to be the best hand crank flashlight may be different from what my buddy considers to be best.
b) Easy Charging
Ideally, hand crank flashlights are designed to get their energy mechanically through hand-cranking. However, there are times when you may need to boost its energy using other means. Most of the modern hand crank flashlights have been coming with electrical outlet charging capabilities. The addition of the most modern solar technology is what makes these products to stand out in the crowded lot. Be sure that as you will be relaxing during the day, you can save both the electrical bills and physical energy by just placing the flashlight out in the sun and it will charge.
c) Brightness
Different hand crank flashlights come with different brightness or rather light intensities. It is almost always the case that the bigger sized flashlights are always brighter. In addition to size, the brighter flashlights are always more expensive. If you really need something bright, ensure you are ready to spend some more dollars or tens of dollars. All in all, you would better cry once and buy once rather than not crying at all but end up buying a flashlight that will really frustrate you.
d) Length of Charge Storage
Different hand crank flashlights store charge for different durations of time. Some of the most powerful products will be able to store charge for up to about 2 hours or even slightly more after a 1 minute period of hand cranking. And when fully charged, we are talking of several hours that may go beyond 5 hours of continuous lighting. If you don’t want to keep on recharging your flashlight, ensure you go for those that have longer charge storage duration.
e) Purpose
As we found earlier, the different accessories that come with these products play a major role when it comes to decision making before you can buy the flashlights. You therefore need to ask yourself, other than just lighting, what would be my other purpose with the flashlight. There are hand crank flashlights that have categorically been designed for emergency kits. These are flashlights that have a sharp blade you can use to cut your seatbelt when there is need. They can also be used to smash the vehicles windows with easy. Do you think it is necessary for your vehicles emergency kit to have such an accessory?
If you are going deep into the wilderness and you aren’t conversant with the terrain, then you probably need a flashlight that is not only bright but also has a compass that can direct you to where you want to land and from where you came from. In addition, a flashlight with a red flasher can be used to send distress signals.
Top 5 Best Hand Crank Flashlights Reviewed
The iRonsnow IS-088 Dynamo Emergency Solar Hand Crank Self Powered Weather Radio
Editor Rating
If you are considering going for the best hand crank flashlight that comes with a radio, then this is the product to beat. This is because, in addition to the powerful lighting LED bulb designed with it, it also comes with a very powerful AM/FM radio. And to make it even more marketable and formidable, it is solar powered so you don’t have to worry even when you are in the wilderness where there is no electrical connectivity.
Benefits of the Product
- Solar Powered: We must acknowledge that there are places where electrical connectivity isn’t yet very reliable. In fact, the main reason why you may be considering going for a flashlight is because probably the area you want to use it for has no electricity. A solar chargeable flashlight is, therefore, handy under such circumstances
- Reliable: You will not lack energy as it comes with three charging ways namely: solar, electricity and hand cranking. It is nice to hear that just a minute of hand-cranking is enough to generate energy that can run the radio for five minutes or the torch for continuous 30 minutes. Now this is reliability
- Great Additional Accessories: Its radio hasn’t just been incorporated for the sake of it. It is a powerful radio you can depend upon. And it also comes with a USB port that can be used to charge your phone even when you are in the wild.
Drawbacks
- Due to the tiny 300mAh 3.6V internal battery it comes with, it can only add a few percentage to your phone’s charge
Though the product is very limited when it comes to phone charging, it’s other accessories such as the flashlight, the radio, the solar charging and the crank are excellent. Unless you really want a device that will be great when it comes to phone charging, this will be one of your best hand crank flashlights ever.
Cynergy Lifelight Waterproof Rechargeable Crank Flashlight
Editor Rating
When it comes to the best hand crank flashlight that is weatherproof and self-powered, then this Cynergy Lifelight takes the first spot. This product is also not as expensive as you can get it for just about $30. It is an emergency tool kit, which comes to use without the need of batteries or electricity. With hand-cranking, you will be able to power it on your own.
Benefits of the Product
- Commendable Accessories: The flashlight incorporates an inbuilt compass in its design as well as a red light flasher both of which can be of great help in the event that you are in a dire situation.
- Multipurpose Use: It can be a great addition to the emergency kit of your car as it cannot only be used as a flashlight but also to cuts seatbelts and break windows in the event of an emergency. Also comes with a cell phone charger.
- Performance: If you are looking for an emergency kit that can’t leave you in the dark no matter what, then you have no choice but to go for the Cynergy Lifelight All-in-One Emergency Crank Flashlight
- Weatherproof: It is versatile enough to be used in whatever environment including in the waters and during rainy periods, thanks to the fact that it’s waterproof.
Drawbacks
- It will not stick on the roof of your car in high winds
- An improvement that makes it possible to store the adapters within the flashlight is necessary
The Cynergy Lifelight Flashlight is the best survival kit that can be added in almost any emergency kit. It will come in handy when you are lost in the wild and are in need of help or can be used during emergency cases when you are in your vehicle. In one phrase, this is one of the best hand crank flashlights you can ever own.
Ivation Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight
Editor Rating
This is the best hand crank flashlight for the budget buyer. At just about $10, you get to own a Super Bright 3 LED hand crank flashlight that comes with 3 LED control mode options, is waterproof, produces very bright light and is rechargeable through Dynamo cracking.
Benefits of the Product
- Versatility: The flashlight has been designed with rainproof, dustproof and waterproof up to 45 feet features that make it possible for you to use it in almost any environment.
- Easy Use: You will never need to replace the batteries or go through the hassles of looking for and connecting cables for it to function. Hand-cranking is all that is needed.
- Price: It is almost impossible to find a hand crank flashlight that has the same great features like this one at just about $10. Most of those products it competes with are double its price or more
- Durable Charge Life: After just a minute of cranking, the flashlight will produce light for 60 continuous minutes when 3 LED’s are in use, 80 minutes with 1 LED and 110 minutes of flashing. It will provide 4-hour lighting upon full charge and 120 minutes of light if subjected to an hour of direct sunlight
Drawbacks
- For its size, a light that is a little brighter would have been great
This is a must have hand crank flashlight that is highly durable and gives the benefit of waterproof performance. It is also an emergency lighting accessory, which though dimmer than some of the higher end lights, produces enough lighting to help you out when you need it most.
RunningSnail Solar Crank Radio and Flashlight
Editor Rating
This is more than just a flashlight but also comes with a reading lamp. It is a must have for all those who are looking for an emergency kit. It broadcasts emergency weather alerts for the area you are in.
Benefits of the Product
- Great Lighting Performance: Coming with a table lamp and 1w LED flashlight, you can use it to a get bright light for the room after a blackout.
- Real Emergency Kit: Comes with an AM/FM weather alert radio that broadcasts weather emergency alerts such as tornadoes, severe storms and hurricanes for the area you are in.
- Long Charge Support: When fully charged, it can then keep charge for up to 12 hours of continuous lighting.
Drawbacks
- Tuning in the weaker channels isn’t easy.
Other than the fact that its radio isn’t that powerful, all in all, this is one of the best hand crank flashlight you can buy on the market. It is a jack of all trades.
LED Hand Crank Dynamo Energy Rechargeable Flashlight
Editor Rating
Capable of recharging not only cell phones but any smart device, this is a self charging flashlight that guarantees you light no matter the situation or circumstance. It comes with no batteries and features a uniquely slim design.
Benefits of the Product
- Elegance: It comes with a unique slim design which is very beautiful and a crank handle that is comfortable and easy to hold.
- Emergency Kit: Comes with a high quality FM/AM and flashing alarm that come handy during emergencies. And a 3 minute crank offers 10 minute radio, 15 minute lighting and 3 minute phone call.
- Powerful Lighting Performance: It comes with a powerful LED bulb that gives this flashlight a very bright lighting performance
Drawbacks
- When fully charged, it can provide light for only 3 hours
This is an affordable and reliable powerful hand crank flashlight that acts as a real emergency accessory for the home or when you are in the wilderness. It is one of the best hand crank flashlight you must have.
Conclusion
When shopping for the best hand crank flashlight, it is important that you first understand what the best flashlight you will need for your needs, go ahead to do your homework and choose the best on this flooded market. Once you are well versed with this industry, you will never go wrong with your choice.