Charging USB Devices With AA Batteries

In this article, we will share with you some devices that use AA batteries to charge USB-powered small electronics. These devices provide a convenient way to stretch the time between wall outlet recharges.

Some are advertised to work with any type of AA battery, giving you lots of options if you are in a pinch as well as permitting you to use resource-saving rechargeables. Here are some we found:

• QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box
• Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight
• Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All
• Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB
• Voxred Turbo Charge

QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box

QuickerTek claims its Apple Juicz Little Black Box is the first charger of its kind that will accept any type of AA battery, including alkaline, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and carbon. As long as each of the four batteries installed is of the same type and brand, this unit’s internal circuitry will adjust voltage appropriately. QuickerTek advertises compatibility with most any USB-powered device, including iPod, iPhone, and iPad. The Apple Juicz Little Black Box measures 3.16” L x 2.46” W x 0.76” D and weighs 1.6 ounces without batteries. There is an on/off switch and a single female USB port. Batteries are not included, and the manufacturer recommends NiZn batteries for best performance.

The QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box sells for around $23 on Amazon.

Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight

Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight

The Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight draws a surprising number of reviews on Amazon; over 40 customers weigh in to give the black-colored model an average of 3½ out of 5 stars, and about 10 people give the white-colored version an average of 4 stars. This charger accepts two AA batteries; though the manufacturer does not specify which types are appropriate, customers seem to have success with both rechargeables and non-rechargeables. On the edge of this unit you’ll find an on/off/flashlight switch, on its face there is an LED charge indicator, and on the end is the female USB port and LED flashlight. Most reviewers like this charger, citing its high value, slim profile, and wide charging compatibility. But this charger also draws negative feedback for running hot and inefficiently. Neewer claims compatibility with just about all USB-powered devices, including iPhones. Batteries are not included.

Amazon sells the Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight in black or white, both for around $5.

Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All

Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All

The Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All accepts (and includes) four AA batteries. Eight Amazon reviewers give it an average rating of 4 stars. Customers like the flexibility of this device—it accepts alkaline and rechargeable batteries, includes a USB cable with adapters for different mobile phones, and it can be plugged into a wall outlet to recharge the batteries it holds. It has a four-light LED battery-life indicator and comes with a carrying case. The biggest complaint is about the included rechargeable batteries; customers find they aren’t nearly as good as most rechargeables on the market today. Though the manufacturer claims wide compatibility, some customers report the RX-4 Recharge-It-All will not charge their devices.

Purchase the Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All for about $18 on Amazon.

Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB

Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB

Energizer’s Energi To Go CEL2MUSB charger operates on two AA batteries. This charger includes two Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs, but customers say rechargeables also work. Customers also say the Energi To Go CEL2MUSB performs as advertised, working with a wide range of USB-powered devices and remaining reliable long after their purchase. There are some complaints about the battery door being difficult to work with and some reviewers found this charger was not compatible with their phones after they bought it, but overall the feedback is positive. The Energi To Go CEL2MUSB comes with adapter for mini- and micro-USB connections. The company states this charger is not compatible with iPhone or HTC Android.

You’ll find the Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB available for around $17 on Amazon.

Voxred Turbo Charge

Voxred Turbo Charge

The Voxred Turbo Charge comes in a variety of packages, all with different sets of charging cables. We recommend the TBB850 or TBM1050 packages; each comes with a mini-USB adapter and the TBB850 also includes a micro-USB adapter. You can order additional adapters through the manufacturer. The Turbo Charge accepts two AA batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable), and two AAs are included. It measures 3” L x 1.5” W x 0.75”D and weighs 2.5 ounces with batteries installed. There is a three-level LED battery-life indicator and an on/off/flashlight switch (the flashlight is two white LEDs on the end). CNET gave the Turbo Charge 4 out of 5 stars in 2007. Customers have been a little less enthusiastic; their chief complaint is that the batteries are depleted well before the advertised two to three full charges for portable electronic devices.

Both the Voxred Turbo Charge TBB850 and TBM1050 are for sale on Amazon for around $18.

Best LED Flashlights

What makes the “best” flashlight?  There are specialty lights available for a wide range of applications, but the perfect all-purpose flashlight combines compact size, durability, and above all, a bright beam of light.  All four of our favorites utilize LEDs (light emitting diodes) which are energy efficient for maximum battery life as well as extremely durable.

Here is our round-up of the best led flashlights of 2011:

EagleTac P100C2 LED Flashlight

EagleTac P100C2 LED Flashlight

The Eagletac P10 C2 is a perfect everyday light for everything from household use to outdoor adventure.  Measuring just 5″ long, the P100′s anodized aircraft-aluminum case is completely weatherproof and dunk-proof, and features a shock mounted lens and battery housing.  The EagleTac’s pair of CR123 batteries deliver 55 lumens of light from the Cree XP-E diode for up to 8 hours, or 220 lumens in “turbo” mode with a simple twist of the head.

I own the P100, and I’ve been extremely happy with its performance.  The EagleTac’s only shortcoming, according to Amazon reviewers, is its shortened batterly life when used with rechargeable cells.  Overall, reviewers praise the construction and brightness of the EagleTac light, awarding it 4.5 stars.

You can find the EagleTac P100C2 for $39.95 at Amazon. Update: this flashlight is sold out, however a similar flashlight by Fenix is available.

Pelican 2360 LED Flashlight

Pelican 2360 LED Flashlight

Lithium batteries deliver great performance, but some users like the convenience of good old fashioned AA’s, so we’ve included the Pelican 2360 in our list.  Its bright 95-lumen output is more than enough light for most applications, and a machined aluminum body provides dunk-proof water resistance and solid durability.  Runtime is limited to around 2 hours, but the AA format means that rechargeable batteries like Sanyo’s Eneloop are easily swappable.

Simply put, reviewers love the Pelican 2360, which earned a 4.7 out of 5 stars at Optics Planet and a perfect 5 out of 5 at Amazon.  Users praised its high performance and affordable price tag, as well as the LED’s superior life compared to similar xenon lights.

The Pelican 2360 LED flashlight is available at Amazon for $35.92.

SureFire 6PX Pro LED Flashlight

SureFire 6PX Pro LED Flashlight

Simply put, SureFire is a legend in the flashlight world.  And although their lights aren’t a bargain, they offer serious performance and high-end quality construction.  An anodized aluminum body and impact-resistant polycarbonate lens help the 6PX stand up to the bumps and bruises of heavy use, and gasket seals keep the weather out.  Clicking the tail switch cycles through low (15 lumen) and high (200 lumen) settings, and the pair of CR123 batteries keeps the SureFire blazing for up to 45 hours on its low beam.

Reviewers from REI give the SureFire 6PX Pro an excellent 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The only drawbacks cited are the lack of a lanyard ring and adjustable beam focus, but users love the light’s durability and low/high settings.

The SureFire 6PX Pro flashlight is available for $79 from REI.

Fenix TK35 LED Flashlight

Fenix TK35 LED Flashlight

The Fenix TK35 is the biggest light in our list, both in size and power.  It offers six brightness options, which is a good thing: on the highest mode, its Cree XM-L LED throws a whopping 820 lumens of light (serious overkill for anything but technical outdoor usage).  It has other handy features besides blazing brightness though, including two flash modes, a signal function, and a waterproof anodized casing that houses its four CR123A batteries.

GearJunkie.com, a popular outdoor equipment blog, listed the Fenix in its “Best in Show” awards from the 2011 Outdoor Retailers convention.  And Amazon.com flashlight reviews give the TK35 a perfect 5 star rating for its power and compact size compared to full size competitors like the “D-cell” Maglite.

The Fenix TK35 LED flashlight is available for $109.95 from Amazon.

Cree Q5 LED Flashlight On Bike

Important Update: After testing a second unit, I can no longer recommend this product as a bike light. The trouble is that the flashlight popped out of its container whenever I rode over a curb. The problem seems to be the weight of the flashlight. One positive note — the Cree flashlight itself proved to be quite durable — it still works after several high velocity falls on to concrete. It survived with a few nicks on its aluminum alloy casing.

I’ve been testing an inexpensive option for a bike light. It’s basically a Cree Q5 LED Flashlight with an included bike mount, which sells for $20. The flashlight itself is great — it shines at 240 lumen on the high setting (160 lumens on the lower setting, and there is also a flash mode). To compare, the best selling Beamer 3 by Planet Bike, produces just 45 lumens. The Cree’s 240 lumens are produced by a single LED, and it has a range of about 1/8 mile (660 feet). The flashlight uses three AAA batteries, and I found my rechargeable Eneloop AAAs to work quite well with it.

A Cree Q5 Flashlight With Bike Mount

The bike mount worked reasonable well in my tests — the flashlight stayed firm while I went over curbs and down grassy knolls. But certainly the flashlight clamp could be tighter and bit less flimsy. I also had to insert some rubber tubing to get the holder to fit my handlebars. Overall a its good deal, if you are willing to do some tightening of the holder on occasion.

The Cree Q5 LED Flashlight With Bike Mount is available from Amazon for $20.

A triumph of careful thought, detailing and thorough testing, the Neofab Legion II is a new single LED flashlight that is said to produce a whopping 742 lumens. If accurate, this light will be the brightest single-LED in the world.

Reading through the details that its creator used in describing his R&D process, it’s clear that this was his baby. Much time was spent perfecting the multi-level control ring over the previous Spartanian II to make it smoother and cleaner. Teflon bearings were employed to ensure maximum smoothness. Left or right handed models allow you to control both on/off switching and leveling with your dominant thumb. A user-replaceable spring was also added. The circuit board is a a four-layer PCB and it’s paired with a 27 mm driver and .0007 ohm Vishay/Dale resistors.

The five-level flashlight offers an output of 98 lumens on its lowest setting and works up to the full 742 on #5. Using 3 18650 cells, the flashlight also offers an impressive run time of just over two hours.

Full Specs:

- Powerful, Precise, Reliable Driver. (0.007 ohm resistors from Vishay/Dale. )
-Current Up to 3000mA.
-Longer Runtime Than Any Competitor In The Class.
-Best Current Regulation At Any Level, Without Audible Noise.
-Reverse Voltage Protection
-5 Exponential Levels.
-Thumb Control Without Strain On The Wrist.
-Revolutionary UI, The Easiest Way To Level Up/Down.
-Quick Access to Any 2 Default Levels.
-Built-in Battery Gauge.
-Over-discharge protection.
-Built-in Battery Holder.
-Ultimate Thermal Management.
-Custom Hi-End Parts.

-B270 Multi-layer AR Coated Lens With 99.5% Transparence
-ALCOA 7075-T651
-CNC Machining
-TYPE III Hard Anodizing

Output:
2.9A(full distance)

Runtime with 3*Ultrafire unprotected 18650 cells:
2hours and 4 minutes.

Here’s some efficiency data from lab testing:

The Alcoa and stainless steel first edition was released earlier this week in a very limited 30-piece batch. The $295 may seem high, but purchase also comes with a VIP discount (90% off of future Neofab purchase). The second generation Legion II, a more machined aluminum version, will be a bit cheaper at $179. First batch is already over half gone. Legion II flashlights at CPF Marketplace.

The Best Flashlights of 2010

Once again, we have scoured the internet to find the highest rated flashlights. The lights we feature here received the most praise from the forums and review sites we assessed. These sites included:Backpacking Light, Light Reviews, and the Candle Power Forums.

The most notable technical developments in the flashlight world were next-generation LEDs such as the Cree XR-E and the Seoul Zpower P4 LED. The best flashlights incorporate these bright, high-quality LEDs, and combine them with regulatory circuits to insure a consistent, long-lasting light.

Only interested in flashlights that use AA or AAA batteries? See the keyring-sized Fenix LD01 or the Streamlight. See also our guide to the best rechargeable batteries.

Here are our picks for 2010′s outstanding flashlights:

Fenix TK10 and TK11 LED Flashlights

Pros: Very bright, durable, quality components, waterproof, inexpensive.
Cons: Uses specialized batteries (not AA or AAA)
Price: $73

Once again, a Fenix light heads up our list of top rated flashlights. The Fenix TK10 impressed reviewers with its build quality and light quality. The TK10 uses of two Cree 7090 XR-E Premium Q5 LEDs, producing very bright beam of light (225 lumens in turbo mode). Most reviewers say that Fenix now rivals Surefire in terms of build quality, and because Fenix lights use Cree LEDs, their flashlights are brighter and more affordable than Surefire lights.

The Fenix Tk10 is part of the Tactical range of flashlights from Fenix Light. The Fenix TK10 is actually an enhanced version of Fenix T1 Tactical. The TK10 uses two CR123 batteries and operates on two  digitally regulated light level (you can get rechargeable CR123A batteries). You switch between light levels by turning the flashlight’s head: turbo mode is 225 lumens, and general mode is 60 lumens.

What is a RCR123? It’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery equivalent to the size of a CR123 battery with a 3.0V working voltage.

Fenix TK10 Flashlight

The body of the TK10 is built of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and it has a very solid construction. The flashlight is coated inside out with olive color type III hard coat anodizing that not only provides excellent surface look and feel finish but also protects body against bruises scratches.

Amazon reviewers gave it 4.5 stars (out of 5).

It’s available from Amazon for $73.

Fenix has just released the Fenix TK11, which is very similar tot he TK10, but it can be used with rechargeable 18650 batteries! Adrian Alan at the Fenix Store says:

With a rechargeable 18650, my TK11 ran strong at or near its full output (225 lumens) for what I’ guessing is a total run time of over 2 hours, and according to Fenix it will give out 12 hours of 60 lumen output for hours after that. The 225 lumens can be a little bright bouncing off the walls inside a building, but you can crank it down to 60 instantly by twisting the bezek.

One important difference between the TK10 and the more recent TK11 is the reflector: the TK10 uses a textured reflector, the TK11 a smooth one. The beam from a textured reflector is more even, with a more gradual transition between the hot spot (the center of the beam) and the spill (the periphery of the beam), whereas the smooth reflector provides a more concentrated beam, and therefore a better throw (range).

What’s a 18650? It’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 3.7V working voltage. Currently available in protected and unprotected versions. The number 18650 actually refers to the size of the battery which is 18mm wide and 65mm long.

You can find rechargeable 18650 batteries and the chargers at Amazon.

If you plan to use the TK11 with CR123 non-rechargeable cells, then buy the TK10 instead. The TK11 will accept CR123s but it is designed to accommodate the wider rechargeable 18650, meaning that the CR123s will rattle inside the battery tube. A single 18650 rechargeable cell in the TK11 will give you a better battery life than 2 CR123s or 2 rechargeable RCR123s in the TK10.

The Fenix TK11 is available from Amazon for $75.

Home Page: Fenix Light

Fenix LD01 LED Flashlight

Pros: Very bright, uses single AAA battery, rugged, waterproof, affordable.
Cons: Finish has some minor scratches.
Price: $41

Reviewers are virtually unanimous in recommending the Fenix LD01 as the best keychain-sized flashlight. The only flashlight that can challenge it in this category is the AAA Arc GS LED.

The Fenix LD01 flashlight runs on a single AAA-sized battery, yet it can produce 80 lumens of light on its highest setting. It uses a Cree Q5 LED as its light source, and the lens is made of toughened, anti-reflective glass (as with all Fenix lights). It has three output modes: 10 lumens, 27 lumens, and 80 lumens.

The Fenix LD01 is also “IPX-8 water proof” which means it is suitable for continuous submersion.

The  Fenix LD01 is available from Amazon for $41.

Home Page: Fenix Light

Nitecore Extreme Flashlight

Pros: Very bright, uses single CR123 battery, excellent runtime
Cons: Somewhat expensive.
Price: $92

The NiteCore Extreme is flashlight design for Law Enforcement and for self-defense. Reviewers say the output and runtime of the flashlight are top-notch (see this extensive review for details). TheNiteCore Extreme runs on a single CR123 battery, and they body is built of military-grade aluminum alloy. It has two light operating levels both of which are are configurable through light programming and are memorized.

The NiteCore Extreme uses Cree 7090 XR-E Premium Q5 binned WC tint LED. The reflector is built from solid aluminum with a Light Orange Peel reflector finish. It uses digitally regulated electronic drive circuit along with micro controller based programming unit. Brightness levels are controlled by turning the head.

The Nitecore Exteme flashlight is available from Amazon.

Home Page: Nitecore

Streamlight 4AA LED Flashlight

Pros: Inexpensive, extremely rugged, good beam shape.
Cons: Best for household or car use
Price: $24

Reviews say the Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA Flashlight is the best flashlight for general household use. There are lighter and brighter flashlights out there, they can’t beat the Streamlight’s price at $24. The flashlight uses 7 LEDs that produce a flood beam with a hotspot in the middle. Reviewers at Amazon give this flashlight 4 or 5 stars, and rave about its ability to fill a room with light.

Home Page: Streamlight 4AA Product Page

Surefire G2 Flashlight

The Surefire G2 was the flashlight that other high-end flashlights were compared to. Overall, it’s an excellent flashlight, but it suffers from lack of updating, and thus it lags behind in terms of brightness. But if you want a flashlight with history of dependability and durability, this is it.

The G2 is made by Surefire as a low cost alternative to their other personal lighting products. It has all the features of the standard 6P, but is made of a special plastic called “Nitrolon”, a very tough plastic compound exclusive to Surefire. The body tube has a waffle pattern molded into it for grip. Inside the body tube is a metal sleeve for conducting electricity and completing the circuit when in use. The bezel has ridges around its base, again for grip, and also to serve as an anti-roll device.

It’s available from Amazon for $65.

I’ve been testing the battery-powered Tri-L LED work light by Altus Lumen. I have to admit that this light has become one of my favorite gadgets. The design of the Tri-L shows great attention to detail. The metal housing is made out of 85% recycled magnesium which is lighter than aluminum, so the Tri-L feels solid yet light in your hand. When folded up, the light acts as a flashlight, and measures just 110 x 60 x 20mm, so it fits nicely in a pocket. When unfolded, the light becomes its own 360 degree tripod stand, and can be used as a serious work light or booklight.

Tri-L: A Portable, Battery-Powered LED Work Light

The Tri-L’s hinges are also impressive – they are made with fraction joins instead of screws. The light can be fixed precisely in any orientation you set.

The Tri-L has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged using the provided USB charger, or via mini-USB cable attached to a computer. The runtime is around 1.8 hours for the flashlight, and around 8 hours for worklight once the battery is fully charged. The runtime can be extended with an optional extended battery pack.

The LEDs are latest high-intensity models and they are very bright. The worklight lit up my entire garage, and the flashlight is certainly bright enough for my needs.

The Tri-L will also warn you when it’s about to run out of power. It flashes for 30 seconds when its about to  shut off — you have 30 seconds before the spotlight turns off, or 10 minutes before the flashlight runs out.

The manufacturer, Altus Lumen, state that 75% of the Tri-L is recyclable, and is built for easy disassembly. It is made with non-toxic components, and is LOHAS compliant. It is packaged in an eco-friendly carboard container.

The Tri-L sells for $99 and is available from Amazon.

Update: See our newer post The Best Flashlights Of 2009

What are the most efficient flashlights available today? We think LED-based flashlights are the only ones worthy of consideration. LEDs will shine longer than other bulbs, and can withstand shocks and temperature extremes. The best LED flashlights incorporate bright, high-quality LEDs with regulatory circuits that insure a consistent, long-lasting light.

Here are some of the top rated flashlights, based on the reviews at the comprehensive (but complicated) Flashlight Reviews site, and reviews by Amazon buyers.

If you want to run your flashlight on rechargeable batteries, check out our review of the Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2008.

Fenix L2D-CE Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $53-59
Website: Fenix Light
Summary: Waterproof, impact resistant, good battery life, bright, easy battery change, lightweight, stands up, multiple output modes.

Fenix makes great, versatile flashlights. The L2D-CE incorporates the Cree XR-E high output, high efficiency LED (about double the efficiency of earlier Luxeon LEDs) as a light source. It’s powered with easy-to-find AA  batteries including rechargeable cells, or high output L91 Lithium AA cells. These flashlights are small and lightweight and have a type III anodize hard coat finish. The circuitry adjusts to the use of either one or two AA cells which can be either alkaline, NiMH or lithium.

Fenix has now released the Fenix L2D-CE Q5 Premium (Cree Q5 Edition LED). This model is exactly like the L2D-CE with the same battery runtime, but it runs brighter in all modes.

Available from Amazon: L2D-CE Fenix and Fenix L2D-CE Q5 Premium (Cree Q5 Edition LED) ($53-59).

Surefire L4 Digital LumaMax Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $156
Website: Surefire
Summary: The L4 Lumamax boasts superb design and LED brightness. It has a bulb that should never fail, and is small enough to fit in your pocket.

This high-end flashlight is made by Surefire. It is one of the first production lights to utilize the new Luxeon V LED. This amazing LED is capable of output better than traditional high pressure xenon incandescent bulbs without the worry of the bulb blowing. Inside the head is a regulator circuit that will drive the 5W LED for 1 hour at full brightness with diminishing output thereafter. Output is much whiter than that of a standard incandescent bulb and the beam does not turn yellow as it dims like normal incandescent bulbs. The L4 Lumamax uses two 123a lithium batteries for power.

The Surefire L4 Digital LumaMax LED is available from Amazon.

Inova X5 LED Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $33
Website: Inova

Summary: Waterproof, impact resistant, good battery life, good brightness, easy battery change.

The Inova X5 LED Flashlight has been advertised as being an “LED floodlight for extreme conditions”. Based upon the durability and general overall quality of the light, I would have to agree. It is a great light that should last for many years even under harsh conditions.

Available from Amazon: Inova X5 LED Flashlight ($33)

ARC AAA Premium Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $40-50
Website: Arc

Summary: Regulator circuit, near-constant brightness, brighter than normal LED, extremely hard protective anodize, easy-to-grip bezel and body, watertight, uses inexpensive batteries, recessed (protected) LED, good beam, great manufacturer support

This keychain-sized flashlight is the ARC AAA Premium from ARC. These lights use the new brighter Nichia CS white 5mm LEDs. The head includes a patented Arc step-up inverter as well as a voltage regulator allowing the ARC to run on a single AAA battery at near full brightness for about 5 hours before switching to a low light level known as “moon mode”. The body includes a split ring attachment point at the end and a small split ring allowing the ARC to be attached to a keychain or lanyard. The head is sealed with an O-ring, creating a watertight seal. The electronics in the head are embedded in epoxy and are not susceptible to water damage. The inside of the head of the light includes a foam ring to minimize battery rattle when off. The light is turned on by twisting the head until the inside of the head contacts the battery.

Available from: Arc ($40-50)

Mag Instruments Mini Maglite

FlashLightReviews Rating: None
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 4/5 Stars
Price: $27

Mag Instruments have made great quality flashlights for decades, and I am happy to see they are now incorporating LEDs into their designs. The Mini Maglite seen here has a 3 Watt LED and runs on 2 AA batteries. The light output from this flashlight is clean, focusable, artifact free, has good color and is about 5 times brighter than the non-LED version. The light still supports “candle mode” too. The flashlight is about 1″ larger than the non-LED version. Light output is fairly consistent and strong for a over 3 hours.

The AA Mini LED Maglite available from Amazon.

Streamlight Propolymer 3C Luxeon Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $37
Website: Streamlight

The Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon series is proving to be a really fantastic set of lights. The Streamlight 3C Propolymer Luxeon Flashlight uses the luxeon star LED to produce a long range brilliance and smooth uniform light pattern.

The bezel/head area consists of a black plastic shroud, a polycarbonate lens with scratch resistant coating, and a lamp assembly with a deep, smooth reflector. The lamp assembly contains the reflector, the Luxeon I LED and a regulator circuit that does a very good job of driving the LED at constant brightness for several hours. The lamp assembly is made mostly of metal to absorb waste heat from the LED. The assembly also contains two catalyst pellets to remove waste hydrogen which may form inside the battery compartment.

The Streamlight Propolymer 3C Luxeon Division 1 light case is “O” ring sealed and water proof. Powered by three C alkaline batteries, not included, it runs up to four hours.

Available from Amazon: Streamlight 3C Propolymer Luxeon Flashlight ($37)

LED flashlights are now available in the ultraviolet frequency range. These flashlights have the same longevity and durability of other LED lamps. Some of the ultraviolet flashlights on the market are the Inova X5 Ultraviolet (made with anodized aluminum) and the hefty Streamlight Twin Task. You can see many other types listed on this page.

This is a nice children’s headlamp for about $18. We like it because it uses three bright, energy-efficient LEDs. So the batteries will last hundreds of hours. It has three settings: high, low and flash. Available at Amazon.

See also this similar headlamp from Amazon.

This hand-cranked flashlight provides 25-30 minutes of light, after one minute of charging. This is better than most hand-cranked flashlights, which need to be constantly wound or shook to keep them lit. The flashlight operates on an internal rechargeable lithium battery, which is recharged via the hand crank. It has a waterproof and shockproof shell. You can use either one or all three of the LEDs. The battery can be recharged 500 times (with proper use). The replacement batter is a standard CR2032 lithium coin cell.

Available from: Amazon ($16.00)