Anybody had any experience with this batteryless flashlight? Just shake it and it burns. Two for $19.95 plus S&H. (One large and one small). Any chemists out there that can 'splain how this contraption works? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I can't find them now, of course, but reviews I've read indicate the lights aren't all that bright.

Here's a similar light that works the same way. A brief "how it works" explanation is included.

Interesting information, Groo. Thanks. I expect that they will be on the shelves of WalMart before long. Looks like the 60 minute light might be worth considering as a back up light or as a primary light around camp to save batteries.

They suck. My friend bought it making fun of me how I'm a fool for paying for batteries. He spend half a night "charging" his light just to get 5 min of weak light out of it. I think it ended up in the dumpster at next available camp site.

They are okay. I have one from Sharper Image. Its bright enough that you can look for another flashlight.

I got one from the Sharper image also. It is a good flashlight to leave laying around the house so if/when the power goes out you have just enough light to find your way around and never have to worry about batteries or bulbs. I wouldn't however consider it any kind of replacemet for a Surefire, Streamlite, or even a Photon.

I´ve got an Everlight. It can be charged in about half a minute and hold enough charge for a few days. The beam is bright enough for about 10 to 15 feet. The advantage is that I don´t have to worry about batteries to be empty or leak. The downsides are the short operation time (3-5 min) and the strong magnet. You better keep it away from your cards with magnetic strips. My compass deviats up to 6 degrees when the light comes in a two feet range of it. So unlike other flashlights you can´t use it to work with map and compass.

Max, you convinced me that I don't believe I want one of these wonder lights. Your mention of it affecting your compass reminded me of a prank we pulled on a hunting companion years ago. With the aid of a magnet we reversed the polarity on his compass while he slept. Thus, when the needle indicated North, it was actually pointing South. We waited a couple of days and he never mentioned it so we decided it best that we correct our misdeed. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

As an alternative, might I suggest these little gems:

http://www.pricesmart.com/warehouses/Rainy2005/885860.htm

I happened across a pair of these the last time I was home at Costco. When I realized what I was looking at (about 3/10's of a second later), I glommed a pair like Daffy Duck would a big ruby in the Cave of Wonder. I brought them to Baghdad with me. One of them is stuck to the wall with velcro right next to my pillow in my hooch, the other is with me all the rest of the time in my shoulder bag. I can tell you, they are a full 3 LEDs bright, they are easy to crank and operate, they are ruggedly built (right down to the waterproof housing), the flash mode works very well. All in all, I'd say they were one of my better survival investments. Oh yeah, and they look like a hand phaser off of Star Trek TNG. I don't think they'd hold up to being run over much, but you can certainly drop them or submerge them without much worry. I haven't thought to check magnetic problems. I am sure it will likely be something to account for when using a compass.

Why would anyone want to run over them in the first place? After all, they are not designed as wheel scotches! You are probably not old enough to remember Timex watch commercials where they survived on the front of submarines. Now why would anyone want to put a watch on the nose of a submarine???????????? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BTW, what did the pair cost?