I was in Wallyworld tonight, and I saw a new flashlight from Rayovac. It a big squeeze light, single LED, I'd say it is equivelent of my fauxtons in throw, but the solar cell makes it 25% longer. For four bucks I had to snag one for testing.

The unprotected photocell rules out attachement to my key ring, but clipped to less abused spot on my bag and in my pockets it should be ok. The switch is non-locking, which is inconvenient but for something that weighs about an ounce and might last forever I'm willing to cut it some slack. My concern is water tightness.

Hmmm... I think I'll pick on it for a few days, then it gets a shower. If the combination of water and a nekkid Raven don't kill it...

just be sure to try the nekkid Raven and the shower separately. Else ways we may never know what killed it. LOL.

I've never been very impressed with Rayovac sturdiness. Let us know how it works out.

Sometimes cheap units can surprise you. You might have a keeper and real find there. Give a high sign and I might run out and buy a stack of them. Might be good for give-away emergency bags.

I still have a ~$4 (including batteries) 2-AA "Durabeam" flashlight made by Duracell that is still kicking after thirty years of use and abuse. So old it is even stamped 'Made in the USA'.

I got it as a semi-disposable unit for a camping trip figuring I could replace it after one trip but it just kept working. Even after being dunked the completely unsealed unit I would just open it up and pour the water out. Light, compact and reliable it just keeps doing what it was supposed to do. I modified it by adding a string loop and a 2'loop of nylon cord.

For years I wore this around my neck at night when camping. Incandescent it would eat batteries if used all the time but for camping, where all you need is a few seconds of light to find stuff in the backpack, a set of batteries lasted for many days.

http://www006.upp.so-net.ne.jp/yasuoinoue/durabeam1.jpg

I've since demoted this sturdy little unit to life sitting on a stack of electronics ready for when I want to mess with connections in dark corners.

If I could get those Durabeam units they would be my give-away bag flashlights. I'm not satisfied with the units I have tried so far so I'm in the market for cheap, light, reliable flashlights.

IR, I've got one of the $3 single led AAA rayovac lights they sell here (I paid almost 5 for mine before they lowered the price to 3). The one with the black rubber grippy thing in the middle. I've been using it as an EDC for maybe 3 or 4 months now. I can't remember exactly when I got it. Hooked it on my keychain right off. My only complaint so far has been the ring attached to the flashlight that linked it to a fairly sturdy clip pulled apart and I now have to carry it in my pocket. Other than that the only other thing is just a little of the paint being abraded off on certain points by riding in my pocket for the last couple months. Hardly noticeable at a glance. An easy fix for the ring is to replace it right away with a swiss army knife split ring. I am very abusive with things that ride on my keychain anyway. Point here is some of the rayovac products can be quite durable - and economical. Let us know how yours works out.

don't know if this fits here, but if you are looking to stock up on squeeze lights I found a website that has the little ones for cheap cheap

http://www.surpluscomputers.com/348325/house-brand-bright-white-led.html

25 pack for $3.99- the shipping is more than the lights. $9.00 to NE.

I have bought from this company before, as have some friends, with no issues.

- insert usual "I have no affiliation...."

Not having any knowledge on the current topic, I would just like to add that for a truely objective scientific experiment, you should have an impartial observer there for the testing. I would like to state that I can be a very very good observer and could - if necessary remain impartial. Just saying...

;0) let me know IR. I am all about putting myself out there in the name of science and for my fellow ETS peers.

My impartiality is this- did I kill it? *laughs*

Raven:

Remember the words of Jeff Foxworthy: '"Naked is when you're not wearing clothes. Nekkid is when you're not wearing clothes and you're up to something."

So no pictures, and keep your review very general in nature. It's a family website.

cliff
(like, who else...)