these are great to have in your car or emergency stash. they keey the kids busy too.

I had something similar from Costco.. we rarely used it, and the other day the battery doesn't seem to hold a charge.

I have one that has a hand pump to charge it. It lights up for about 3 seconds before the light goes out.

I have one similar, and it last about 20 minutes.

Absolute crap. Had the same problem as #2 (from Costco); this is probably the same manufacturer. GARBAGE. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.

anyone can recommended a good one that's bright enough and last atleast 20mins? brand, model?

I got something like this free at a trade show. It has an cell phone car charger adapter so you can charge a cell phone.

Not sure if I'll ever use it but I threw it into my emergency kit along with the 4 year old food and water.

Got a similar Costco special and it's great. Winding for about a minute gives 5-10 mins of light. Nice not to have to always check whether the batteries need replacing or if they'll run out in the middle of something.

I cracked it open and inside is a small lithium coin battery. If you're handy, it should be a simple replacement.

I use it on my bike. Bright for maybe 5-10 min then the forward lights dim considerably. I have a short commute in an urban area so its enough to avoid a ticket for no light On a dark road where you actually need the light, you would be in deep trouble. In that case, spring for a real battery LED light.

These are typically junk. The reason? A really good generator that could produce a decent amount of electricity for a good charge in a minute are more expensive than this whole light. It's possible to make a crank light that would work well, but its components would make the price around $20 or more. That doesn't mean if you pay that for one you'll get one with good components, alas.

I have the forever flashlight from sears $12 a year ago. Crank for 3-5 minutes, or put it in the sunlight will give you about 20 minutes of light and/or radio. Hey #2-5, I thought 15-20 minutes of light was the point. Now I feel somewhat sullied...

Couldn't you hook the crank up to the bike rim so it would charge itself as you rolled through the 'hood?

These work good until you let the battery die out.. once that happens they don't hold a charge long.

people will think your fishing in the dark.

I've got this flashlight. It's not even worth $8 IMHO.

It's not supposed to be used for normal use (IMO). I would use these in an emergency kit. Much better than any battery powered lights.

I got 3 of these at walgreens for about $4 each. They seem good to very good and have beeen working for camping, home, auto for the year since I bought them.

I thought theese didn't use batteries. Isn't this just a coil that holds an em charge when you crank it?

Had a similar one. Was crap from day one. Dim light and would only light up for a minute or 2 after cranking.