Top 6 crank flashlight reviews for emergency situations

Introduction

Having a crank flashlight for emergency situations should be on everyone’s radar. There’s no batteries to worry about just crank and light. With unexpected power outages, a common occurrence in many parts of the world it’s no wonder a hand cranked flashlight would be a valuable addition to all households. Due to their low price tag, having several around the house would be a great idea. Not to mention storing one in a bug out bag or survival kit. All the listed flashlights have a rating of 4 or higher so they are all quality products that have stood the test of time.

In this article we will take a look at 6 of the most popular crank flashlight and give our recommendations in the conclusion.  

Criteria used for ranking

We decided to base our decision on four main criteria. They are, quality, customer feedback, video reviews, price and features. You will find a detailed synopsis of each flashlight in the sections below. We have read hundreds of customer reviews, product specifications listed on the sales page and countless youtube videos which resulted in our final conclusions.

Let’s begin.

PrimalCamp Review

This flashlight can also be charged using a small panel which works quite well. Some reviews report the flashlight feels flimsy but does a good job at lighting a dark corridor. Only requires a few minutes of cranking to get enough light to get you out of trouble. Advertised as requiring 7 minutes of cranking for 1 hour of light. Overall a good unit that does what is required with no other features.

RunningSnail Review

This little unit is next level from the basic hand crank flashlights, the downside is it’s size. Overall a quality flashlight includes a reading light, AM/FM radio with NOAA weather alert radio. A good feature to have in emergency situations. There’s 3 methods of charging, the usual being crank and solar but also micro usb to charge from the power outlet. A feature that may come in handy is a 2000MaH power bank this will give you the ability to charge your phone and other small devices. Very favorable reviews all round and if your not too concerned with space a great purchase.

FosPower Review

As with the RunningSnail a it is jammed packed with features. The only difference it contains a 4000 maH power bank. It’s crank is sturdy and has a general good feel about it.

Thorfire Review

The Thorfire is a tiny bit bulkier compared to the other smaller crankshafts. Advertised as 1 minute of cranking for 1 hour of light This was verified by several written and video reviews and a real plus.

Meco Review

The Meco is another small sized crank operated flashlight and is a nice compact and well made flashlight. Advertised to only crank for a minute to get 8 minutes of light. Reviews confirm that with only a few turns they are able to have light for more than 5 minutes. As of today for around 16 bucks you get two, a great deal in my opinion.

Simpeak Review

Two for the price of one is what you get for around 16 bucks. First impression with this flashlight is it’s lightness and size. It is the smallest of all the crank flahslights which makes it great for bug out bags. It’s advertised as 10 minutes of light time for 1 minute of cranking. The reviews confirm with only 30 sec of winding you get around 5 minutes of use.

Crank Flashlight Specificaitons

Name	Weight (oz)	Size (inches)	Rating	Features
PrimalCamp	6.72	6.3*3.03*2.17	4+	waterproof 2 ways to charge, solar/crank 7 min cranking = 1hr of light Not waterproof
RunningSnail	10.88	6.2*2.4*2.9	4+	2000 mAH power bank AM/FM radio weather alert reading light USB 3 ways to charge Not waterproof
FosPower	13.44	6.23*2.48*3.19	4+	4000 mAH power bank audible SOS alarm weather broadcast AM/FM radion reading light USB 3 ways to charge water resistant
Thorfire	6.2	5.81*1.72*2.42	4+	2 ways to charge, solar/crank 2 light settings SOS flashing light setting waterproof 1 min cranking = 1hr of light
Meco	7.4	5.5*2.09*1.57	4+	2 ways to charge, solar/crank 1 min cranking = 8 min of light Not waterproof
Simpeak	3.3	5.51*2.87*1.65	4+	2 ways to charge, solar/crank 1 min cranking – 10 min of light Not waterproof

Conclusion:

After going through the listed features, reading countless reviews and watching enough review videos it was a tough choice. They are all great little devices which are standalone with no batteries required. All of them had solar and hand crank except for the RunningSnail and FosPower which had the third option of micro usb to charge them. Essentially there are two categories of flashlight here, the four which are the smallest and mainly used as flashlights. And the other two with the added features.

The two I would buy for myself are as follows.

The first being the Thorfire which seemed to be the more durable and the better light capacity. This would be great to be placed in a survival kit, bug out bag or glove box. I wouldn’t be too fussed if either of these products were given to me as a present mind you. The main reason for choosing the Thorfire was its’ more rugged look and the fact it was water proof.

The other I would definitely buy is the FosPower which included the 4000 maH power bank as opposed to the 2000 mAh for the RunningSnail. Both are really good products with very favorable reviews so it was difficult to split them so my final decision was based on the bigger power bank.