Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight Radio Review

Worth the Money? My Take on the Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio

The Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio promises to be a versatile tool for emergency situations, camping, and general preparedness. Marketed by Rothco, a company known for its military and tactical gear, this device combines a hand-cranked and solar-powered flashlight with an AM/FM radio. It appeals to those seeking a reliable source of light and information when batteries are scarce.

I was initially drawn to this product because I’m always looking for gear that minimizes reliance on disposable batteries. Living in an area prone to power outages, a hand-cranked radio and flashlight combo seemed like a smart addition to my emergency kit. The promise of solar charging was the icing on the cake.

Upon unboxing, the Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio felt surprisingly lightweight, almost flimsy. The plastic construction didn’t immediately inspire confidence, but I reminded myself that weight can be a virtue in a bug-out bag. The yellow color, while practical for visibility, didn’t exactly scream “high-end tactical.”

I considered other similar products, like Eton’s hand-cranked emergency radios and various solar-powered flashlights from Goal Zero. I ultimately chose the Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio because it combined both functions at a lower price point. I hoped it would offer a decent balance of features and affordability.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The crank felt a little stiff, and the plastic seemed a bit thin, but the flashlight did produce a respectable beam. The radio picked up local stations with acceptable clarity, so my initial reservations were somewhat tempered by the functionality.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio during a weekend camping trip in the nearby national forest. I wanted to see how it performed in a real-world scenario, away from easy access to power outlets. The nights were cool and damp, providing a decent test of its weather resistance.

In these conditions, I found the hand-crank mechanism to be less convenient than I had hoped. Cranking for a full minute to get 25 minutes of flashlight use felt like a lot of effort for a relatively short period of light. The radio fared better, but the sound quality was noticeably degraded in areas with weaker signals.

Ease of use was generally good; there’s not much to figure out with a flashlight and radio. The tuning knob for the radio felt a little imprecise, but I was eventually able to dial in the desired stations. The flashlight switch was simple enough, but I did find it a bit small and difficult to operate with gloved hands.

The biggest surprise after the first use was how quickly the light output diminished after the initial charge from cranking. I expected a more gradual decrease in brightness, but it seemed to drop off sharply after about 15 minutes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, I can say that the Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio has held up reasonably well, considering its price point. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, although the plastic casing does show some minor scratches. The internal battery life seems to be decreasing.

Cleaning and maintenance are minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. I haven’t needed to perform any repairs, and I doubt I would be able to, given the sealed construction. The more I have used it, the less runtime I get from the hand crank.

Compared to my previous experiences with battery-powered flashlights and radios, the Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio offers a degree of independence, but it also requires more effort. It’s not a replacement for high-quality battery-powered devices, but it’s a decent backup option.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio

Specifications

• The Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio features five LEDs for illumination. These LEDs provide a focused beam of light suitable for close-range tasks.
• It includes an AM/FM radio, providing access to local broadcasts for news and weather updates. The radio is a simple analog tuner.
• The charging mechanism is a combination of a solar panel and a hand crank. The solar panel provides trickle charging in sunlight, while the hand crank allows for manual power generation.
• It utilizes a NiCd (Nickel-cadmium) battery with specifications of 2/3AA 300mAh 3.6V. The NiCd battery is known for its durability.
• The unit’s power is generated by a AC Dynamo 6.0V 600mA. This dynamo is at the core of the hand-crank charging system.
• The flashlight uses a plastic casing. The plastic keeps the unit lightweight.
• Its dimensions are compact, making it easy to store and carry. The dimensions maximize portability.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the flashlight’s performance and reliability. The hand-crank and solar-charging capabilities ensure that the device can be used even when batteries are unavailable, making it ideal for emergency situations. The simple radio provides a valuable source of information during power outages.

Performance & Functionality

The Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio performs its basic functions adequately. The flashlight provides enough light for walking around a campsite or navigating indoors during a power outage. The radio picks up local stations, although the sound quality is not exceptional.

Its strengths lie in its self-sufficiency and simplicity. The hand-crank and solar-charging eliminate the need for batteries, and the basic controls are easy to use. The main weakness is the limited light output and radio reception.

It meets expectations as a basic emergency tool, but it doesn’t exceed them. Don’t expect high-performance or top-notch features.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate for the price, but the plastic casing feels somewhat cheap. The light weight makes it easy to carry.

It is generally user-friendly, but the small buttons and stiff crank may be challenging for some users. There’s a minimal learning curve, so it’s quick to pick up and use.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic casing is likely to withstand some abuse, but it’s not indestructible. Expect a decent lifespan with moderate use.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. There are no user-replaceable parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio comes with no additional accessories. The internal battery is not user-replaceable, limiting customization options.

It’s a self-contained unit with minimal potential for modification. There are no common accessories that one could attach.

Pros and Cons of Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio

Who Should Buy Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio?

This Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio is perfect for:

• Homeowners seeking a basic emergency preparedness tool.
• Campers and hikers looking for a lightweight, self-powered backup light and radio.
• Budget-conscious individuals who want a reliable light and information source without spending a lot.

Who should skip this product?

• Professionals who need high-performance lighting or radio equipment.
• Those who demand exceptional durability and build quality.
• Users who dislike hand-cranking.

A must-have accessory would be a small carrying case to protect the plastic from getting scratched. The unit is already self-contained so there aren’t any modifications to make.

Conclusion on Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio

The Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio is a decent, budget-friendly option for basic emergency preparedness. It provides a self-sufficient source of light and information, but it’s not a high-performance device.

The price is justified for those seeking a simple, affordable, and battery-free backup tool. The runtime and the cranking can be a slight bother.

I would recommend it with the caveat that buyers should have realistic expectations. It’s a useful tool, but its limited light output and plastic construction mean that it won’t outperform more expensive, battery-powered alternatives. For those seeking affordability and self-sufficiency, the Rothco Solar/Wind Up Flashlight with Radio is a viable option. Keep one in your emergency kit, but don’t rely on it as your primary source of light and information.